The Bear Battalion (formerly known as the Bear Brigade) was established at Morgan State College in 1948 by the president of the college, Dr. Martin Jenkins. It is one of only four Senior Army ROTC host programs in the State of Maryland. Originally affiliated with the Infantry branch, it is now affiliated with the Ordnance Corps. The first two years of ROTC was mandatory for all male students. During the 1972-1973 school year, the Army- for the first time- authorized the enrollment of women in ROTC.

Morgan State University has always had a proud tradition of producing top-quality Officers for the Total Army. More than 1,300 Officers have graduated from the Bear Battalion. In 1979, Morgan State University produced its first General Officer, Brigadier General George M. Brooks. On November 13, 2001, General Larry R. Ellis received his fourth star and is now the fourth African American to reach the rank of General in the Army. He is the first from a Historically Black College or University. In total, the Bear Battalion has produced twelve General Officers.

The Morgan State University ROTC Program had its largest enrollment in a decade in the fall of 1998 with a freshmen enrollment of over one hundred Cadets. Additionally, in the fall of 2000, Morgan State ROTC's partnership program at Coppin State University enrolled over one hundred Cadets, the largest since the partnership started.

Morgan State University implemented a Room and Board Bridge Grant Program to reward the ROTC Cadets and to assist in the recruitment and retention of Cadets in the ROTC program.

In October 1985, the Morgan State ROTC Alumni Association was established. The association continues to be a key supporter of the ROTC program and sponsors Cadets annually at the ROTC Military Ball.

The Morgan State ROTC Enhancement Team was established to advise the U.S. Army Cadet Command in a cooperative effort to improve the recruitment and retention of students in the program. The Engagement Team consists of seven alumni. The mission of the team is to assist with recruitment, retention, training, and ensure overall effectiveness of the ROTC program.

In 2001 and 2002, U.S. Army Cadet Command recognized the Bear Battalion in the top third of ROTC programs in the nation. In November 2002, the Bear Battalion was awarded the prestigious General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award for outstanding performance. The support of the University, Alumni Association, and Enhancement Team were instrumental in the Morgan State University ROTC program achieving a superior rating.

Heraldry: Battalion Color

In the United States Army, most Regiments, Battalions of Regiments, and Table of Organization and Equipment (TOE) separate Battalions possess a stand of “Colors”. The first is the National Color (i.e., the American flag) which is 36 inches by 48 inches in size trimmed with a 2.5 inch-wide gold fringe. The second is the Regimental, or Battalion, Color. The Regimental or Battalion Color is the same size as the National Color. The background color of each varies with the branch of service for that Regiment or Battalion (e.g., blue for Infantry, yellow for Armor and Cavalry, red for Artillery, etc.).

Battalions are authorized a coat of arms for display on their Organizational Color. A complete coat of arms consists of a shield displayed on the breast of the eagle from the Great Seal of the United States, a crest which appears over the eagle's head, a motto displayed on the scroll held in the eagle's beak, and the Battalion's name on a scroll below. The Battalion's number or designation is affixed in the upper right-hand corner of the fly.

As well as being powerful symbols of Regimental history and loyalty, Colors had an important practical function in the past. On smoky, dusty and chaotic battlefields, they provided a rallying point for troops, helping to uphold both morale and command cohesion. Losing the Colors to the enemy was the greatest disgrace that could befall a Regiment, as it symbolized complete defeat. Correspondingly, capturing an enemy’s Colors was among the most glorious accomplishments a soldier could achieve in battle. Many would fight ferociously, or even recklessly, to do so.

At an unknown point in history, the Bear Battalion's original Color was lost within the archives to time. Through painstaking research of historical records and aging photos across 76 years of archives, the Bear Battalion's Color was finally restored on May 7, 2024, with command concurrence on the restoration of heraldic components that were unidentifiable from records. The restoration project sought to honor this unit's storied legacy and reconnect the current generation with the organization's inspiring heritage.

Components

The Bear Battalion's Color is 36 inches by 48 inches in size trimmed with a 2.5 inch-wide yellow fringe. Its background color is crimson to reflect the unit's branch affiliation with the Ordnance Corps. Crimson and yellow have been the colors of the Ordnance Corps throughout its history, except for a short period between 1902 and 1921, when the official colors were black and scarlet.

The coat of arms consists of a blazoned shield divided into quarters displayed on the breast of the eagle from the Great Seal of the United States. Within its right talon, the eagle holds an olive branch bearing 13 leaves and 13 fruit. Within its left talon, the eagle grasps a bundle of 13 arrows. The number 13 represents the 13 colonies. Together, the items in the eagle's talons stand for war and peace. The first and fourth quarters of the blazoned shield are a paly of six pieces, Or (gold) and Sable (black), and a bend dexter (right diagonal band) counterchanged, so that they consist of six alternating gold and vertical bars with a diagonal band on which the colors are reversed. The second and third quarters are quartered Argent (white) and Gules (red), a cross bottony counterchanged, so that they consist of a quartered field of white and red, charged with a Greek cross that has arms terminating in trefoils and opposite coloring so that red is on the white quarters and white is on the red quarters, as represented on the escutcheon of the Maryland State seal. In the center is a torch enflamed of the first on a pale Azure. On top of the shield, a blue bar bears the inscription "STEADFAST" in gold letters.

Over the eagle's head is the lamp of knowledge in Or (gold). The crest reflects the heraldic connection to U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Command. Below the crest is a ribbon of six in blue and gold, reflecting the colors of Morgan State University and Coppin State University. This restoration supersedes the original colors of orange and blue which reflected the colors of Morgan State University. A scroll is held in the eagle's beak with the motto, "FATTI MASCHII PAROLE FEMINE", reflecting the motto of the State of Maryland. The motto translates to, "strong deeds, gentle words". Below the eagle is a scroll with gold embroidery inscribed with the designation of the organization, "BEAR BATTALION". The Battalion's designation, "ROTC", is affixed in gold and white embroidery the upper right-hand corner of the fly.

Heraldry: Restoration of Original Retired Battalion Color

Through the restoration project of the Bear Battalion's Color, a reconstruction was created based on how the original Color could have appeared in 1948. It is our presumption that these Colors were lost within archives at an undetermined period during the organization's affiliation transfer from the Infantry branch to the Ordnance Corps. While we cannot be certain about details that have been lost to time, our restoration project has sought to include elements within this reconstruction of the original Battalion Color that honor the organization's heraldic legacy to the greatest accuracy possible. Certain elements were included in lieu of missing archival information with command concurrence and are noted as such.

This restoration honors Morgan State College's original affiliation with the Infantry branch, featuring a background of National Flag blue underneath white scroll and embroidery elements. The Infantry has made two complete cycles between white and light blue. During the Revolutionary War, white facings were prescribed for the Infantry. White was the color used for Infantry until 1851, at which time light or Saxony blue was prescribed for the pompon and for the trimming on Infantry horse furniture. In 1857, the color was prescribed as sky blue. In 1886, the linings of capes and trouser stripes were prescribed to be white. However, in 1902, the light blue was prescribed again. In 1917, the cape was still lined with light blue, but the Infantry trouser stripes were of white as were the chevrons for enlisted men. The Infantry color is light blue; however, Infantry Regimental flags and guidons have been National Flag blue since 1835. White is used as a secondary color on the guidons for letters, numbers, and insignia.

Over the eagle's head is the lamp of knowledge in Or (gold). The crest reflects the heraldic connection to U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Command. The lamp of knowledge dates back to 1986 from the insignia of the U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Command. It is not historically accurate for the time period associated with this Color but reflects the spirit of its heritage. Below the crest is a ribbon of six in blue and orange, reflecting the colors of the institution formerly known as Morgan State College. Below the eagle is a scroll with gold embroidery inscribed with the designation of the organization, "BEAR BATTALION". As the exact time period of this reconstructed Color is undetermined, it is unclear whether this inscription could have historically bore the designation, "BEAR BRIGADE".

Heraldry: Shoulder Loop Insignia

The shoulder loop insignia is a type of uniform decoration used to display symbols of status or affiliation, typically worn on the shoulder straps of a uniform. These insignias can be made of various materials, including metal or cloth, and are attached to the shoulder loops or epaulets of military uniforms.

This shoulder loop insignia was originally authorized for Morgan State College on June 28, 1956, by the United States Institute of Heraldry. It was worn on the military dress uniform by members of Morgan State College Army ROTC to signify their affiliation with the organization. Its original inscription read, "MORGAN STATE COLLEGE". The shoulder loop insignia was amended on January 21, 1976, to reflect the designation of "MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY".

The shoulder loop insignia is a gold metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in height overall consisting of a blazoned shield. The shield is divided into quarters. The first and fourth quarters are a paly of six pieces, Or (gold) and Sable (black), and a bend dexter (right diagonal band) counterchanged, so that they consist of six alternating gold and vertical bars with a diagonal band on which the colors are reversed. The second and third quarters are quartered Argent (white) and Gules (red), a cross bottony counterchanged, so that they consist of a quartered field of white and red, charged with a Greek cross that has arms terminating in trefoils and opposite coloring so that red is on the white quarters and white is on the red quarters, as represented on the escutcheon of the Maryland State seal. In the center is a torch enflamed of the first on a pale Azure. On top of the shield, a blue bar bears the inscription "STEADFAST" in gold letters. At the base is a blue scroll, roughly in the shape of a trefoil, bearing the inscription "MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY" in gold letters.

Heraldry: Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

The shoulder sleeve insignia is a distinctive cloth patch worn by Soldiers in the United States Army. It is typically displayed on the left sleeve of the uniform just below the shoulder seam. The shoulder sleeve insignia serves to identify the primary headquarters to which a Soldier is assigned, often reflecting the unit's history, mission, or function. These patches are part of the official heraldry of the United States Army and are symbolic, incorporating various colors and designs that have specific meanings related to the unit's identity.

This historic shoulder sleeve insignia was originally authorized on June 15, 1976 by the United States Institute of Heraldry. It was amended to include subdued colors on June 5, 1987. It is an oval-shaped item consisting of an inner blue disc on which is the orange head of a bear couped irregularly at the neck and detailed blue. An orange band surrounds the disc with the blue inscription, from left to right, "MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY". The base of the band bears the blue inscription, "BEARS". The blue letters are 5/16 inch (.79 cm) in height. The two inscriptions are separated by a dot. The shoulder sleeve insignia is 3 inches in height.

The blue and orange colors symbolize Morgan State University's colors. The bear is the mascot of Morgan State University. The bear is renowned for its spirit and tenacity and represents the qualities demonstrated by Cadets in academic, physical, and military endeavors.

Heraldry: Organizational Logo

The organizational logo has undergone many revisions and was finally authorized on April 28, 2024, pursuant to provisions set forth by the United States Institute of Heraldry. This effort aimed to capture Coppin State University's official accreditation of ROTC courses pursuant to approval by its Curriculum Standards and Policies Committee on November 15, 2001. In addition, the logo seeks to honor the history and heritage of the organization representing Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The organizational logo consists of a blue and gold circular disc. The blue represents the colors of Morgan State University, the organization's responsibility to students and community, the loyalty of faculty and staff, and the alumni who stay committed to nurturing the generations behind them. The gold represents the colors of Coppin State University, the pursuit of higher ideals, wisdom, and understanding, the success of the organization's legacy, and the achievements of students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

At the center, a blue disc contains the head of a bear couped irregularly at the neck and an eagle in flight. The bear is the mascot of Morgan State University. The bear is renowned for its spirit and tenacity and represents the qualities demonstrated by Cadets in academic, physical, and military endeavors. The eagle is the mascot of Coppin State University. The eagle soars to heights above the clouds and represents the courage, nobility, and strength of our Cadets as they soar to heights higher than they can imagine. On the bottom of the blue disc are two inscriptions, "HBCU" and "1948", signifying the Historically Black Colleges and Universities represented by the Bear Battalion and the original year of establishment of the Bear Brigade. A gold banner surrounds the disc with the blue inscriptions, "MORGAN STATE", "COPPIN STATE", "ARMY ROTC", and "BEAR BATTALION". Four blue stars separate each inscription, representing the one-, two-, three-, and four-star General Officers that the organization has produced. The organizational logo is circular, symbolizing the cyclical nature of the organization as it nurtures students to success, as graduates become influential leaders of their communities and country, and as alumni give back to the next generation of students. The organizational logo is 4 inches by 4 inches, symbolizing students' simultaneous four-year pursuit of academics and ROTC as Student Athlete Scholars.

U.S. Army Cadet Command (ROTC) Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved on Apr 28, 1986, for the U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Command and U.S. Army Senior ROTC Cadets. On Jan 28, 1993, the insignia was amended to add metric measurements and subdued colors.

The shoulder sleeve insignia is comprised of a shield arced at the top and bottom 3 1/2 inches (8.89cm) in height and 2 1/2 inches (6.35cm) in width, consisting of a field divided quarterly in yellow and black. On the upper right is a yellow Lamp of Knowledge enflamed. On the lower left is a yellow Trojan helmet. A black sword points up diagonally across the yellow quarters. The shield is surrounded by two yellow panels outlined in black and inscribed in black letters 5/16 inch (.79cm) in height, "LEADERSHIP" above and "EXCELLENCE" below, all within a 1/8 inch (.32cm) black border.

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 Greek helmet is symbolic of the ancient civilization concept of the warrior scholar. The motto "LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE" expresses the ultimate responsibility of Army ROTC in the discharge of its moral responsibility to the nation.

U.S. Army Cadet Command (ROTC) Distinctive Unit Insignia

A distinctive unit insignia is a metallic heraldic badge or device worn by Soldiers in the United States Army. Its design is usually derived from the unit's coat of arms and is worn to signify the wearer's unit affiliation. Distinctive unit insignias are designed in accordance with military specifications and typically feature symbols and mottos that reflect the unit's history and values.

This distinctive unit insignia was approved on Aug 22, 1986, for the U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Command.

The distinctive unit insignia is comprised of a gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height, consisting of a shield. The shield is blazoned quarterly in Or (gold) and Sable (black). The second and third quarters are adorned by a Lamp of Knowledge and a Greek warrior's helmet, respectively. Overall in bend is a sword of the second. Attached at the bottom and sides of the shield is a black scroll with three folds inscribed "LEADERSHIP" at the left and "EXCELLENCE" at the right in gold letters, and the central fold gold.

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 Greek helmet is symbolic of the ancient civilization concept of the warrior scholar. The motto "LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE" expresses the ultimate responsibility of Army ROTC in the discharge of its moral responsibility to the nation.

Snapshot in History

Bear Battalion Cadets and members of the Pershing Angels, Emma Freeman (née Murray) (left) (Class of 2020 / Active Duty Ordnance Branch), Kaela Pone (middle) (Class of 2020 / Active Duty Transportation Branch), and Tierney Cooper-Chasten (Class of 2020 / Active Duty Transportation Branch), perform a silent rifle drill exhibition at the 2019 annual Military Ball. The Military Ball is a formal event attended by those who serve our country, their families, and esteemed guests. It is a celebration of each servicemembers’ hard work and dedication to duty, honor, and country. It is a recognition of their loved ones and their immeasurable support that made it happen. It is a dignified and solemn remembrance of those who are still missing and those who never returned. Morgan State has hosted its Military Ball every year since the inception of the Bear Battalion (formerly known as the Bear Brigade) in 1948. The Bear Battalion has a rich history of female Commissioned Officers who have broken glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations.