Reserve Officers' Training Corps

Since 1916 the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and the study of military science has been an integral part of curricula in Oklahoma colleges and universities. During the last 100 years, several thousand commissioned officers started their military careers by participating in Oklahoma ROTC program s at selected universities.

The US Army ROTC Battalion at Oklahoma State University, known as the "West Point of the Prairie," was established in 1916. Ninety general officers are alumni of the program.

The US Air Force ROTC Detachment 670, Oklahoma State University, was originally established in 1946 at what was then the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, commissioning officers for the Army Air Corps. Then in 1952 the detachment became the first Air Division in the country, comprising the 52nd and 53rd wings.

The US Army ROTC Battalion at the University of Oklahoma, known as "The Sooner Battalion," was established in 1917.

The US Air Force ROTC Detachment 675, University of Oklahoma, was established in 1952.

The US Navy and US Marine Corps ROTC Battalion, University of Oklahoma, was established in 1940.

The US Army ROTC Battalion at the University of Central Oklahoma, known as the "Broncho Battalion," was established in 1969. It has the distinction of commissioning a female cadet who achieved the rank of Brigadier General.

The US Army ROTC Battalion at Cameron University, known as "The Comanches," began in 1951 as a 2-year basic ROTC program for freshmen and sophomores, and continued through 1966.   In 1970, following Cameron University's transition to a 4-year degree granting institution, the Battalion offered an Advanced ROTC program.

The Oklahoma Military Academy at Claremore offered ROTC programs from 1919 to 1971, and was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame in 2005.

The Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation is honored to recognize the ROTC units in our state. Over the past 100 years, the ROTC officers from all branches of service have contributed to America's National Defense, with many having given their lives for our country.