Northwestern State University’s Department of Military Science hosted an activation ceremony in which senior cadets assumed leadership in the 63rd Demon Battalion at the start of the academic year.

During the ceremony, LTC William Macky Underwood and Cadet Battalion Commander Terrell Murdock of New Orleans uncased the unit’s colors, which signify the unit’s esprit de corps, courage and tradition.

 “As he uncases the colors, Cadet Murdock undertakes all of the duties and responsibilities that the colors represent,” said Maj. Mark Bolton, operations officer for the ROTC Battalion.  

The ceremony demonstrated that Murdock entrusts the colors to Cadet Command Sergeant Major Bradley Hubbs of Wahiawa, Hi., empowering the noncommissioned officer (NCO) leadership with his authority to enforce the standards of the Battalion.

 “Every commander’s attention is directed to two things, the care of his soldiers and the accomplishment of his mission; however, no commander can accomplish his mission or care for his soldiers without an organized working staff behind him,” Bolton said.

The chain of command is Executive Officer Cadet Major Fulton Johnson of Persburg, Va., Company Sergeant Major Cadet Hubbs, Cadet Captain Chelsey Berlin of Lake Charles, Cadet Captain Brett Guse of Dry Prong, Cadet Major Jajuan Broussard of Shreveport, Cadet Captain Hannah Marze of Pineville, Cadet Captain Brittany Jeanice of Jannheim, Germany; LSU-S Company Commander Cadet Captain William Tenney of Shreveport and Black Knights Commander Cadet Captain Martina Moore of Opelousas.

“The 63rd Demon Battalion training and curriculum throughout the year will try the cadets scholastic, athletic and leadership abilities and prepare each cadet for their future career path,” Bolton said. “Failure is not an option.  But success can be guaranteed with a strong work ethic, a willingness to improve a team-building attitude and a strong sense of morals and values.”

Several cadets were recognized for achievements over the summer. Cadets Murdock, Hubbs, Johnson, Broussard, Moore, Berlin, Guse and Marze were recognized for completing the Leadership Development Assessment Course (LDAC) at Fort Lewis, Wash. Cadet Ebony Vaughn of Texarkana, Texas, completed the Leadership Training Course (LTC) at Fort Knox, Ky.  Cadet Johnathon Cojocar of Natchitoches completed Air Assault School.  Tenney completed Airborne school.  Cadets Alexander Capon of Bossier City, Adam Noles and Alex Noles of Alexandria earned ROTC scholarships.