About this Unit
The NROTC Oregon State unit was established in 1946 at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, as part of the nationwide Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program to develop future officers for the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Over the decades, the unit has commissioned hundreds of ensigns and second lieutenants, many of whom have gone on to distinguished military careers. The program emphasizes academic excellence, leadership development, and physical fitness, while fostering strong ties with the university community. Today, NROTC Oregon State continues its mission of preparing midshipmen and officer candidates for service as professional naval and Marine Corps officers.
Historical Facts
• Founding Year: The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) unit at Oregon State University (OSU) was established in 1946, shortly after World War II, making it one of the oldest NROTC programs on the U.S. West Coast.
• First Commissioning: The unit commissioned its first class of Navy officers in 1950, contributing to the postwar expansion of the U.S. Navy’s officer corps.
• Historic Armory: The original NROTC offices and classrooms were housed in McAlexander Fieldhouse, a historic campus building that predates World War I.
• Dual Service Program: OSU’s NROTC was one of the first in the nation to offer both Navy and Marine Corps commissioning tracks, reflecting the university’s strong military tradition.
• Women in NROTC: OSU NROTC welcomed its first female midshipmen in the 1970s, shortly after women were allowed to join the program nationally, and has since produced many distinguished female officers.
• Outstanding Drill Teams: The Beaver Battalion’s drill teams have repeatedly earned top honors in national and regional competitions, showcasing discipline and esprit de corps.
• Alumni Achievements: Numerous OSU NROTC alumni have achieved flag rank (admiral or general), including Vice Admiral (ret.) Thomas R. Wilson, former Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency.
• Scholarship Hub: OSU NROTC consistently ranks among the top units nationwide in the number of full-ride scholarships awarded to prospective midshipmen.
• Community Engagement: The unit is known for its annual “Beaver Battalion Leadership Challenge,” inviting high school students from the region to participate in military skills and leadership events.
• Presidential Visits: OSU NROTC has hosted several high-profile guests, including former Secretary of the Navy John Lehman and astronaut and Navy Captain John Herrington, who is also an OSU alumnus.
