University News

WIU ROTC Program Celebrating 50th Anniversary

March 28, 2018

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University's Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The WIU Military Science program received approval of the ROTC addition Nov. 20, 1967, and classes began the fall quarter of 1968. There was an enrollment of 32 MS III junior cadets and 95 basic course cadets in the first freshmen class.

Both two- and four-year programs were initiated on the WIU campus. The four-year program consists of the Basic Course (first two years) and the Advanced Course (second two years). Basic Course students do not incur any military obligation; the course is taken like any college course.

Advanced Course students include all those who have either successfully completed the Basic Course, have been through basic military training, or receive advanced placement credit. The last two years of the program are designed to prepare the student for a career as an officer in the United States Army. Entry into the Advanced Course is a joint decision by the student and the Department of Military Science. To
gain acceptance into the Advanced Course, a student must: be of sound moral character, a U.S. citizen under 31 years of age, have no philosophical views which would make the student a conscientious objector, have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00, and have no medical conditions.

The two-year program permits the student who has successfully completed the ROTC Leader's Training Course, or who has a status of Veteran, prior service, National Guard, or United States Army Reserve, to enter directly into the Advanced Course Program.

During the following 1969-70 school year, the Vietnam War discouraged some students from joining the program. Students protested because of the Kent State shootings in newspapers and handbills, which resulted in a four-day takeover of the ROTC programs at Simpkins Hall.

After four days, the Student Government Association sponsored a vote on whether to keep the program, which was approved by the students. WIU was also the only state university in Illinois not forced to close down due to student protests.

In the 1970-71 school year enrollment increased to 57 cadets and 46 were enrolled in the advanced course. In the 1971-72 the Basic Course enrollment reached to 74 cadets.

Since 1967, WIU's Military Science program has prospered. In 1994, 2001 and 2002, Western's Military Science program earned its second consecutive General Douglas MacArthur Award and received a top 20 ranking among all 270 U.S. Army Cadet Command Programs nationwide.

In 1995, Western was named a second top Achiever for Resource and Cadet Management Excellence. Also, WIU won Best Large Battalion in 10th Brigade in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

As of December 2017, WIU has commissioned over 1,068 cadets and seven of its alumni have reached the rank of General Officer.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the ROTC hosted its 50th annual Military Ball on March 24 in the University Union Grand Ballroom

The ball is a tradition for the Military Science program to celebrate any accomplishments that they have had during the year. In addition, it allows for cadets to gain experience in training exercise protocols, logistics and planning. ROTC students help plan the entire ball from start to finish.

"The military ball is planned and executed by students and gives an opportunity to highlight their successes and pride in the program to their family and friends," Lieutenant Col. Helling said. "Traditionally, alumni have returned to show their support for the students and share with them their stories and experiences."

Many awards were announced at the ball including, the COL Leo Manning Scholarship Award, George C. Marshall Award, and Donna Konkler Memorial Scholarship. In addition, Cadets from each MS Year – freshman, sophomore, junior and senior will be honored. The top MS Cadet was honored as well.

For more information about the ROTC program, visit wiu.edu/rotc.

Posted By: Erika D Davis (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing