August 2002
Norwich University was founded in 1819 as the American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy. It is the nation's oldest private military college and is the birthplace of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). In 1834 the "Academy" was chartered as Norwich University, and in 1898 was further designated by the Vermont legislature as the Military College of the State of Vermont.
For more than one hundred fifty years, uniformed staff and faculty at Norwich University have held commissions in the Vermont State Militia (VSM), and have been inextricably linked with the Corps of Cadets and the Vermont National Guard. Since 1864 their shared heritage has earned them a place in our nation's history, as on October 19th of that year, an invasion of Confederate soldiers from Canada conducted a raid in St. Albans. The Corps of Cadets, accompanied by uniformed members of the faculty and staff, organized and rallied at various posts to defend against a Confederate invasion.
The proud history of members of the staff and faculty serving as uniformed members of the VSM continues today. And while the Cadets wear a distinctive traditional "Cadet Gray" uniform, the staff and faculty proudly wear the uniform of the United States Army as adapted in this Uniform Manual. I therefore expect the uniformed faculty and staff to continue to uphold the rich heritage and tradition behind the wearing of the uniform. This means that each uniformed member of the faculty and staff must present a neat, clean, professional military appearance. The uniform must fit and be worn properly as detailed herein. It must be pressed and maintained in a well-fitting and serviceable condition. Grooming standards must present a neat, conservative military appearance.
To help you to meet the proper standards for wearing the uniform, the Manager of the Uniform Store is authorized to order and issue all uniform articles, and can assist with proper sizing, fitting, and replacement of unserviceable items. The Uniform Store extension is 2206. If you have further questions or problems, please address them to the Deputy Commandant at extension 2140.
This Manual and all future revisions will be accessible through CLiC and posted on the University Web site at www.norwich.edu/policy/uniform.
Richard W. Schneider, MG, VSM
Twenty-third President