The history of the Alabama Corps of cadets is unique. As far as can be ascertained, it is one of only three military science units in the United States to fight as a unit in war, the other two being VMI in the Civil War and the University of Nebraska cadets in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War era.

 

The military department of the University of Alabama was organized on September 1, 1860 to combat the low state of discipline among the students.  They were placed in a camp of instruction under Captain (later Colonel) Caleb Huse, a graduate of the US Military Academy.  The other officers assigned to help Colonel Huse were graduates of VMI and came to the University highly recommended.

 

This was a military school in its strictest sense – early drill before breakfast, marching and counter-marching to tunes played by a fife and drum corps.  Full military routine by day and by night was the order.  Walking tours and a system of demerits for lesser infractions of the rules and courts martial for greater offenses.  Dr. Landon Garland became superintendent and commander-in-chief, and it is to be noted that in his first report to the Board of Trustees in the latter part of 1860, he states that the new military school was a perfect success, that the disciplinary problems had been corrected, fine order was maintained, and furthermore there was noticeable improvement in class work and a marked improvement in physical health as well.  It was indeed a radical change in college life but a most acceptable and satisfactory one for all concerned.