College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences > Academics > Military Science > About > Symbolism of the ROTC Patch

Symbolism of the ROTC Patch

The 
shield symbolizes the Army mission of national defense and is divided into quarters representing the four traditional military science courses comprising the Senior ROTC curriculum.

The sword signifies courage, gallantry and self-sacrifice intrinsic to the profession of arms.

The lamp denotes the pursuit of knowledge, higher learning, and the partnership of Army ROTC with American colleges and universities.

The helmet is symbolic of the ancient civilization concept of the warrior scholar.

The color gold is representative of the gold bar worn by Army second lieutenants.

The Motto "Leadership Excellence" expresses the ultimate responsibility of Army ROTC in the discharge of its moral responsibility to the Nation.