A Proud History-A Bright Future
The Brigham Young University ROTC Battalion has been proud to help
develop the leaders of tomorrow.
A Brief History of the BYU Army ROTC Program
The Army ROTC program was initiated at Brigham Young University on 29 April
1968. A building was constructed specifically for the ROTC Program (both
Army and Air Force) and dedicated as the Daniel H. Wells ROTC Building in
October 1968.
The first course of instruction was held during the 1968 Spring Term with a
faculty and staff of four officers, two enlisted men, and two civilians.
David R. Lyon, Colonel, Field Artillery, was the first professor of military
science.
Extracurricular activities begun at that time included a Drill Team, Rifle
Marksmanship Team, Color Guard, and the Army Sponsor Corps. Later, the
Army ROTC Chorus, the Army ROTC Band, and a Ranger Company were organized.
In its early years (1969-1974) the BYU Army ROTC Program consistently had
the largest voluntary cadet enrollment west of Texas A&M University and the
largest attendance at both the Basic and Advanced Camps.
Since 1976, BYU cadets have consistently placed in the top few of the
institutions participating at the Fourth Region Advanced Camp, which is held at
Fort Lewis, Washington. In 1988, two of the ten top regimental cadets of
the camp were from BYU.
In 1988 & 1990 the BYU Ranger Challenge Team placed first in Brigade
competitions, and first in Region Competitions at Fort Lewis Washington.
Because the team achieved scores higher than those achieved in any of the other
three ROTC Regions, the BYU Rangers were declared 1988 and 1990 National
Champions.
Those serving as past Professors of Military Science are
as follows: David R. Lyon, COL (1968-1972) deceased March 2002; Bartley E. Day,
COL (1972-1977) deceased October 1994; Donald G. Andrews, COL (1977-1980); John
T. Kallunki, LTC (1980-1983) deceased August 1977); Brigham S. Shuler, LTC
(1983-1987); John Norton Jr., LTC (1987-1991); Paul M. Searle, LTC (1991-1993);
Joseph L. Allred, LTC (1993-1995); John J. Sullivan, LTC (1995-1998); Donald A.
Coe, LTC (1998-1999); Reid E. Grawe, LTC (1999-2006). The current Professor of
Military Science is Major Theodore (Ted) M. Leblow. He assumed command of this
detachment in June of 2006.
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