Army ROTC began at Youngstown College in 1950 to answer the Army’s need for officers. The first cadets to undergo training were veterans of World War II, who participated in an accelerated commissioning program during the Korean War to rapidly field trained officers for wartime service. Initially, the institution was designated as an Air Defense Artillery branch program; however in 1964, the program was re-designated as branch immaterial, allowing officers to serve in any of the 16 branches of the Army. YSU Army ROTC was headquartered in the Wick-Pollack building until 1982, when it moved to its present location in Stambaugh Stadium. In 1986 the Corps of Cadets was named “The Western Reserve Battalion.” The name Western Reserve originates from the 1789 Congressional Land Grant to the Ohio River Valley area which granted land to veterans of the American Revolution’s Continental Army.

In 1990, the YSU Army ROTC Program was cancelled as part of the post cold war draw down, but continued as a partnership school with the University of Akron. That association ended in 1995, when the YSU Army ROTC program was placed under Kent State University.

Since the programs inception in 1950, the YSU Army ROTC Program has commissioned 1,023 second lieutenants for service in the U.S. Army. Those officers have participated in all major conflicts and peacekeeping missions since that time, including ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of its graduates continue to serve as officers on Active Duty, or in the Army Reserve or National Guard. The Army ROTC program is a visible asset, providing support to many YSU and community activities. A capstone of the program is a replica of a civil war field gun provided by the YSU Army ROTC Alumni and fired by the Corps of Cadets in support of YSU athletic and student activities.

A Promising Future

The Western Reserve Battalion and YSU recently renewed their commitment to provide high quality officers to the United States Army. In February 2008, the university’s request to restore the program to its original “host” battalion status was approved. YSU ROTC will no longer continue its partnership with Kent State University and is preparing to become its own entity in the fall of 2008. The department is increasing its Cadre and Staff support to handle the expected increase in workload of a program expected to grow exponentially. The cadre and Cadets are eager to face the challenges that will come with this increased responsibility and take this remarkable opportunity very seriously as we tell the Army story. With the support of university leadership and influence of several distinguished alumni we remain optimistic about the continued and increased success of the program. The Cadre and Corps of Cadets are honored to represent the College of Health and Human Services, Youngstown State University, and the U.S. Army at such a critical time in our history as we carry on the rich heritage of YSU Army ROTC with pride and distinction.