ETSU seeks your help to convince Army to reverse ROTC decision

Army announces decision to close ETSU ROTC program

East Tennessee State University learned in early October that its Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program is one of 13 programs across the nation being closed by the U.S. Army.

The decision to close the programs was made by the Secretary of the Army, based on a recommendation by the U.S. Army Cadet Command. The phase-out plan will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by August 2015. ETSU is one of three schools in Tennessee on the list of programs being closed. 

The ETSU ROTC program, which falls under the auspices of the ETSU College of Business and Technology, includes 54 Cadets who are on contract with the U.S. Army. Approximately 222 ETSU students are enrolled in military science programs.

The ETSU family is determined to do all we can to convince the Army to reverse its decision.

On Oct. 3, the day the decision was announced, Dr. Brian Noland, President of ETSU, said this:
"We are devastated. We feel this decision is an injustice to our students, to our graduates, and to the outstanding men and women who have led this program since it was founded in 1952."

To view a video where Dr. Noland shares his thoughts, click here.

We do not consider this story to be finished. We do not accept this decision to end ROTC at ETSU. We need your help to Keep ETSU ROTC.

Follow this site for news and updates about ETSU ROTC. And please send us your stories about ETSU ROTC and what the program means to you, your family, your friends, your community – to our nation.

And, most importantly, write to your elected representatives to voice your support for the program. Tennessee U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, as well as Congressman Phil Roe, want to preserve this great program as well.

This vital part of the ETSU family has provided officers and leaders for the U.S. Army, National Guard and Reserve units throughout the region including neighboring states.

So, please: send us your ETSU ROTC stories! Write to your elected officials. In the coming days, we will provide suggestions on you may help in a letter writing and e-mail campaign to share your support with the Tennessee Congressional Delegation as well as encouraging the efforts of Tennessee State Senator and Representatives, the Tennessee Military Office and Governor Bill Haslam.

Tennessee is the most affected state; the Volunteer State is losing three ROTC Units. Future opportunities for Tennessee university students at ETSU, Tennessee Tech and UT-Martin are in jeopardy.  In addition, the UVA-Wise ROTC Program is an ETSU partner and it directly also affects these Southwest Virginia college students.

Please share your messages and photos with us! 

For e-mail you want to share, please send it here. By U.S. mail, send to:
KeepETSUROTC P.O. Box 70410, Johnson City TN 37614