The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) is a college-based program in the United States, established by the National Defense Act of 1916 to train commissioned officers for the U.S. Army. Over time, similar programs were developed for the Navy and Air Force, expanding the scope and impact of R.O.T.C. nationwide. During World War II and subsequent conflicts, R.O.T.C. became a critical source of officers, supplementing the leadership ranks of the armed forces. Today, R.O.T.C. continues to provide leadership development, military training, and educational opportunities to students, preparing them for service as officers in the U.S. military.
