EXCLUSIVE: Hegseth Announces New ‘Patriotic’ Officer Training Program In Partnership With Select Universities

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth unveiled a new military training program in partnership with several universities aimed at growing the number of “patriotic” officers.

The War Department is establishing America’s Corps of Cadets Monday, partnering with several universities to expand available officer training programs, according to a memo to Pentagon leadership obtained exclusively by the Daily Caller.

The program will include Louisiana State University (LSU), Liberty University, Tuskegee University, Mississippi State University (MSU), and Hillsdale College. Notably, LSU was founded as a military school in 1853, known as the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning & Military Academy.

Each member school will be designated a “Distinguished Military College,” requiring the institutions to maintain “exceptionally high standards of cadet discipline, tactical instruction, and military organization.” The schools would also earn the prestigious “Honor School” status, granting priority for officer commissioning. (RELATED: Hegseth Announces New Standards Targeting ‘Fat Generals’ And ��Beardos’ At Quantico Meeting)

“From the Ivy Leagues to most liberal arts colleges, our colleges and universities have become anti-American, DEI-worshipping, woke factories,” Hegseth said during his State of the Force address. “Qualities like grit and courage were replaced with political correctness and social justice. God and country traded for Che Guevara and critical theory.”

“We need students of western civilization and the pillars of our republic,” Hegseth added. “Leaders who understand the faith of Jerusalem, the philosophy of Athens, the power of Rome, and the freedom of Philadelphia, circa 1776. Officers of the republic, proud of our country, our heritage, and our history.”

Hegseth commended the existing military colleges like Texas A&M and the Citadel, noting the “patriotic and selfless service being taught” at these institutions. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Trump Admin Moves To Revoke Tax Exempt Status For Racially Discriminatory Schools)

“The status quo of our officer pipeline is good,” Hegseth said. “The future will be even better.”

“By embedding continuous military discipline and leadership development into new institutions, by growing our Corps of Cadets, the War Department will ensure our Republic is defended by even more officers of unwavering character, patriotism, and rigor.”