Military 1

HE Department of Military Science of the University of Nebraska is maintained through U. S. government appropriations from public land funds. The study of Military Science is required of all Freshman and Sophomore male students. Sergeants are appointed from among interested men, who propose to drill longer than the required two years. Progress has been made in the method of appointing Cadet Commissioned Officers upon a merit basis, until an election as an officer is now considered as one of the University Honors. All officers are men who have spent at least three years in preparation for this service. They serve the University in place of paid assistants. Each captain acts as instructor for a class of from forty to fifty men, teaching theory and military tactics for four hours each week, also correcting examination papers, without remuneration from the University. Each cadet officer is a department instructor, working under the direction of Lieutenant Sam. M. Parker, Thirtieth U. S. Infantry, Commandant of Cadets.

  

      "Compet" is the goal toward which every company works. It is the high point in the life of the military department. For weeks before this eventful day, no company fails to give its yell most heartily five or six times each night at the close of the drill hour. It is on this gala day that each company captain receives from his company the gift of a handsome sabre. Individual and squad competitive drill is also a part of the program for the day. Promotions for the new year are usually read to this regiment following announcement of scoring in the competitive drill.

      On the evening of the day of "Compet", after all of the suspense is over, it is a time honored custom for all cadets, officer as well as private, to meet at the campus early in the evening, to participate in the rollicking "Nightie" parade. Anything from a pair of pajamas to an old white dress shirt may be worn. The parade is an orderly affair, under the leadership of the captain of the winning company. Lincoln people throng the main streets to watch the merry cadets "blowin' off steam". A monster bonfire closes the festivities of the day.

      The social affair of the life of an officer is "The Military Ball". It is the leading social event of the 'Varsity social calendar. Officers wear the military uniform and sabres, others being in conventional formal attire. Dances are dedicated to the various company sponsors. The 1914 military ball was managed by Lieutenant-Colonel A. E. Allyn, with Captain R. O. Southwick as master of ceremonies.

      The military camp is truly a "tradition" to the older men. Two years ago the camp was abolished as a part of the required military course. As it was one of the real pleasures of college life, there is a great deal of talk about petitioning the authorities to re-establish the cadet camp, thus giving the cadets an outing of a week at the close of the year, in which period they could get a little touch of "service". At camp part of the day is given over to drill and military problems, while the other half day is used for recreation, track meets, ball games, etc. Camp is truly "real sport".

      One of the time-honored customs of the cadet life is the company "smoker". Either one or two are given each year. The officers and first sergeant usually share expense in treating the men. These get-together meetings are made "pep" meetings preparatory to "Comet", speeches and yells being the order of the evening.

     One of the oldest military societies of the University are the Pershing Rifles, the "crack" drill company which bears the name of General John J. Pershing, U. S. A., formerly commandant of cadets at the University. Each year this company holds a duel "com-

  

pet" with the "Workizer Rifles", a similar company at the School of Agriculture. Drill evenings are held weekly. The officers of the Pershings this year are: Captain, J. E. Allison; First Lieutenant, W. C. Fleming; Second Lieutenant, P. M. Wickstrum, and First Sergeant, G. K. Petring.

      The University Rifle Team is organized under the direction of the inspector of rifle practice. During the winter rifle matches are held weekly with other colleges having military work. This competitive rifle work is held under the direction of the National Rifle Association. Results of local "shoots" are sent by mail, scores being posted at each college.

      Every active commissioned officer is a member of the Officers' Club. This organization holds discussion meetings, "smokers" and other conclaves of various nature each year. The annual "military ball" is given under the auspices of the Officers' Club. The officers of the club are: President, Col. W. K. Fowler, Jr.; Secretary, Capt. H. W. Graham, and Treasurer, Capt. H. G. Hewitt.

     The Cadet Officers' Association is the military organization which means to the scientific life of the University just what the "N" Men's Association does to athletics. It is an honorary society composed of both active and alumni officers. It is in its second year of existence as a society. Over one hundred men are now wearing the heavy military honor ring of this society. The association holds two banquets each year, one for the new cadet officers and a reunion banquet in the spring. Plans are under way for an alumni celebration on the day of the 1915 "Compet". The officers of the association are: President, Dean C. V. P. Stout; Vice-President, L. E. Hurtz; Secretary-Treasurer, Major Arch H. Dinsmore.