The National Society of Pershing Rifles
The National Society of Pershing Rifles is the nation’s premier undergraduate military fraternal organization. Founded in 1891 by then-Lieutenant John J. Pershing, its original intent was simple: to serve as an example for the cadets at the
As the unit grew, their reputation followed: by the early 1900s, membership was considered a high military honor. Other schools soon applied for affiliation with the Pershing Rifles, and by the middle of the century the national organization comprised nearly 200 units stationed at ROTC detachments around the country. In spite of their phenomenal growth, the Pershing Rifles were careful to stay true to their basic purpose: to develop the traits of leadership and discipline among their members.
The Society Today
Membership in the Pershing Rifles was at its all-time high in the 1960s and 1970s, with over 10,000 active members spread across the country. The next twenty years, however, saw a remarkable drop: by the early 1990s, only twenty units were active, with little more than 200 Pershing Riflemen. This loss can be attributed to such factors as removal of rules mandating military service, public perception of the military during the Vietnam era and increased competition with other fraternal organizations and extracurricular opportunities for students. The Pershing Rifles was no longer the organization it used to be.
Today, the Pershing Rifles is growing once again. Fifty active units are spread across the nation, and over 800 college students share the pride of membership in the organization. Five units are currently moving through the process to obtain membership in the Society. As in the past, it is the ideals espoused by the organization that have brought its members through one of the Society’s lowest points: devotion to duty and country; a bold and true heart; readiness to meet any situation; leadership; military proficiency; and scholarship.
Goals and Activities
The primary goal of the Pershing Rifles remains the creation of our nation’s best leaders. To accomplish this goal, the Society maintains a structure of local units, various regional headquarters, and a central national headquarters. All are staffed by active Pershing Riflemen (college students). Leadership opportunities abound, from unit NCOIC to Drill Team Commander to participation in a higher level of command. Our structure provides more opportunities for leadership experiences than fellow classmates. Those serving on the regional or national staff gain experience as field-grade or general officers. These opportunities well compliment the education and training received in the standard ROTC curriculum.
Interest in the Pershing Rifles, and the success of its leadership development program, would not be possible without the organization’s external focus: exhibition rifle drill. Excellence in close-order drill, whether armed or unarmed, is a function of discipline and dedication; these traits are put to work on a regular basis by Pershing Rifles units. A typical unit performs as a color guard, exhibition drill team, honor guard, funeral detail, or any other ceremonial unit requested. These services are usually at the request of the local ROTC detachment or school, but are sometimes requested by alumni, local governments, or active duty military units. These activities, in addition to the skills gained by the performers, provides positive publicity to the unit’s host school, host ROTC detachment, and the military service in general.