Department of Military Science, ROTC Commissioning Ceremony programs, 1984-2022

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Military Science dept.
Title
Department of Military Science, ROTC Commissioning Ceremony programs
Dates
1984-2022 (inclusive)
Quantity
.2 linear feet, (1 box)
Collection Number
2728
Summary
The Montana State University (MSU) Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a program in the university's Department of Military Science. Upon graduation from the ROTC program, cadets commission into the military as Second Lieutenants with the option to serve four years in active duty or eight years in the National Guard or reserves. The collection contains MSU ROTC commissioning ceremony programs, 1984-2022. Programs list the names of speakers at the ceremonies as well as the commissionee along with a brief biographical sketch, the branch of military they are commissioning into, and their major at Montana State University.
Repository
Montana State University Library, Merrill G. Burlingame Special Collections
Montana State University-Bozeman Library
Merrill G Burlingame Special Collections
P.O. Box 173320
Bozeman, MT
59717-3320
Telephone: 4069944242
Fax: 4069942851
Access Restrictions

This collection is open for research.

Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

The Montana State University (MSU) Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a program in the university's Department of Military Science. Military training at Montana State College (now MSU) first began with 40 cadets in 1896, just three years after the establishment of the college. The 1862 Morill Act stipulated that all male students under 26 at land grant colleges receive two years of military training. William M. Cobleigh, a professor of chemistry and physics, provided the first instruction in Military Science, and in 1897 Lieutenant George P. Ahern became the first professor of Military Science and Tactics at the college.

In 1916, the United States Congress created the ROTC program as part of the National Defense Act. In early 1917, MSU President James M. Hamilton asked the War Department to formally establish a ROTC program at Montana State College. MSC was one of several land grant colleges designated as a Senior ROTC unit host and detailed as a Branch Infantry ROTC unit.

Following the creation of the U.S. Air Force in 1952, the ROTC program expanded opportunities for military students, allowing them to apply for a commission in any combat arms or technical service branch. The 1964 the ROTC Vitalization Act further transformed the ROTC program, making the program voluntary rather than obligatory. It also offered two- and four-year college scholarships to deserving applicants. 1973 brought another significant change when Montana State University first began accepting women into to the program.

Upon graduation from the ROTC program, cadets commission into the military as a Second Lieutenant with the option to serve four years in active duty or eight years in the National Guard or reserves.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

This collection contains Montana State University Reserve Officers' Training Program (ROTC) commissioning ceremony programs, 1984-2022. Programs list the names of speakers at the ceremonies as well as the commissionee along with a brief biographical sketch, the branch of military they are commissioning into, and their major at Montana State University.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

[Creator Name], [Date of Creation], [Brief Description of Object], Folder [#], Box [#], [Collection Name], [Collection #], Montana State University (MSU) Library, Bozeman, MT

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Programs are arranged in chronological order from most recent to oldest.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Merry Bruce, University Liaison for the MSU Department of Military Science - Army ROTC, 2023 January 20.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box Folder
1 1 2008-2022
1 2 2001-2007
1 3 1996-2000
1 4 1984-1995

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Military Education--Montana--Bozeman
  • Montana State University--Bozeman--History

Corporate Names

  • Montana State University--Bozeman