WASHINGTON — Department of War Sec. Pete Hegseth officially announced the launch of a new flagship program, "America's Corps of Cadets," partnering with five higher education institutions across the nation. 

The initial cohort of partner schools includes Louisiana State University (LSU), Liberty University, Tuskegee University, Mississippi State University, and Hillsdale College.

Under the new initiative, these institutions will establish dedicated "Corps of Cadets" programs designed to train and develop future military officers.

"To meet this critical need, we are partnering with a new crop of premier higher-ed institutions... These schools have stepped forward to answer the call to duty," Hegseth said. "This flagship effort is central to our goal of increasing the number of patriotic leaders of character commissioning into the Joint Force."