Appalachian State University's Army ROTC battalion has set an unsurpassed standard of excellence since its creation in 1969.
Appalachian State University Mountaineer Battalion
Location: Boone, North Carolina
Composition: Appalachian State University is a host battalion with no extension or cross-enrolled schools. The U.S. Army is the only branch to offer ROTC at the university.
History: The Department of Military Science was established at Appalachian State University in 1969 during the height of the Vietnam conflict. LTC John G. Collins was the first Professor of Military Science. The ROTC Rifle Team and National Society of Pershing Rifles were also established at ASU in 1969. Scabbard and Blade established E Company, 17th Regiment at ASU on September 19, 1970. The ASU Commandos were activated in 1972 under LTC William T. Palmer, who became the second PMS in 1971 and has been inducted in the Ranger Hall of Fame.
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia
Description: On a disc 3 inches in diameter overall, an inner disc divided per fess dancette of three yellow at the top and black in base on the yellow two black bayonets in saltire, on the black a yellow lamp enflamed. Around the inner disc a black band edged with a 1/8" yellow border, the band inscribed "Appalachian State" at the top and "University" in base in yellow letters 5/16" in height.
Symbolism: Black and yellow are the colors of the University. The three mountain peaks allude to the geographic location of the University in the Blue Ridge Mountain area of North Carolina. The cross bayonets represent military training; the lamp enflamed is indicative of knowledge and wisdom.
Distinctive Unit Insignia
Description: On a white disc, a yellow shield edged in black, on which is a black base of three mountain peaks below a red flame. Flanking the flame issuing from dexter and sinister fess a black silhouette of a musket barrel with bayonet attached chevronwise. Around the shield a yellow band with black inner and outer borders, the band inscribed "Appalachian State: at the top and "University" in base in black letters, the two inscriptions separated on each side by a black star.
Symbolism: Black and yellow are the colors of the University. The three mountain peaks allude to the geographic location of the University in the Blue Ridge Mountain area of North Carolina. The rifle barrels with bayonets attached represent military training. The flame is indicative of knowledge and wisdom and the orign of the term "Fire on the Mountian"--the Battalions slogan.
Points of Pride
5 Ranger Challenge Championships
Average finish is in the top 3 since 2000
15 Drill National Championships
Most in the Nation
2023- 1st place overall in Drill and Ceremony, awarded the title of “Varsity Rifles”
2023- 2nd Place- Squad Regulation, Squad Exhibition, Platoon Regulation and academic standing
8 First Place Finish in the Mountain Man Memorial March Competition including in 2023
Historically, Now, and in the Future, one of the strongest programs in the State, Southeast and the Country.