Cadet Command (Army ROTC) UD

• Established in 1916: The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) was established under the National Defense Act of 1916, making it over a century old and one of the primary sources of Army officers. • Cadet Command Creation: U.S. Army Cadet Command was officially activated on April 2, 1986, at Fort Monroe, Virginia, consolidating Army ROTC and Junior ROTC under one command structure. • Nationwide Presence: Army ROTC is present at over 1,000 colleges and universities, making it the largest officer-producing organization in the American military. • Leadership Development: The motto of Cadet Command is "Leadership Excellence," reflecting its mission to develop future leaders for the U.S. Army. • University of Delaware (UD) Program: The University of Delaware’s Army ROTC program (the "Fightin’ Blue Hens Battalion") is among the oldest, starting in 1918, just after ROTC’s founding. • Notable Alumni: UD’s Army ROTC alumni include generals, combat leaders, and distinguished public servants, with many serving in major conflicts like World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terror. • Colorful Traditions: UD’s ROTC conducts annual events like the Military Ball, Ranger Challenge, and the Cadet Battalion Run, which have become campus traditions. • Commissioning Ceremonies: Each spring, UD Army ROTC holds a commissioning ceremony where cadets take the oath to become second lieutenants, often joined by family and high-ranking officers. • Community Service: UD cadets participate in community outreach, including Veterans Day ceremonies, color guards at sporting events, and local charity work. • ROTC’s Impact: Across the nation, Cadet Command commissions over 70% of all new Army officers each year, shaping the leadership core of the U.S. Army.