Battalion History
History of Army ROTC at Kent State University
During World War II, the University offered its resources to the U.S. Army Air Corps. From 1943-1944, pre-flight aircrew trainees occupied Moulton, Lowry, and Engleman Halls and used the classrooms, faculty, and old athletic field (now the Commons). In 1946, a flood of veterans entered Kent State. A Department of Military Science and Tactics was established in 1947 followed by the Department of Air Science and Tactics in 1951. Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) began at Kent State University in July 1947 to answer the Army's need for officers. The Kent State Army ROTC program was designated an infantry branch program. The majority of the first cadets were veterans of World War II. In 1953, the program was adopted as general Military Science, commissioning officers in all sixteen branches of the Army/ In 1971, the program moved from the college of Arts and Sciences and was placed under the administration of the Provost.
History of the Golden Eagle Battalion at Kent State University
In 1976, the cadet corps was named "The Golden Eagle Battalion". In 1995, Kent State University ROTC Department (host institution) assumed responsibility for the University of Akron (an extension center). Youngstown State University, John Carroll University, Cleveland State and Mount Union College were established as partnership programs. The Kent State Army ROTC program has continued to flourish as an academic department. Since its inception in 1947, the Kent State Army ROTC program has commissioned over 1,200 second lieutenants. The Army ROTC program continues to be a visible asset, providing support to many Kent State activities. The Golden Eagle Battalion and Kent State University will continue to provide high quality officers to the United States Army.
