Columbus State University ROTC Cougar Battalion Ranks Third Nationally at Cadet Summer Training

By Janell Williams

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Columbus State University’s ROTC Cougar Battalion has achieved top honors, placing first among regional ROTC units and third nationally at the U.S. Army's Cadet Summer Training (CST) in Fort Knox, Kentucky. This annual 35-day event is the Army’s largest training exercise, designed to assess cadets on leadership, physical fitness, and academic excellence.

Seventeen cadets from Columbus State participated alongside nearly 6,000 others from across the country. Of these, 15 cadets ranked in the top 50% nationally, with two – Tyler Fleming and Sean Heisterman – placing in the top 1%. Fleming ranked first in his regiment and seventh overall in the 6th Brigade, earning him the Association of the U.S. Army Leadership and Excellence Award. Heisterman placed ninth in the brigade.

“This performance speaks volumes about our cadets’ dedication and exemplifies our motto ‘First Among Equals,’” said Maj. Dale Cox, the battalion's professor of military science. “Their commitment to excellence in leadership, academics, and physical fitness is inspiring.”

The Cougar Battalion claimed the Titan Helmet for the third consecutive year, outperforming battalions from universities such as Georgia Tech, Auburn University, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University within the 6th Brigade, which spans the southeastern U.S.

Columbus State’s ROTC program, established in 1972, has commissioned over 650 officers and continues to grow as a premier training ground for future military leaders.