Liberty University among institutions considered for new Corps of Cadets program
October 6, 2026 : By - Office of Communications & Public Engagement
The U.S. Department of War recently announced that Liberty University is among a select group of institutions being considered for America’s Corps of Cadets, a new program “established to address the need for more officers grounded in the Constitution, Western civilization, American heritage, and the warrior ethos at a time when many traditional commissioning sources have drifted from those foundations.”
The program will build on the existing Corps of Cadets at the nation’s six Senior Military Colleges and designate Liberty as a Distinguished Military College, requiring exceptionally high standards of cadet discipline, tactical instruction, and military organization. Liberty would also receive Honor School status, which provides priority in officer commissioning and pathways for civilian cadets’ service in the government.
“We need students of Western civilization in the pillars of our Republic, leaders who understand the faith of Jerusalem, the philosophy of Athens, the power of Rome, and the freedom of Philadelphia,” Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said during the annual State of the Force address at Marine Corps Base Quantico on Sept. 30. “To meet this critical need, we’re partnering with a new crop of premier higher-ed institutions. … These schools have stepped forward to answer the call to duty and establish new Corps of Cadets in partnership with the Department of War.”
Liberty joins Louisiana State University, Tuskegee University, Mississippi State University, and Hillsdale College on the list.
Establishing a Corps of Cadets would allow Liberty to expand structured leadership development, physical training, and a shared culture of excellence modeled on the highest traditions of American military education. The university is ready to collaborate with the Department of War to prepare even more future officers and civilian leaders to meet the demands of national defense.
“We are honored to take advantage of this opportunity to establish a Corps of Cadets at Liberty University and support the Department of War in training courageous leaders with the moral character needed to defend our nation and protect our freedoms,” said Liberty President Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Dondi E. Costin. “This recognition aligns with Liberty’s longstanding commitment to educating, supporting, and commissioning the next generation of great Americans who will lead with distinction as Champions for Christ.”
For more than 50 years, Liberty has built a robust ecosystem of support for active-duty service members, veterans, military families, and future officers. The university’s Army ROTC, Air Force ROTC, and the newly established U.S. Navy and Marine Corps NROTC programs are among the many ways Liberty commissions officers who serve on active duty, in the reserves, and in the National Guard. The Corps of Cadets will now strengthen opportunities for civilian students to prepare for distinguished government service in other capacities. On-campus resources for military-affiliated students include tuition discounts, a Veterans Center, the VA’s VetSuccess on Campus program, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and specialized scholarships through the Heroes Fund.
Liberty is home to more than 40,000 military-affiliated students. Thousands utilize education benefits each year, and the university continues to invest in facilities, advising, and community support to help veterans transition successfully into academic life and beyond. Liberty University remains committed to its founding mission of Training Champions for Christ while equipping civilian and military students alike to lead with courage, competence, and conviction.
