History and Heraldry

Our motto is Strong Truths Well Lived!

Army mottos are often used as part of customs and courtesies to politely greet other members of an organization, to dismiss a unit in formation, or to end official meetings or formal events with respect. As one of the oldest ROTC programs in the nation, our motto is a proud reminder of our unit history and those who have come before us.

The modern hand salute developed in the 17th–18th centuries in Europe, where Soldiers were commonly armed with weapons. Approaching a superior with your weapon hand free and visible was a sign of non-hostile intent. This evolved into the formal motion of raising the right hand toward the headgear.

Greeting of the Day

When you approach a senior-ranking faculty member or Cadet on campus, it is polite to continue to walk toward them and initiate a salute once you are approximately 30 feet or 6 paces away from them. At this time, you will simultaneously state in an ordinary tone and volume of voice, "Strong Truths, sir" or "Strong Truths, ma'am". You will hold your salute up as you continuing walking.

The senior-ranking individual will then respond by returning the salute, stating in an ordinary tone and volume of voice, "Well Lived, Cadet."

Once the senior-ranking individual finishes dropping their salute, you will then drop your salute.

Ending an Official Meeting

At the end of official meetings, every member of the room will stand up and move to the Position of Attention. Members of the room simultaneously render a salute and state in an ordinary tone and volume of voice, "Strong Truths!"

The senior-ranking individual will then respond by returning the salute, stating in an ordinary tone and volume of voice, "Well Lived!"

Once the senior-ranking individual finishes dropping their salute, the members of the room then drop their salutes and continue business as usual.

Dismissing a Unit in Formation

During official ROTC functions such as the end of a Battalion-level physical training event, it is customary for members of the unit to "form up" and stand in a structured formation or arrangement.

The senior-ranking individual will initiate this formation by stating, "Fall In!" The senior-ranking individual will be positioned at the front of the formation. They will move to the Position of Attention themselves, and state, "Battalion, Attention!"

Members of the formation will then all move to the Position of Attention.

Next, the senior-ranking individual will resoundingly state, "STRONG TRUTHS!" All members of the formation will then state resoundingly in unison, "WELL LIVED!"

Finally, the senior-ranking individual will state, "Dismissed!" This signifies that members of the formation can depart and conduct business as usual.

Toasts at the Beginning or End of Formal Events

At the beginning or end of formal bowtie, suit-and-tie, and evening gown events, it is traditional for the senior-ranking Cadet or faculty member to render a toast to the Greyhound Battalion.

The senior-ranking individual will request all attendees to charge (fill) their beverage glasses. They will then raise their glass up in the air, and state in a resounding voice, "STRONG TRUTHS!"

Every attendee will then respond by raising their glasses, and state resoundingly in unison, "WELL LIVED!"

Every member of the room will then take a sip of their drink. This is an unbroken tradition that has occurred since the Greyhound Battalion's Inaugural Military Ball on April 25, 1953.