History
The development of ROTC across the country and the Fighting Illini Battalion — over 150 years of tradition, service, and excellence.
Beginning of ROTC
ROTC had its beginnings in the early 1800s when civilian colleges began to offer military instruction to students. During the Civil War, it became apparent that West Point could not produce the quantity of officers required. Congress included a special provision in the Morrill Land Grant Act of 1862 — offering states federal land to create colleges that would offer training in agriculture, mechanical arts, and military tactics.
First Day of Classes
On the first day of classes, Spring Semester 1868, 75 students at the Illinois Industrial University — now the University of Illinois — reported for roll call to the Military Department. Each had to be at least 15 years of age. The first campus dress code required all pupils to wear a gray uniform with a blue cap. From this beginning, training in “Military Tactics” became an integral part of education at the University of Illinois.
University ROTC Gains Popularity
In 1871, the University’s Corps of Cadets was sent to Chicago to assist in maintaining order following the Great Chicago Fire. Up until this time, the University had received little popular support. As the University grew, the Corps of Cadets flourished to become known as the “West Point of the West.”
National Defense Act
With World War I raging in Europe, Congress passed the National Defense Act, formally creating the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). During the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, ROTC provided over 70% of the Army’s officer requirements. In 1964, the ROTC Revitalization Act created the 2-year program, increased pay, and added scholarships. In 1973, women became eligible for enrollment in ROTC.
Construction of the Armory
The present Armory building was completed in 1914, with its last major renovation in 1926. Built exclusively for military training, it housed equipment, offices, classrooms, and a drill floor — originally dirt and cinders. When construction finished, the Armory was considered the largest structure in the world without a center support.
ROTC at UIUC
In 1919, ROTC began full operations on campus. Originally branch-specific, the 1923 enrollment included 830 in Cavalry, 738 in Infantry, 236 in Air Service, 208 in Engineers, and 194 in Signal Corps. Cadets trained with cannons, tanks, horses, pontoon bridges, and airplanes. ROTC enrollment peaked at 4,772 Cadets in 1942. The University established Naval ROTC in 1945 and Air Force ROTC in 1949 — making it one of the few universities with tri-service ROTC, which still holds true today.
ROTC Revitalization Act
The switch to voluntary ROTC drastically affected enrollment. In 1963, enrollment fell to 3,100 Cadets. By 1964, it plunged to 500. As a result of public resentment over the Vietnam Conflict, enrollment dropped to only 69 Cadets in 1974. The 1980s saw a rebirth of national pride and patriotism — enrollment rose to 129 by 1988.
The Fighting Illini Battalion Today
With the entrance of women into ROTC in 1973, the Fighting Illini Battalion had the distinct honor of commissioning the first woman through ROTC. Throughout its history, the University of Illinois has consistently trained high-quality leaders for duty in the US Armed Forces. Today, former cadets continue to forge history across the globe. Just a fraction of the contributions to this nation are highlighted in the Battalion’s Hall of Fame.
View Hall of Fame →