Our Military Heritage

ROTC/War School

The ROTC program at LSU carries on perhaps the University’s oldest tradition—the military heritage that has been part of the institution since its beginning under General Sherman and has given LSU the nickname “Ole War Skule.” For a number of years, the campus was a former military post, and three LSU presidents were generals. ROTC was mandatory for all entering freshmen until 1969.

It Wasn’t Easy Being a Cadet
Cadet Regulations-LSU Alumni News, 1945

Although the personal belongings of each cadet may vary, the following arrangement of locker space will be adhered to as closely as practicable:

For lockers in the North, East, or West Stadium: Books (if not kept on desk) arranged neatly in the center on back of shelf. Toilet articles in front of books. Night clothes, underwear, shirts, socks, and handkerchiefs (if not kept in trunk) arranged neatly on the right of toilet articles as one faces the locker. Hats and caps piled neatly and placed on the shelf to the left of the books as one faces the locker.

Coats, trousers, jackets, overcoats, etc. on coat or pants hanger in that order from right to left, uniform clothing on the right as one faces the locker. No clothing of any kind will be placed on the floor of the locker. The front of each coat, overcoat, jacket, etc. should be toward the left of the locker as one faces it.

Six foot, five inch, 250-pound General Jarman was known as “Shorty” Jarman when he was at the University. When he was commandant of cadets, 1916-17, he issued an order to the cadets concerning their trip to New Orleans to the Tulane-LSU football game in 1916:

  1. Cadets will not get off of street car while in motion.
  2. Cadets will not stick their fingers into cigar cutters, nor walk into open manholes, or coal chutes.
  3. Cadets, if struck by a taxicab, will repair to the sidewalk, and there assume a military position, salute and call the corporal of the guard.
  4. Cadets will not speak to strange policemen; if in need of information ask the lady in charge of the Travelers’ Aid bureau.
  5. Cadets will not let their uniform be seen in a saloon; hang it up outside.
  6. Cadets will not exchange rowdy remarks with those rough Tulane boys.

Know Your Cadet Regulations
-Study hour is not only a military regulation which must be conscientiously met, but it is a time when each man has the opportunity to think of his friends about him who are studying. Be certain that you do not disturb anyone. Absolute quiet begins at 7:30 p.m., and visits are ended.

-Your 7:30 inspections in the morning should always be passed by leaving a clean and neat room. Get in the habit of hanging up your clothes, and get up early enough to sweep thoroughly.

-When in uniform you are no longer John Doe, but you are a living tribute to the United States of America—any slight in the wearing of your uniform is a blight on your reputation, on your Alma Mater, and an insult to your country. Be proud, therefore, and wear it correctly.