- Joining the Society -

The officers of Scabbard and Blade desire that recognition through membership in the Society is easily available to all qualified cadets and midshipmen. Established at the University of Wisconsin - Madison during the 1904-05 academic year, Scabbard and Blade is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies.

1. General Qualifications:

• Academics - Good scholastic standing in both academics and military subjects.
• Service - Willing to serve in extra-curricular activities representing the Society.
• Character - Must be of outstanding ethical and moral character.

2. Specific Measures of Eligibility:

1. Membership is limited to cadets and midshipmen of the R.O.T.C. programs who have entered their fifth semester of academic studies;
2. Membership is further limited to the top 20 percent of each academic class as defined by the order of merit rating of the R.O.T.C. department or unit to which they belong;
3. Membership must only be extended to individuals of high moral character, as exemplified by the Five Stars*.

3. Society Expectations:

• Complete dedication to the best traditions of the United States military service.
• Your sincere efforts to serve and advance the aims of the society.

4. Your Membership:

• Provides life-long association with distinguished officers of all services, as well as exposure to Joint missions and organizations.
• Confers distinction for high achievement in undergraduate and professional military studies.
• Stimulates and encourages mental development and discipline.
• Preserves valuable traditions and customs.
• Provides spiritual and intellectual leadership development through the qualities of the Five Stars.
• Imposes upon members high citizenship responsibilities and emphasizes deeper study and discussion of the American tradition -- its characteristics, ideals, and possibilities.

5. Individual Nomination Process: It is not necessary to establish a Scabbard and Blade Company (chapter if you like) on your campus in order to become a member. A member of the R.O.T.C. cadre at your school may nominate you by verifying that you meet the above requirements necessary for membership. Maintaining a company will provide leadership experience and life-long friends, but will also require a good deal of effort. To join as an individual, simply ask the ranking cadre member of your R.O.T.C. unit to list you and other qualified cadets and midshipmen on your campus on the official Member Nomination Form and submit it to the national office. Your new member packet will be shipped to the nominating cadre member for presentation to you at an appropriate ceremony. There is a $10.00 processing fee which must be submitted for all nominees listed on the form. Upon approval of your nomination, you will receive an email invitation to join the Society's member-only Five Star Net professional networking site which will provide complete information about staying involved and participating in Scabbard and Blade. NOTE: For Honorary Members, use the nomination form for that purpose.

6. Starting a New Company: If you are interested in starting a new company of Scabbard and Blade at your college or university, visit the new company page for further information. After reading this information, you may contact the National Executive Director at phone 405-377-4279 for clarification of points you do not fully understand.

*The Five Stars are principles established by the cadets who founded Scabbard and Blade at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, during the 1904-05 academic term. They are revealed to new members during initiation ritual.

"There is no limit to the good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit."
-- General George C. Marshall