Five University of Central Oklahoma students earned both their college degrees and commissions as officers in the United States Army during the university’s annual spring commissioning ceremony, May 8.
The commissioning marks the culmination of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, which prepares college students to become leaders in the active Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve. UCO’s program, known as the Broncho Battalion, is the largest program of its kind in Oklahoma and is among the largest in the region.
“This commissioning contributes to a total of 21 newly commissioned officers for the year, exceeding the program’s annual mission for the first time in five years," said Lt. Col. Shaun McIntosh, chair and professor of military science and leader of the Broncho Battalion at UCO.
"These officers have completed rigorous academic, physical and leadership training and are fully prepared to lead soldiers in the United States Army.”
\n \n\n A group of ROTC students cuts a cake and smiles at the camera.\n \n“It is an honor to commission these outstanding leaders. Their success reflects the strength of the UCO Army ROTC program, the support of the university and the dedication of families and partners who played a critical role in their development,” Lt. Col McIntosh said.
Over the past three years, the UCO Army ROTC program has experienced significant growth through the dedication of its cadre, staff and cadets. The program has expanded to approximately 140 cadets, placing it among the top 10 largest ROTC programs in the region, including Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming.
Central’s Army ROTC program partners with four affiliated universities—Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City University, Southern Nazarene University and Cameron University—allowing students from these institutions to commission through UCO’s program while completing their bachelor’s degree at their home university.
Army ROTC is the nation’s largest commissioning source, producing approximately 70% of all Army officers.
For more information about the UCO Army ROTC program, visit www.uco.edu/business/rotc or contact the Department of Military Science at armyrotc@uco.edu.
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