Pershing
Rifles
The National Society
of Pershing Rifles is a drill team organization for college level students.
The organization was founded in 1894 by John J. Pershing while at the
University of Nebraska. The organization is one of the oldest officially
recognized fraternal organizations in the Armed Forces.
The Pershing Rifles
is the only organization that has the prestigious honor to fire the cannon
at all the home football games at Bowling Green State University. This time
honored tradition is a hit to for all supporters of Bowling Green Football.
The Pershing Rifles also represents Bowling Green State University by
participating in many color guard events. The organization presents the
nations colors in a display of disciplined movements and commands. All
these ceremonies and events bring pride and honor to this nation and Bowling
Green State University.
Each year the
organization represents BGSU by participating at the annual national Society
of Pershing Rifles national Convention and Drill Competition (NATCON). Over
47 universities compete in various categories of regulation drill (like
proficiency at performing a color guard) and various exhibition drills like
trick drilles that involve spinning or throwing the rifels. Bowling
Green State University is the home to the 2006 Exhibition Drill Soloist
National Champion. The past years Pershing Rifles members honored the
organization and BGSU by winning the 2008 National Champion Exhibition Drill
Duet. Active membership is open to college students enrolled at a
University that hosts a Pershing Rifles company. Members may be either
male or female and while a majority has affiliation with the military it is
not a prerequisite for membership.
To get more information about the Pershing
Rifles, contact the club president, Robert Duszik.
Email Robert Duszik
Enter BGSU's Pershing
Rifles
Official Website