University of Oklahoma Army ROTC
The University of Oklahoma Army ROTC (
History
The OU Army ROTC has its roots in the Student Volunteer Regiment, which was formed in 1917 as a result of the entry of the United States into the First World War. Then-University President Stratton D. Brooks approved the creation of an amateur military unit at the behest of the study body, which demanded instruction in basic military skills and tactics. The Regiment, however, lacked instructors, equipment, and formal support from the Army. Lasting only one semester, the Student Volunteer Regiment was soon supplanted by the Student Military Regiment, which was led by two retired Army officers who themselves hand-carved wooden military drill rifles.
The
Since then, the OU Army ROTC has continually produced Army officers - save a brief interruption during the
Program organization
The OU Army ROTC unit mimics the
principles.Fourth year
Training opportunities and activities
Cadets attend PT, class and lab as a part of the ROTC program at OU. Fitness training follows a 5-day a week program known as the Physical Readiness Training (PRT) program. Cadets are evaluated on their physical aptitude several times a semester with the
Cadets in the OU Army ROTC program are extremely active on campus, in the state, and across the nation. Along with the
Each year, OU Army ROTC sends cadets to participate in the
Cadets are also allowed to attend special Army training schools, such as
School.Cadet status
Many contracted cadets are actual uniformed members of the Army Reserve or Oklahoma National Guard. As such, they are entitled to financial remuneration which may include the complete payment of all costs associated with higher education and a modest tax-free salary.
Many cadets are also former
While enrolled as a cadet, soldiers who also serve with a reserve component unit may not be deployed. Cadets live as typical college students while at the same time engaging in physical training (PT), military instruction, and officer education. They are not subject to many of the same regulations that govern other soldiers. For example, they are not legally obligated to report their whereabouts to the
Location
The unit is headquartered in the Armory, which is a small brick building located at the center of the University of Oklahoma's Norman campus. It contains offices, classrooms, a supply room, a drill floor, and a cadet lounge.
Notable alumni
- Jack Ridley, USAF test pilot and project engineer for the Bell X-1 program.
- Bob Kalsu, professional football player killed during the Vietnam War.
- US Special Forces.
- John Lucian Smith, Medal of Honor recipient.
External links
- Official OU Army ROTC Website
- Official Website of the University of Oklahoma
- Official Army ROTC Website
References
1) http://www.ou.edu/rotc/army/history/historymainone.html, part of the Official OU Army ROTC History Website, which was compiled from numerous primary and secondary source documents available only to the organization.