Clubs and Activities
Pershing Rifles
Open to all students at Clemson University.
"The purpose of Pershing Rifles is to foster a spirit of friendship and cooperation among the men in the military department and maintain a highly efficient drill company." - General John Joseph Pershing stated.
Chartered on March 19, 1946, Company C-4 has a long tradition of excellence. Most recently, this includes the national drill meet champion in 2008 and 2009. The drill team and color guard have distinguished themselves by performing at national functions.
Members distinguish themselves in drill and ceremonies, Rifle Drill and Color Guard.
Over the years since 1939, Company C-4 has established an unparalleled record of achievement. Each past company has contributed to the reputation and success of the unit- as will each successive unit. Although small in number, Company C-4 will always continue to strive for excellence in all it does.
If you are interested, feel free to email the club.
Ranger Club
Open to all Clemson University students; no ROTC affiliation required.
The Clemson Rangers is an all-volunteer unit affiliated with the Army ROTC. The club's purpose is to challenge students physically and academically, promote self-confidence, increase leadership capability, increase military knowledge and promote overall professionalism and integrity. Some activities and benefits of the Clemson Rangers include:
a. Leadership Training
b. Discipline Training
c. Physical Fitness Enhancement
d. Time Management Skills
e. Team Camaraderie Development
f. Rappelling
g. Weapons Safety and Firing
h Small Unit Infantry Tactics / CQB
i. Combat Survival Training
The club meets bi-weekly in the mornings for physical fitness training, bimonthly for administration meetings and as scheduled for field training exercises at Clemson area training sites and other military installations.
Membership in the club is attained by completing a three-week indoctrination phase followed by a series of tests concentrating on physical fitness and specific military knowledge. During the indoctrination phase, those prospective members are instructed and trained in physical development and knowledge acquisition.
If you are interested, feel free to email the club.
Scabbard and Blade
Open to Army and Air Force ROTC cadets by invitation.
The Scabbard and Blade organization represents the highest military fraternity at Clemson University. The purpose of this organization is to promote interest in the military and a closer relationship between the students and the military departments. Membership in Scabbard and Blade is open to a select number of Army and Air Force cadets not to exceed the top 10 percent of the Corps of Cadets. New members are selected by active individual qualities of leadership ability and exemplary character.
K Company's core of activities revolves around the professional development of its members, the Clemson Corps and cadets. Our activities range from hosting speaking engagements featuring military professionals from all services and ranks to political and defense specialists. We are the keepers of the history of the Clemson Corps at Clemson University. We provide watch over all the historical monuments dedicated to the cadets who have passed through the pillars of excellence into the Armed Forces of the United States.
Each year, K-Co sponsors the annual Clemson University Scabbard and Blade Military Ball. This evening of formal dinner and dance is held in the spring of each school year.
If you are interested, feel free to email the club.
Tiger Platoon
Open to all University students, Army and Air Force ROTC.
Purpose: Provide an opportunity to all students interested in practicing drill and ceremonies.
The first Clemson A&M College Fancy Drill Platoon was organized in the spring of 1929 by Cadet Frank Burdick Farr, class of 1930. The Citadel had a drill platoon that competed at ROTC summer camp with platoons from other schools. Farr's brother, a Citadel cadet, told him that the only way to settle the argument on who was best was for Clemson to organize a platoon and compete with the Citadel Platoon at camp.
In the spring of 1929, Cadet Farr was the highest-ranking junior cadet at Clemson. He called for junior class members to try out for the platoon, and about 150 reported for the competition. The platoon consisted of five squads of eight men each, two guides, a leader and an alternate squad of eight men. Competitive drills chose fifty-one members. At ROTC camp in the summer of 1929, the drill platoons of all Fourth Corps area schools competed. The Clemson Platoon won the area championship. The purpose of the platoon was accomplished. However, instead of disbanding, the members decided to remain organized and put on exhibition drills.
Clemson's Senior Platoon had the enviable reputation of being the only one of its kind in the United States. During the early 30s, the platoon was referred to as The Fancy Prize Drill Platoon or the Junior Platoon. In 1934, the name Clemson Senior Platoon was adopted.
In 1960, the Clemson Senior Platoon was deactivated and reactivated in the fall of 2000.
If you are interested, feel free to email the club.
