Ohio University’s Bobcat Battalion has earned the prestigious 2017-18 MacArthur Award, one of just eight units nationwide to be recognized.
In its 29th year of existence, The MacArthur Award recognizes eight schools as the best of the Army’s 275 ROTC programs, nationwide. Presented by U.S. Army Cadet Command and the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Foundation, the award recognizes the ideals of "duty, honor and country" as advocated by MacArthur.
“This is a significant achievement for the Bobcat Battalion and I congratulate its members on this fine accomplishment,” Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis said. “These future military leaders and their families make sacrifices every day in the name of serving their country and we are proud to provide them with a collaborative, supportive educational environment as they continue to grow.”
The award is based on a combination of the achievement of the school's commissioning mission, its cadets' performance and standing on the command's National Order of Merit List, and its cadet retention rate. This award will be presented to The Bobcat Battalion at 3 p.m. March 21 at Ping Student Center.
“Receiving the MacArthur awards is truly an honor and represents years of hard work and dedication put forth by all the cadets, faculty, and staff in the Ohio University Army ROTC Department,” said Lt. Col. Brook Lee, professor of military science with OHIO’s Army ROTC program. “It is a team effort by all that starts with dedicated young men and women who are educated and mentored by world-class military officers and non-commissioned officers.”
The MacArthur Award comes on the heels of OHIO being named to the 2018 Military Friendly Schools list by Victory Media earlier this year, for the seventh-consecutive year.
7th ROTC Brigade Commander, Col. Lance Oskey, and President Nellis will be in attendance for the MacArthur Award presentation.
If you wish to attend this event or would like more information, please contact Cadet Brooke Trader at bt342614@ohio.edu.