U.S. Army Reduces ROTC Programs at Multiple Universities
The U.S. Army has announced the reduction of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) units at 10 universities across the country, including the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. This decision comes as part of broader changes affecting dozens of other institutions, such as UW-Stevens Point, where on-campus resources and staff for their ROTC programs will be significantly reduced. These adjustments are linked to federal workforce reductions and are expected to take effect in the summer of 2026.
The changes are tied to the Trump administration’s deferred resignation program, which allowed federal employees to leave their positions while still receiving pay through September. As a result, the Cadet Command, which oversees Army ROTC, saw 168 civilian workers resign—approximately 12% of its workforce. This loss prompted a reassessment of the program’s structure and operations.
Brig. Gen. Maurice Barnett, commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command, emphasized that the changes aim to “rebalance and optimize” the program to meet the Army’s needs for officer commissioning while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
At UW-Oshkosh, about 40 students were participating in the ROTC program, with half enrolled at the university and the rest attending schools in the Fox Valley region. Despite the reduction, no university jobs will be eliminated due to this decision. Provost Ed Martini expressed deep disappointment over the move, noting that the program was established in 1967 and that the university values its long-standing partnership with ROTC. He added that the university will work closely with ROTC staff to ensure a smooth transition.
Students who take military science courses at UW-Oshkosh will receive customized teach-out plans to help them complete their programs. A final decision on whether to continue the military science major will be made later this summer.
In addition to UW-Oshkosh, nine other universities will see their ROTC units cut. These include:
- California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo (California)
- University of Northern Iowa (Iowa)
- Western Illinois University (Illinois)
- Truman State University (Missouri)
- Elizabeth City State University (North Carolina)
- St. Augustine’s University (North Carolina)
- Clarkson University (New York)
- John Carroll University (Ohio)
- West Virginia State University (West Virginia)
UW-Stevens Point is among 40 universities where administrative aspects of the ROTC program will be merged with another institution. The university currently has 49 ROTC cadets, and it remains unclear how the reorganization will affect them. University spokesperson Carrie Heibler said the impact is still being evaluated.
Despite these changes, ROTC programs remain active at around 900 campuses nationwide, including more than a dozen in Wisconsin. It is important to note that the cuts do not affect Junior ROTC programs at high schools across the country.
The reduction in ROTC units reflects a broader shift in how the Army manages its officer commissioning efforts. While some students may face disruptions, the focus remains on ensuring that those already enrolled can complete their training and fulfill their commitments. The future of the program at affected institutions will depend on ongoing discussions between the Army and university administrators.
