Military Science

Military Science. . , In 1862. congress passed the Morill Act which granted land to the states with the intention of institutionalizing the knowledge of agriculture, mechanical arts, and military science. Michigan State University, then known as Michigan Agricultural College. established the Department of Military Science in coordination with the Morill Act during the 1884- 1885 school year. Lieutenant John A. Lockwood was appointed the first professor of military science and tactics., In 1885, $5,000 was allocated to the construction of the Armory, which once stood near the current site of the Music Building and Walter Adams Field. Contracted by Fuller and Wheeler of Lansing, the Armory was designated as a gymnasium, lecture hall, ballroom, and most importantly a site for military drill activity such as infantry, cavalry, artillery, equitation, and band. Today's Demonstration Hall was built to replace the Armory, which was demolished in 1939. , (Continued on other side). , In 1888, Military Science became a requisite course for all male students, excluding seniors and those in extended enrollment. In 1916, a National Defense act created the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and a year later the Military Science Department was integrated into the nation-wide ROTC. In 1966, the first woman enrolled in an ROTC class. Today, under the guidance of the United States Army ROTC Cadet Command, the Michigan State University Army ROTC program has grown to an estimated 150 cadets and has developed a reputation to producing high quality lieutenants in our armed forces., Beginning in 1922, LTC Thomas L. Sherburne, a newly appointed professor of military science and training, advocated for the construction of a new armory. Two years later, the state legislature appropriated $225,000 to build the new armory and began construction in 1926. Today this building is recognized as Demonstration Hall. The building was originally designed to serve as a place for the exhibition of agricultural stock and implements, for college athletics, and for military department offices. However, it is now used primarily for MSU's the Spartan Marching Band, MSU's Army ROTC offices, and hosting intramural sports events.