PDT Auxilary

Introduction

Founding

In the late 1950's, the PDT members witnessed a growing number of women's drill teams in exhibitions and competitions in conjunction with invitational drill meets. In particular, there were women's teams such as those from Utah State University, Ball State University (the Mademoiselles) and others. Their performances were in high heels, form fitting outfits, and appeared to carry a high premium on appearance.

The belief of the PDT officers in the fall of 1959 and spring of 1960 (Terry Ryan, CO, Jerry Friedman, Exec: Don Taylor, adjutant; Ed Smith, Service Captain; Ed Powers, Drill Captain; and Ralph Myers, Training Captain) was that women's competition should be based marching ability (vs. a fashion and beauty show). The initiative was to create a Purdue Drill Team Auxiliary (PDTA) founded on ability in precision military drill and attitude. (Appearance would not be a factor) Regulations for forming the PDTA were drafted and approved by the membership.

With the best drill team in the nation on the same campus, it was decided that the PDT would be the advisory group for the new team. The PDTA was responsible to the Executive Officer of the Purdue Drill Team. All actions of the PDTA required PDT Commanding Officer approval.The official formation of the PDTA took place in March of 1960 with the objectives of the new organization being exactly the same as the PDT, those being

1. To foster encourage and develop efficiency in military drill,
2. To promote teamwork and cooperation,
3. To advance the ideals of the military establishment,
4. To provide opportunities for leadership, and
5. To help all branches of ROTC in any way possible.

At this point it should be remembered that females were not yet authorized within the ROTC structure. That, however, would come to pass later.

Make no mistake about it; the same burning desire for success exhibited by the PDT was also in place for the PDTA.