LSU Corps of Cadets Building Nears Spring Opening
A $24 million, state-funded facility for LSU's military cadets is a few months from completion in Baton Rouge.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Military
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Construction continues on a $24 million, state-funded building for LSU's Corps of Cadets, which is a few months from completion. The facility will serve cadets from LSU and Southern and is expected to open this spring.
Why it matters
The project follows Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's announcement at the end of September that LSU is returning as a distinguished military college. Growth and a reinforced emphasis on military preparation make the new building necessary.
The state is funding the $24 million building, which replaces a structure that has housed the Corps since 1938. The source does not detail how the cost compares to other state military construction projects.
The players
Pete Hegseth
Hegseth is the U.S. Secretary of War who announced LSU's return as a distinguished military college.
LSU Corps of Cadets
The Corps of Cadets is LSU's military training program, which has operated in Baton Rouge since 1938.
The details
The new building will include a flight simulator, a virtual shooting range, and a repel tower for cadet training. It replaces the Corps' leadership training and military education building, the oldest unremodeled structure on campus.
Timeline
1938: The former Corps building begins serving cadets.
End of September 2026: Hegseth announces LSU's return as a distinguished military college.
Spring 2027: The new cadet building is expected to open.
Legacy Infrastructure
The new facility replaces the Corps' building that has served cadets since 1938, marking the first major update to the program's home base in decades. It reflects a shift from a legacy structure toward training tools like simulators and virtual ranges.
Cadets from LSU and Southern will gain access to a flight simulator, virtual shooting range, and repel tower when the building opens. Students and campus visitors can expect construction to continue until the spring opening.
The takeaway
The new Corps building signals LSU's commitment to military preparation as the program expands. Readers interested in military education can follow how the facility shapes cadet training once it opens.
Further reading
For more on military training programs in the region, explore Military coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wafb.
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Do you think the state's $24 million for LSU's cadet building is a good use of money?
