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Our Vision
To seek a Scholar, Athlete, Leader. To develop a Warrior Leader, a "Talented / Critical Thinker".
ROTC ...
- Is America’s pre-eminent leadership program
- Is academically challenging and sought out by students
- Is staffed by master’s-level leader development professionals
- Meets the requirements and expectations of the Army
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is located in the state’s sixth most populated metropolitan statistical area, McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, Harlingen, Brownsville and serving one of the fastest growing areas of the state, the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas.
UTRGV is a low-cost public university averaging $19,300 for tuition, fees, room and board, books, transportation, and miscellaneous charges for a year. Current student enrollment numbers average 24,937 for undergraduates, 3,404 for graduate, and 243 doctoral totaling 28,584 UTRGV is primarily a commuter school with most students living within the Rio Grande Valley. UTRGV will become the second largest Hispanic serving institution in the Nation. There is also a School of Medicine that will increase the number of students in the area and our opportunities to capitalize on more STEM and professional degrees.
Vaqueros Program Mission
UTRGV ROTC program partners with the university to recruit, educate, retain, develop and inspire SROTC cadets in order to commission officers of character for the Total Army who are adaptive, agile and critical thinkers; partner with high schools to conduct JROTC to motivate young adults to become better citizens and leaders in the community.
5th USACC Brigade
Commissions officers who are agile, adaptive, critical thinkers ready to lead in a complex environment; develops adaptable cadre capable of providing master level leader development and inspirational instruction; and inspires young students in the JROTC citizenship program to become the future leaders of America.
U.S. Army Cadet Command
USACC partners with universities to recruit, educate, develop, and inspire SROTC Cadets in order to commission officers of character for the Total Army; and partners with high schools to conduct JROTC in order to develop citizens of character for a lifetime of commitment and service to our Nation.
The university mascot is the “Vaquero” or the “Cowboy” in Spanish. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Army ROTC program began in 1981 as the Pan American University Bronc Battalion. The program commissioned its first lieutenants in 1982. In 1988, the University’s name changed to the University of Texas-Pan American and retained its Bronc mascot.
In 1992, the University of Texas at Brownsville became an extension campus of the UTPA ROTC program. In 2006, the program was recognized as the General Douglas MacArthur Award winner for the Best Battalion in Cadet Command in the Small School Category.
In 2015, the University of Texas-Pan American was renamed the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and in 2016 the former campus of the University of Texas at Brownsville became part of UTRGV. The Battalion’s designation was changed to the Vaqueros Battalion and consists of Bronc Company (A) in Edinburg and Scorpion Company (B) in Brownsville.
Symbolism of the ROTC Crest
The shoulder loop insignia contains three main symbols: the chevron, the star, and the school’s colors. The chevron reversed alludes to the letter ‘V’, signifying Vaqueros, the school mascot, as well as the Rio Grande Valley. The solitary star is in tribute to Texas, the Lone Star State, and orange, blue, and green are the school’s colors.
Message from the PMS
Dear Future Cadets, Alumni, Family and Friends,
It is my pleasure to introduce myself as the Professor of Military Science (ROTC) at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. My name is Lieutenant Colonel Howard E. Falls Jr., and I am a proud 20-year Army veteran with a diverse background in leadership, education, and strategic operations. Throughout my military career, I have served our nation in command and staff positions, including two deployments to Afghanistan, three operational deployments to the Republic of Korea, and assignments across the continental United States. My experiences have included battery command, service as Secretary of the General Staff for a Field Army, and work as a military advisor at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. Before joining UTRGV, I served as an instructor at Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base. Most recently, I was Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General of Allied Land Command in İzmir, Türkiye, supporting NATO land-component operations and initiatives. I am a graduate of Prairie View A&M University, Webster University, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. My passion is developing future leaders and helping students cultivate the character, discipline, and leadership skills needed to succeed in military and civilian careers. Beyond my professional life, I am blessed to share this journey with my wife, Carmen Terrell Falls, a native of DeSoto, Texas. Together, we are the proud parents of four sons: Kennedy, Karter, Howard “HB,” and Hudsyn. We remain committed to building a culture where leaders are forged through challenge, service, and mentorship. Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and adaptability. From classroom discussions to field exercises, every experience helps cadets grow into principled leaders of character. We are especially grateful for the continued support of alumni, partners, and friends. Your engagement—through mentorship, scholarship support, speaking with cadets, or attending events—strengthens the ROTC program and reinforces the legacy of service that defines us. I look forward to collaborating with you, faculty, and staff across the university and contributing to the continued success of our students and institution. Please reach out and stay connected. I am excited to be part of the UTRGV community.
Respectfully, Lieutenant Colonel Howard E. Falls Jr. Professor of Military Science (ROTC) The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley