HILLSDALE, MI (WTVB) – Hillsdale College has been selected by the Department of War to establish a full-time Corps of Cadets program, joining a newly announced cohort of five institutions nationwide.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth unveiled the “America’s Corps of Cadets” initiative during his State of the Force Address, formally designating Hillsdale College as a “Distinguished Military College” and granting it “Honor School” status.
The strategic partnership aims to build a robust pipeline of disciplined, character-driven military officers. It provides participating students with specialized tactical instruction, rigorous military organization, and priority in officer commissioning upon graduation.
The program expansion follows a broader effort by the Department of War to shift its officer training partnerships toward institutions that emphasize traditional Western civilization and civic values.
According to university leadership, Hillsdale will fully implement and participate in the cadet program while continuing its long-standing policy of refusing federal taxpayer funding.
College President Larry Arnn stated that the institution has spent 182 years preparing students for leadership and citizenship, saying that the classic curriculum provides the ultimate foundation for the stern form of leadership required in military service.
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