Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1880 [PAGE 41]

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39

ADDITIONAL SCHOOLS, NOT INCLUDED IN THE FOUE COLLEGES.

SCHOOL OF MILITAEY SCIENCE. By the law of Congress, and of the State, the University is required to teach Military Tactics to its students. All able-bodied male students of the classes of the first and second years are enrolled in the companies of the University Battalion, and receive instruction from one to three hours each week. The military organization of the University ranks in the State Militia as the University Battalion, Illinois National Guard.

CLASS IN MILITARY SCIENCE.

A class is taught in Military Science and Art, as far as is requisite for officers of the line. From this class are selected the officers of the several companies, for which they act as drill sergeants and instructors. The military instruction is now under the charge of Lieut. Wm. T. Wood, an experienced officer of the regular army of the United States. A full supply of arms and ammunition is furnished by the War Department, including 300 cadet rifles and accoutrements, two pieces of field artillery, 1,000 fixed cartridges and 1,000 blank cartridges annually for target practice, with 200 rounds for artillery. Commissions.—The Governor of the State is accustomed to commission as Captains in the State Militia, such graduates of the University as have. completed the studies of the Military Classes, and have obtained the requisite experience in command in the University Battalion. In order to obtain the commission, the student must be approved by the Faculty, and pass satisfactorily an examination in Military Science and Tactics before a committee appointed by the Faculty of the University. It is expected that in order to get the required experience in command, the members of the military class of the third or junior year will serve as commissioned officers of the several companies of the Battalion. Gymnasium. — The Drill hall is furnished with a full set of gymnastic apparatus, and classes in gymnastic exercises are organized in the fall and winter terms under careful leaders. Fee 50 cents.