A Proud History-A Bright Future

Army ROTC at Tarleton State University

The history of military training at Tarleton can trace its beginning all the way back to the formation of Tarleton College in 1890.  All male students at Tarleton College were required to wear military uniforms and participate in military training.  All students were referred to as “cadets” during these early years.  Radical changes in the military training occurred during World War II.  Many courses were added to support the build-up in preparation for World War II.  Some of the changes included Flight Training, which was added in 1939.  The entire university took on the role of doing its part to support the military effort that would be needed to win World War II.  Tarleton provided many members to the military.  Also, many of the Tarleton faculty and staff resigned their positions to volunteer for military service.  One of the federal programs offered at Tarleton was called the Army Specialized Training Program or ASTP.  This program was established by the War Department in 1942. Under the program, Army enlisted men were sent to various colleges and universities to take coursework in engineering and allied subjects.  The first 500 ASTP members arrived at Tarleton on July 21, 1943.  Tarleton State University has produced hundreds of fine Army officers since its inception. These former cadets have gone on to all branches of the Army.  These alumni continue to make the Texan Battalion and the University community proud to have been a part of their lives.  Join the tradition of Army ROTC at Tarleton State University.