Department of Military Sciences (ROTC), 1939-2016 | Dr. JoAnn Rayfield Archives at Illinois State University

The Illinois State University "Red Bird Battalion" ROTC program is comprised of five series. The first series contains the governance of the program, outlining its establishment, scholarships, ROTC agreements and partnerships. The following series accommodates a variety of publications essential to the organization image and education. This includes newspapers, ISU ROTC newsletters, yearbooks, military history books, cadet training manuals, event pamphlets, maps, handbooks, and recruitment pamphlets. The next three series consist of objects. Series three maintains a variety of Army uniforms, such as formal, working, physical training ensembles. Ephemera and memorabilia consisting of ISU ROTC events, promotion, achievement, and performance awards. The last series is photographs and CD media preserving the growth and activities of the ROTC at ISU and within the larger community.

The Illinois State University “Red Bird Battalion” ROTC program commissions junior officers to the United States Army. The ISU ROTC collections contains the governance records, publications, Army uniforms and equipment, ROTC ephemera and memorabilia, and photographs and CD media. This collection documents the history of the ISU ROTC foundation, cadet training, and the organization's involvement in the community and surrounding universities.

Department of Military Sciences (1981-)

Formed in 1981, the Illinois State University “Red Bird Battalion” began as a ROTC program, commissioning junior officers into the United States Army. Since its formation, the battalion has grown to encompass the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, and nursing, preparing students for service as officers in the Army either as active or reservist. ISU ROTC expansion led to partnerships with Illinois Wesleyan University, Bradley University, Milikin University, Lincoln College and Heartland Community College, as well built relations with the civilian public through community service. The battalion celebrated its 35th anniversary last year, which has resulted in the inclusion of many anniversary items that are also in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the United States Army ROTC program nationally. Author: Sarah Coffman, Telisha Reinhardt, Ian Richardson

Illinois State University. Department of Military Science.
Illinois State University. Reserve Officers' Training Corp.
Military art and science - Study and teaching (Higher) - Illinois - Normal.