Appalachian State University's very own Pershing Rifles Company M-4 attended the National Society of Pershing Rifles' National Conference and Competition in Washington DC. Following a day of drill competition judged by the U.S. Army Drill Team, the App ROTC Cadets placed first overall against teams fielded from 23 universities across the country. They were awarded the title of Varsity Rifles. Their success was the culmination of all their efforts over the past year; training, recruiting, and fundraising to attend the event. Eighteen Cadets formed teams to compete in the Color Guard, Platoon Regulation, Squad Regulation, Squad Exhibition, and Individual Exhibition events. App's PRs placed second of 23 teams in Squad Regulation, Squad Exhibition and Platoon Regulation. Cadet Myers placed 3rd in Solo Exhibition. Additionally, the App PRs were noted for their academic standing, also coming in second overall. On Saturday, several Cadets took the opportunity to visit the Capital, visiting the Smithsonian and National Monuments. That evening App Cadet Austin Smith was elected as the new Pershing Rifle's National Commander alongside 5 other App State Cadets; elected or selected for National office. Fire on the Mountain!
