Columbus State University News
Two Columbus State cadets top ROTC’s ‘nation’s best’ Order of Merit list
December 5, 2024
Each academic year, ROTC cadets scheduled to graduate compete to be among the Order of Merit’s list of the nation’s “best cadets.” With approximately 6,000 Army ROTC cadets from 275 colleges and universities eligible, the U.S. Army Cadet Command competition can be steep—and the odds challenging.
That makes having two cadets from the same battalion quite noteworthy.
Columbus State cadets Hunter Strayer and Tyler Fleming ranked first and ninth, respectively, on what is known in ROTC circles simply as “the OML.” The list strongly influences which military branch cadets are most likely assigned to upon commissioning. Traditionally, the higher a cadet is on the list, the more desirable their branch options will be.
Maj. Dale Cox ‘19, a Columbus State alumnus who assumed battalion leadership during the summer as its professor of military science, credits the cadets’ success to the battalion’s year-round program and those who lead and mentor them.
“The Cougar Battalion has always performed well at Cadet Summer Training, but this
year, our cadets exceeded the standard in every metric. This reflects not just on
the highest performers but the whole class and how well they have worked and trained
together over the past year,” Cox (pictured) explained. “It is also a result of the
dedication and professionalism of the cadre, which helped prepare them for the rigors
of summer training.”
Cox credited recently retired cadre members—his predecessor, Lt. Col. Michael Rybacki, and the battalion’s senior military science instructor, Master Sgt. Curtis Spivey—for their “significant and positive influence” on the battalion during their tenure.
NO. 1: CADET STRAYER
Hunter Strayer, a native of nearby Harris County, is a senior majoring in interdisciplinary studies. He holds a 3.93 GPA, a perfect score on the Army Combat Fitness Test and the position
of battalion operations officer. His commitment to academics, fitness and leadership
is part of the formula that led to his top position on the Order of Merit list.
“Being recognized with this honor is a reflection of the high standards I’ve held myself to and the mentorship, resources and support I’ve received from my family, peers, cadre and professors. I have always been driven to be the best in everything I pursue. Whether in academics or training, I’ve consistently worked hard, put in the hours and focused on the details that often make the difference between ‘good’ and ‘great,’” he said.
Even though he joined ROTC as a freshman to “fill my free time while in college,” his time-management skills have provided additional opportunities to teach financial literacy and volunteer at Columbus’ National Infantry Museum to support Gold-Star families. He credits his ROTC experience with providing the discipline to succeed.
“ROTC at Columbus State has been a foundation for my discipline and dedication, demanding that I balance academic coursework with the challenges of military training,” he explained. “Every task I’ve taken on—from PT to study sessions—has been guided by my commitment to do the little things right. That attention to detail, paired with the resilience to overcome challenges, has prepared me to excel not just here but in future service to my country.”
After graduating in May, Strayer hopes to branch Infantry and attend both Airborne and Ranger School. Post-Army, he intends to become an entrepreneur.
NO. 9: CADET FLEMING
Tyler Fleming, a senior interdisciplinary studies major specializing in communication, currently holds a 4.0 GPA. The Rutherford, North Carolina, native is a former infantryman
who joined Army ROTC because he sought purpose while in college and found a passion
for the program.
After graduating in May, he hopes to join the Medical Service Corps and attend both Airborne and Ranger School. Like his ROTC experiences, his focus on communication is readying him for that and his future assignments.
“Effective communication is critical in coordinating medical operations, managing teams and ensuring clear and accurate information is being transmitted at all times,” he noted. “[ROTC] has been a huge help in my academic success by instilling discipline, time management and leadership skills that have helped me excel both in and outside the classroom.”
ABOUT THE ROTC COUGAR BATTALION
Columbus State’s ROTC program has been developing future military leaders and contributing to the nation's defense since 1972. In June 1974, it commissioned its first 12 ROTC graduates, and since then, CSU’s ROTC program has grown in size and reputation. Today, the battalion includes more than 70 cadets—with plans to grow—on the path to commission as Army officers.
The cadre consists of traditional college students and active-duty Green to Gold enlisted soldiers desiring to advance in rank by earning a bachelor’s degree. Over the last 50 years, the Cougar Battalion has commissioned more than 650 officers and is recognized as one of the strongest units in the U.S. Army Cadet Command.
For more information about Columbus State’s ROTC Cougar Battalion or to explore ways to benefit from adding ROTC participation while a Columbus State student, visit columbusstate.edu/rotc.
Media contact: Michael Tullier, APR, Executive Director of Strategic Communication + Marketing, 706.507.8729, mtullier@columbusstate.edu
