Over 3,064,780 active members

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

Opening branch overview

Building the branch home surface

Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.

Overview

Members

Units

Cadet Command (Army ROTC) UD

U.S. Army•4 members

Cadet Command (Army ROTC) UD Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the Cadet Command (Army ROTC) UD?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

Cadet Command (Army ROTC) UD

U.S. Army

**Military Unit: Cadet Command (Army ROTC), University of Delaware** The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program at the University of Delaware, known as the "Blue Hen Battalion," traces its origins to 1918, when military training was first established on campus in response to World War I. The unit became formally affiliated with the U.S. Army Cadet Command in 1986, following the nationwide reorganization of ROTC programs. Over the decades, the Blue Hen Battalion has trained and commissioned hundreds of Army officers, supporting both national defense and community leadership. The unit continues to be recognized for its excellence in leadership development, academic achievement, and commitment to service.

About Cadet Command (Army ROTC) UD

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

Cadet Command (Army ROTC) UD

U.S. Army•4 members

Cadet Command (Army ROTC) UD Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the Cadet Command (Army ROTC) UD?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

Cadet Command (Army ROTC) UD

U.S. Army

Unit members

james chap

U.S. Army Military Retiree · 2004 - 2009

Message View Profile

Edward Gifford

U.S. Army Military Retiree · 1989 - 1992

U.S. Air Force Other

U.S. Army · 1986 - 1990

Message View Profile

View all members

Army photos

View all photos

About Cadet Command (Army ROTC) UD

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.