Welcome to The Palmetto Battery

The Citadel has 21 Cadet Companies - 19 of these are Rifle Companies, 1 is the Regimental Band, and 1 is an Artillery Battery. The Artillery Battery is known as Palmetto Battery, and has 100 Cadets of all classes assigned to it.

Palmetto Battery is in charge of approximately 50,000 pounds in artillery and equipment, which is fired at formal parades and football games. There are two large 75 mm guns that are permanently displayed on the parade field, and 4 large reproduction M1841 Army Howitzers with 4 Artillery Caissons as well as a small brass gun. The Cadets and artillery can be seen in action during the school year most Fridays at the 3:45 PM parade on The Citadel’s Summerall Parade Field. It is free to attend and open to the public. Please check the parade schedule for details.

The Palmetto Battery also owns the Regimental Color Guard. All new Cadets receive training on the guns as well as how to serve on a Color Guard, who support community activities throughout the Charleston area. Assigned cadets are rotated on these details. The Battery is also responsible for the main post Flag Pole located on the Summerall Parade Field. They raise and lower the flag each day. After Parents weekend this detail is supported by the Battery Freshman.

Palmetto Battery commissions more cadets as Lieutenants upon graduation than any other company. They have a strong tradition of military and academic excellence. The Battery always produces more than its fair share of Company, Battalion, and Regimental Commanders.

Palmetto Battery is a very cohesive unit with strong bonds between cadets. Service in Palmetto Battery is service to The Citadel and to the values of the Institution.