UNL Pershing Rifles back in action
Rifles are flying and commands can be heard as the UNL Pershing Rifles drill team gears up for upcoming performances.
The Pershing Rifles was the first drill team founded by General John J. Pershing in 1894 when he taught as the Military Science professor at UNL.
The program has had it’s ups and downs throughout it’s existence, rising and falling in popularity during World War I and II. And until earlier this year, the team hadn’t performed in 12 years.
Now, a new group of cadets has revitalized the program to carry on Pershing’s legacy.
“We thought it was an important part of history and Nebraska history specifically to bring back Pershing Rifles and to bring back our drill team specifically,” said Captain James Brown, a cadet in the Pershing Rifles.
They are practicing non-stop for four performances in the next two weeks:
• Nov. 3 @ Veteran’s Day Ceremony at the Capitol
• Nov. 10 @ Huskers Pregame Show at the Coliseum (also marching out with the color guard prior to Nebraska vs. Illinois game)
• Nov. 11 @ Re-dedication Ceremony at Memorial Stadium
• Nov. 11 @ Antelope Park
Lt. Colonel Jamie Peer is the national adviser for the Pershing Rifles, and the current Military Science professor at UNL.
SHE TAKES GREAT PRIDE IN THE DRILL TEAM’S ENTHUSIASM TO CARRY ON THIS IMPORTANT TRADITION, NOT JUST FOR UNL, BUT FOR THE ARMY AS A WHOLE.
“I mean it’s already a very special thing to want to be a cadet on a college campus, but then to want to be part of the Pershing Rifles is kind of like the creme de la creme of what it means to be a cadet,” said Lt. Colonel Peer.
Members say it’s not just the tradition, leadership and discipline that drives their passion for Pershing Rifles, but the camaraderie that comes with it.
“We have a saying, “It’s a brotherhood like no other”; the friendships we make here are pretty incredible,” said Jared Polack, a cadet in Pershing Rifles.
