Pershing Rifles
| Pershing Rifles | |
|---|---|
| Founded | October 2, 1894 University of Nebraska–Lincoln |
| Type | Honor |
| Former affiliation | PFA |
| Status | Active |
| Emphasis | Military |
| Scope | National |
| Colors | Blue and White |
| Symbol | Pershing Rifles Coat of Arms |
| Flower | White Rose |
| Publication | The National Shield |
| Chapters | 60 Units |
| Headquarters | 500 Westover Drive Suite #1400 Sanford, North Carolina 27330 United States |
| Website | www |
The National Society of Pershing Rifles is a U.S. military-oriented honor society for college-level students founded in 1894 as a drill unit at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. It is the oldest continuously operating U.S. college organization dedicated to military drill. Originally named Varsity Rifles, members renamed the organization in honor of their mentor and patron, Lieutenant (later General of the Armies of the United States) John J. Pershing, upon his departure from the university in 1895.
Pershing Rifles became a national organization in 1928 expanding to include several other universities, with companies consisting of drill teams as well as tactical units. Together, these units form what is known as the National Society of Pershing Rifles.