NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Department of Military Science and Reserve Officer Training Corps participated in an activation ceremony Aug. 20 for the school’s 77th Demon Battalion. The ceremony is a military tradition held at the beginning of each academic year that allows the commander to assess the readiness and discipline of the unit and commemorate the unit’s history and lineage. Each battalion is assigned a unique Army branch color. The streamer for the 77th Demon Battalion is crimson with yellow piping, honoring the Ordnance Corps. Attaching the 77th Battalion streamer to the colors are, from left, Battalion Commander Colton Wood of Ragley; Color Sergeant Jillian Huff of Fort Polk and command Sergeant Major Joao Dos Santos of Fort Polk. ROTC’s curriculum and training ensures cadets’ scholastic, athletic and leadership abilities are developed and tested, preparing each for their career paths. Information on NSU’s Department of Military Science and ROTC program is available at https://rotc.nsula.edu/.