Northeastern State University

History

The citizen soldier holds a significant role in the defense of the nation. From the Revolutionary War to today, much of America’s defense mission rests with its citizen soldiers. Army ROTC is part of this proud, time-honored tradition.

History of ROTC
The establishment of American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy (later renamed Norwich University) Norwich, Vermont, in 1819 marks the origin of Army ROTC. Norwich, unlike the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, was a civilian educational institution. The idea of educating men on a broad scale did not occur until 1862.

The Morrill Act of 1862 offered to transfer ownership of federal lands to the states. The states could then use the proceeds from the land sale to establish universities. These universities were to teach agriculture, mechanical arts, and military science. The University of Arkansas was formed under the Morrill Act in 1871 as a land grant institution.

The National Defense Act of 1916 formally created a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and provided increased support for campus training programs and summer camps. The reserve components’ success in World War I led to the National Defense Act of 1920, which enlarged and standardized the ROTC program. This allowed the Army to rely more heavily on ROTC as a source for trained reserve officers. In 1964, the ROTC Revitalization Act added flexibility to all ROTC programs. It formalized most of the program options offered today: the four-year program, two-year program, scholarships and subsistence allowances.

Cadet Command’s shoulder patch (below) was authorized 28 April 1986. The shield symbolizes the Army’s mission of national defense and is divided into quarters representing the four traditional military science courses comprising the senior ROTC curriculum. The sword signifies the courage, gallantry, and self-sacrifice intrinsic to the profession of arms. The lamp denotes the pursuit of knowledge, higher learning, and the partnership of Army ROTC with colleges and universities. The Greek helmet is symbolic of the ancient civilization concept of the warrior scholar. The motto "Leadership Excellence" expresses the ultimate responsibility of Army ROTC in the discharge of its duty to the Nation.

In 1976, Army ROTC was established at Northeastern State University as a partnership school with the University of Arkansas. The program grew to one of the best in the nation in the late 1980s. The program was deactivated in 1994 due to Department of Defense budget cuts, but was re-established in 2003. Today, NSU ROTC is one of the fastest growing and strongest programs in the Midwest.

Phone, Fax & E-mail

Phone: 918-444-3067
Fax: 918-444-3065
E-mail: nsurotc@nsuok.edu