ROTC - Department of Military Science College of Liberal Arts
Battalion History
Army ROTC began operation at this University on March 31, 1980 as an extension center of Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M-Kingsville). However, enrollment grew at such an unprecedented rate that the University became a host ROTC institution on October 1, 1981. A host ROTC institution at this university allows access to an Army officer program to students of the Lower Rio Grande Valley from Brownsville to Rio Grande City. Active Duty as well as Retired Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers serve as Cadre for this organization and are responsible for its operation.
A Senior Army Officer entitled the Professor of Military Science (PMS) heads the Department of Military Science. The department is a subordinate element of the College of Liberal Arts.
In the year 2015 The University of Texas-Pan American and The University of Texas at Brownsville became one institution under the name of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). The university is known as “Los Vaqueros” or The Cowboys in Spanish. We renamed our program the ROTC battalion as well as redesigned the unit crest and patch.
Symbolism of the ROTC Crest
The shoulder-loop insignia contains four main symbols: A star representing the leadership of the individual and the state of Texas. It is green to represent flora and growth of our geographic region, the Rio Grande Valley. A sinusoid curve represents the Rio Grande River, the natural border between the United States and Mexico. The three arches represent the architectural and cultural influence of South Texas and symbolizes strength, support, and choices made in one’s life. The fourth symbol is the “V” which links all elements and also pays homage to the Vaqueros, the UTRGV Athletic nickname.
