James Madison Army ROTC

06/01/2026

On 23 May 2026, we recognized a significant milestone for 30 exceptional leaders who were commissioned as United States Army Officers at James Madison University. This achievement reflects years of disciplined effort, dedication, and commitment to service, and we are immensely proud of all they have accomplished. We were honored to have welcomed BG (Ret) Randal Dragon as the guest speaker for the ceremony. We were also privileged to recognize Dr. Bob Kolvord, the JMU Provost, during the ceremony for his support to the Duke Battalion over the years. Congratulations to our newly commissioned officers as they begin their service as Army leaders. Knowledge is Liberty! Go Dukes!

05/27/2026

On 23 May 2026, we recognized a significant milestone for 30 exceptional leaders who were commissioned as United States Army Officers at James Madison University. This achievement reflects years of disciplined effort, dedication, and commitment to service, and we are immensely proud of all they have accomplished. We were honored to have welcomed BG (Ret) Randal Dragon as the guest speaker for the ceremony. We were also privileged to recognize Dr. Bob Kolvord, the JMU Provost, during the ceremony for his support to the Duke Battalion over the years. Congratulations to our newly commissioned officers as they begin their service as Army leaders. Knowledge is Liberty! Go Dukes! Watch the JMU Duke Battalion Commissioning Ceremony here. Photos to come. Congratulations! Go Dukes!

JMU Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony, 23 May 2026

05/20/2026

On Saturday, May 16th, 2026, James Madison University celebrated the accomplishments of students who completed their respective programs of study within the College of Education (COE). Among those students in the COE, were cadets from the JMU Army ROTC Duke Battalion, who will commission on 23 May as 2nd Lieutenants in the United States Army Officer Corps. This is the first time in program history that cadets have been recognized during a JMU commencement ceremony. We'd like to thank JMU President Dr. James Schmidt, JMU Provost Dr. Bob Kolvord, and the Dean of the COE, Dr. Mark L'Esperance for their tremendous support of the Duke Battalion. The Professor of Military Science, LTC Andrew Bryant presided over the administration of the oath of enlistment during the ceremony. Congratulations to all of these future Army officers, and their dedication and commitment to service! Knowledge is Liberty! GO DUKES! You can watch the ceremony here (which starts at 59:46 mark). https://www.youtube.com/live/vm2p3pSSz6Q

05/04/2026

Dining Out is a long-standing Army tradition that brings cadets and cadre together to build camaraderie, reflect on the year, and celebrate shared experiences.
This year, our battalion came together to recognize a year full of hard work, training, and growth. We were honored to have alumni, retired Colonel Shiek, as our guest speaker, sharing insight and perspective with the next generation of leaders. From the traditions of the grog to time spent together as a team, it was a great way to close out the year.

05/04/2026

From 17 to 19 APR, we conducted Super lab which is our cadet's last major training event before camp. During this event cadets tackled day land nav, STX lanes, and finished with a 12-mile ruck in the rain, pushing through every step.
On 17 APR, we were joined by JROTC cadets from Massanutten and Fishburne Military Academy for day land nav, while MS3s conducted BRM concurrently.

For our MS3s, this was their final opportunity to step into leadership roles, test themselves, and refine the skills they’ll carry forward to CST this summer.

04/07/2026

From the 26-29th of March, the Duke Battalion conducted its annual Joint Field Training Exercise (JFTX), bringing together cadets from James Madison University, Liberty University, the University of Richmond, and the University of Virginia. Over four days, cadets executed both day and night land navigation, weapons zeroing and qualification, and completed six situational training exercise (STX) lanes. This training provided cadets with the opportunity to develop and refine their leadership abilities while building the critical skills required for success at Cadet Summer Training.

04/03/2026

Our cadets have some great examples of leadership through many alumni who have walked the quad as students and cadets over the years. Thank you LTG McFarlane for your service and support to the Duke Battalion. Go Dukes!

Leadership shows up long after the uniform comes off.
In the latest Being the Change podcast, a 3‑star Army general and a JMU ROTC battalion leader reflect on leadership in uniform, and how those same values bridge service, mentorship and impact far beyond it.
Their conversation highlights what it means to reach back, invest time and talent and act as a pillar for those coming next. That’s Dukes holding doors, wherever they serve.
🎧 Listen now: https://brnw.ch/21x1irF

03/15/2026

We stand with the Monarch Battalion!
GO MONARCHS!
GO DUKES!

03/06/2026

Go Dukes!

Congratulations to Matthew W. McFarlane ’92 for winning the Ronald E. Carrier Alumni Achievement Award! We’re grateful for everything you do to support our campus community 💜

02/27/2026

Over the last two weeks, each Duke Battalion company stepped off before the sun for their first 6-mile ruck of the semester, proving they are physically ready to meet the standard for Advanced Camp.

With many cadets beating the 15-minute pace for RECONDO, the Duke Battalion is showing they are more than ready for camp.

Great job, Cadets!