UCO Army ROTC Becomes Largest Program in Oklahoma, Sets New Commissioning Milestones
March 23, 2026
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Army ROTC program, known as the Broncho Battalion, has grown to become the largest program of its kind in Oklahoma and is among the largest in the region.
The program has reached a record 140 cadets for the 2025-26 academic year, setting new highs in commissions to the United States Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard. The Broncho Battalion’s tremendous growth has placed it among the top 10 largest ROTC programs in the region, including Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming.
“The sustained growth of UCO’s Broncho Battalion reflects a focused effort to recruit, retain and develop high-caliber cadets prepared to meet the Army’s evolving operational and leadership demands,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.
“As enrollment and commissioning numbers continue to climb, UCO is solidifying its role as Oklahoma’s leading producer of Army officers ready to serve at home and abroad. This growth is a testament to the dedication of our ROTC leadership and faculty who invest in these cadets every day, instilling in them discipline, character and a deep sense of responsibility to their communities.”
UCO’s Army ROTC program has experienced significant growth in recent years. From spring 2024 to fall 2025, the program’s on-campus cadet population more than doubled, increasing from 39 to 85 cadets. That growth is translating into leadership development and officer production. UCO will commission 10 cadets this year—more than triple last year’s total of three and a significant increase from just one commission the year prior.
Across the broader program, 21 cadets will commission or have commissioned this year, matching or exceeding totals from other major ROTC programs in the state. UCO has already contracted enough cadets to commission more than 20 in the 2026-27 academic year and more than 18 in 2027-28, with projections expected to rise as enrollment continues to expand.
UCO’s ROTC program includes cadets from partner universities, allowing those students to participate in the ROTC program while still attending their home institution. Partner universities include Cameron University, Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City University and Southern Nazarene University.
For more information about the UCO Army ROTC program, visit uco.edu or contact the Department of Military Science at armyrotc@uco.edu.
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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma’s Army ROTC program, known as the Broncho Battalion, has become the largest ROTC program in Oklahoma and the region. The growth is driven by a dramatic increase in cadet enrollment and in commissioned officers entering the United States Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard. Pictured, members of the UCO Army ROTC.
