1. The Purdue Drill Team was organized in 1947 by seven former Marines as the Scabbard and Blade Drill Team. In 1952 the Drill Team made a partial break with Scabbard and Blade and became known as "The Purdue Drill Team sponsored by Scabbard and Blade." In 1955 the Purdue Drill Team became a completely independent organization governed by its own constitution.
2. Although composed primarily of members of the Army, Navy, and Air Force R.O.T.C. units, the Purdue Drill Team was open to any male Purdue student. The Team was thus unique in that it was the only collegiate intra-service drill team participating in exhibition drill competition on the nationwide level.
3. Even though the Team was not directly connected with an R.O.T.C. program, the members selected a cadre officer from each R.O.T.C. branch to serve as an advisor. In addition, one enlisted man was elected to serve as drill consultant to the Team.
4. The objectives of the Purdue Drill Team as stated in its Constitution were ìTo foster, encourage, and develop efficiency in military drill; to promote teamwork and cooperation; to advance the ideals of the military establishment; to provide opportunities for leadership; to help all branches of the R.O.T.C. in any possible way; and to promote goodwill within Purdue University and with other universities.
5. The Purdue Drill Team won its first competition in 1948. Since then it competed in over 50 drill meets, capturing 39 firsts, 7 seconds, and 3 thirds. Only once was this remarkable record blemished by placing lower than third.
6. The most important meet each year was the national R.O.T.C. drill team competition held in Washington D.C. in conjunction with the Cherry Blossom Festival. The national meet was held annually, beginning in 1955, with 50 to 70 teams competing each year from the nationís best collegiate drill teams. The Purdue Drill Team won the coveted national championship six out of ten times, and was thus duly recognized as the national champion. No other drill team won more than once. While in Washington, the Team performed for top military officials at the Pentagon. It also performed at the White House for President Kennedy who was made an honorary member of the Team.
7. Although the national drill meet was the highlight of the competition season, the Team competed in five or more other meets during each spring semester. These included invitational meets at the Universities of Illinois and Michigan, Ohio State University, and Purdue. In addition to these, the Team participated in many civic parades and gave exhibitions at local schools, and schools throughout Indiana. The Team also performed exhibitions at various university events, including the annual presidentís review, basketball and football games.