The University of Texas Army ROTC

On November 7th, the Longhorn Battalion stood together with the Texas Exes Caissons to honor the life and legacy of Captain Orlando Bonilla, a dedicated alumnus and fallen hero. In a heartfelt ceremony, we dedicated a plaque in his memory, a reminder of his profound impact on our battalion, our university, and our country. Captain Bonilla’s unwavering dedication and service exemplify the true spirit of what it means to be a Longhorn and a soldier. His sacrifice and commitment will forever be remembered, inspiring future generations to serve with the same courage and honor. Thank you to everyone who helped make this tribute possible and to all who joined us to honor this incredible legacy.

On Friday, May 10th, fifteen members of Texas Army ROTC’s MSIV senior class were commissioned into the United States Army, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Congratulations to these Second Lieutenants as they embark on their military careers and step into the Profession of Arms. Their achievement stands as a testament to their consistent dedication and perseverance. Texas Army ROTC extends our gratitude to the friends and family of the Longhorn Battalion whose support has been paramount in this journey. A special thank you goes to the Bullock Texas State History Museum, the First Cavalry Division band and Army Futures Command Chief of Staff, Major General Edmond Brown for their invaluable contributions in making this occasion truly memorable. Here is to the bright futures and adventures that lie ahead for the Army’s newest Second Lieutenants from Texas Army ROTC.

Reflecting on this past school year, we are proud to celebrate the invaluable training, professional development, and academic achievement our Cadets gained. From beginning the Fall semester with a solemn 9/11 memorial workout in Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, to sending off our Ranger Challenge team to represent the University of Texas in this year’s international Sandhurst competition at West Point, the growth of our Longhorn Cadets has been remarkable. As our MSIVs prepare to commission in just a few days and pass the torch of leadership to the incoming seniors, we are thrilled to introduce Cadet Danielle Esquibel as the next Cadet Battalion Commander for the Fall semester! With confidence, we are excited to see her lead the Longhorn Battalion in continued excellence.

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Cadets, Cadre, University Leaders, alumni, and honored guests of the Texas Army ROTC program gathered together for our annual Military Ball, a formal evening celebrating a year of remarkable achievements and triumphs. As the night was filled with camaraderie and revelry, representatives from several military service organizations presented awards to our Cadets, recognizing their outstanding military and academic accomplishments. Professor of Military Science, LTC Tim Jones reflected on the program’s significant milestones throughout the year, underscoring the collective dedication and contributions made by our Cadets, Cadre, and friends of the program. We listened to an inspiring keynote address delivered by retired Captain Derick Carver, whose powerful recounting of personal sacrifices and unwavering commitment to national service left a lasting mark on those in attendance. Special thank you to the Connelly High School JROTC Color Guard as they presented our nation’s colors and Professor Eli Durst for capturing the night in these photographs. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Texas Exes Alumni Association for their generous sponsorship, which elevated our event to be a truly memorable and impactful night, fostering a spirit of unity and pride within our Longhorn Battalion.

Good luck, Longhorn cadets! The University of Texas Army ROTC earned a chance to compete in the 55th Sandhurst Military Skills Competition, held annually United States Military Academy at West Point. This year is a two-day competition (April 26-27) featuring teams from service academies, ROTC programs and international militaries from across the globe. ? In addition to finishing up their academic studies for the semester at a challenging top university, the UT team of 11 cadets is about to compete in a grueling 36-hour surprise course that includes long-distance movements over rough terrain, team fitness events, marksmanship and medical skill challenges, and much more. #Sandhurst2024 #Hookem ?? Proud of our Longhorn Sandhurst team. Special call out to team captain Jacob Tegtmeier ?? Back Row L to R: Jack Buffington Micah Dieterle Jacob Tegtmeier Connor Browne Antoni Kozlowski Hari Mohil ? Front Row L to R: Henderson Chandler Danielle Esquibel Cullen Raps Mia Walker David Segalla

Over the weekend, our Texas Army ROTC Cadets participated in the annual Longhorn Run. They represented the Longhorn Battalion with distinction, running as a cohesive unit and exemplifying the values of camaraderie and determination. Serving as a sponsor for this event further underscored the program's commitment to fostering community engagement and promoting a culture of fitness and excellence on campus. We are proud of our Cadets and applaud their perseverance for continuing to set the example.

Yesterday, Texas Army ROTC hosted a cohort from the U.S. Army Sergeant Major Academy consisting of international military officials representing over sixty countries. Led by senior leadership of the Longhorn Battalion, the delegation met on the Forty Acres where they were immersed in the liveliness of campus and learned about the the University’s commitment to excellence. Professor of Military Science, LTC Tim Jones and Senior Military Science Instructor, MSG Gabriel Candelaria facilitated a panel and discussion on how the United States utilizes ROTC?to produce Army Officers through a rigorous?curriculum?of developing leadership, discipline, and critical thinking. The University of Texas is a world-class institution, and Texas Army ROTC was proud to welcome these military leaders to our campus. This exchange of perspectives between our Cadre and the global military representatives underscored the shared international endeavor of?preparing young men and women for leadership roles in the armed forces. What starts here changes the world.

Over the weekend, Cadets honed their marksmanship at the Table IV qualification range on Fort Cavazos. This?experience enabled our MSIIIs to sharpen their shooting skills as they prepare for Advanced Camp this summer, while our MSIs and MSIIs gained invaluable hands-on experience with firing the M4 rifle, laying the foundation for continued excellence. Amidst this training, support from our very own Texas Exes Caissons Alumni shined brightly as they provided sustenance?and mentorship to our Cadets, reinforcing the bond between the past and future generation of leaders born out of the Longhorn Battalion.?

While many students traveled home for Spring Break, our MSIV Senior Cadets embarked on their Staff Ride to Normandy, France where they were immersed in the Allied invasion of D-Day. Standing in the remnants of German bunkers, overlooking the vast expanse of the Utah and Omaha beaches, and walking through the meticulously preserved museums, our Cadets drew invaluable lessons in leadership, strategy, and the human dimension of warfare. They studied firsthand the challenges faced by commanders and the decisions made under immense pressure, drawing parallels to the responsibilities they will soon shoulder as officers. This experience provided our seniors a humbling reminder about the interconnectedness of our Army’s past, present, and future, as they prepare to become Second Lieutenants leading the next generation of Soldiers.