Badger Corps Launches Inaugural Membership Drive
The volunteer-led network connects military-connected UW-Madison alumni, faculty, staff, students, and supporters.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Military Jobs
Badger Corps, a volunteer-led network for military-connected UW-Madison community members, launched its inaugural membership drive. Membership is open to anyone passionate about serving military-connected Badgers, regardless of military experience or UW-Madison attendance.
Why it matters
The network brings together diverse military and veteran communities under a single umbrella at UW-Madison, offering a structured way for Madison-area supporters to get involved. Its launch follows an exploratory year of conversations with campus and alumni groups.
Badger Corps was founded in 2026, drawing on the model of Clemson University's Clemson Corps, which has operated for 28 years. The launch does not disclose membership targets or current enrollment, and the scale of the network's future outreach remains unannounced.
The players
Badger Corps
A volunteer-led network connecting military-connected UW-Madison alumni, faculty, staff, students, and supporters, founded in 2026.
Keith Balts
A 1992 UW-Madison graduate and retired U.S. Air Force colonel who serves as Board Chair of Badger Corps.
Joe Rasmussen
Director of University Veteran Services at UW-Madison, a campus office that supports veterans and military-connected students.
The details
A founding committee drafted the organization's charter and established its board of directors in June 2026, following an exploratory year of conversations with ROTC commanders, University Veteran Services, local alumni, and the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association. Board Chair Keith Balts, a 1992 UW-Madison graduate and retired U.S. Air Force colonel, said the group was inspired by Clemson's network. The network plans steady expansion, beginning with informal social gatherings and gradually building toward larger events and broader community outreach.
Timeline
2026: Badger Corps is founded.
June 2026: A founding committee establishes the board of directors.
November 11, 2026: The inaugural membership drive launches.
Market Landscape
Badger Corps was directly inspired by Clemson University's Clemson Corps, which has operated for 28 years as a network for military-connected community members. The launch applies that university-based model to UW-Madison, signaling a growing effort among American universities to organize military-connected alumni and students.
Madison-area alumni, students, and supporters with military connections can join the network regardless of prior service or UW-Madison attendance. Membership is open now, with informal social gatherings planned as the first step.
The takeaway
Community networks built around shared service can give military-connected people a durable place to belong after leaving active duty. Anyone interested in supporting military-connected Badgers can join now.
Further reading
Explore more military jobs opportunities in the Madison area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WRJN - Racine.
