Slippery Rock University’s U.S. Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) has been reclassified from a host unit to an extension unit. The changes were announced in July, with full implementation expected for next year.
LTC Brett M. Boyle, Chairman of the SRU Army ROTC, says the change is entirely administrative.
“Things that remain consistent are much of the cadet experience. We continue to offer military service classes at all levels.” Boyle says. He then assures that cadets “continue to be eligible for scholarships.”
Boyle says that the university will continue to have classes instructed by uniformed service members, and cadets will continue to be offered commissions to become military officers. Cadets will also continue to have field training exercises to straighten leadership skills and team building.
The change comes after 23 years of being a host unit, as Slippery Rock University had their program reclassified in 2002 after being an extension unit since its founding in 1980.
The reclassification is part of a broader initiative by the United States Army to reorganize and restructure the ROTC program to better fulfill its mission and ensure responsible management.
In a statement published on the U.S. Army’s website, Brig, Gen. Maurice Barnett, commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command, says the transition allowed them to “sustain and strengthen ROTC programs while providing quality training to cadets across the country.”
Slippery Rock University is not alone in having its ROTC program reclassified, as 39 other universities have also merged administrative and logistical support with other universities. Lock Haven University, Dickinson College and Drexel University were the other schools in Pennsylvania to have their program reclassified.
In a message posted to SRU News from the Office of the President signed by President Karen Riley, she said:
“SRU remains fully dedicated to supporting our Army ROTC program, our cadets, and their families through this transition.”
The Army expects the full implementation of the changes to start by the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic year.
