This year marked the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Army ROTC programs in the nation. Colorado School of Mines was designated the ROTC Company for the Battalion (13 Metro Area Schools) to host the celebration, which occurred in conjunction with E-Days festivities on April 1.
- Starting at 7 a.m., Cadets from Army ROTC Buffalo Battalion, joined by Air Force Cadets (approximately 220 participants) conducted a three-mile run throughout campus.
- Between 8 a.m. and noon, a series of cadet competitions and workshops were held on the IM Fields and the Student Center Ballrooms.
- Around noon, helicopters (featuring the Chinook, Apache and Blackhawk) landed on the Intramural Fields. The helicopters approached from the north and passed over Lots Q and C. Pieces of heavy-duty equipment were on display in Parking Lot D until 2:30 p.m.
- Around 12:45 p.m., President Paul Johnson and Major General Funkhouser spoke from the stage at Lot D.
- Following the speeches, there was a ceremonial cutting of the 100th “birthday” cake, using sabers. Hugh Evans (class of 1949) and CPT Ryan Gibbons (class of 2009 and Apache Helicopter Pilot) cut the cake.
History of Mines ROTC
In 1919, with the War Department authorization, Colorado School of Mines became one of the first four colleges in the United States to establish a reserve officers training corps (ROTC). Since the program’s inception, Mines has commissioned more than 2,400 officers for the U.S. Army. Since its official designation in 1919, Mines classes were compulsory for all freshman students for a minimum of one year. This policy lasted until 1971. The Golden Buffalo Battalion has received U.S. Army Cadet Command’s MacArthur Award in 2013 and 2015, naming the Mines ROTC program as one of the top 8 in the nation.
Colorado School of Mines Military Science Department offers Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC programs. Cadets experience leadership, team building and management training while attending the ROTC course. ROTC Cadets simultaneously pursue an undergraduate degree. Upon completion of ROTC requirements and receipt of their degree, Cadets are commissioned as 2nd Lieutenants and are sent to their respective posts or bases to complete their officer training and begin their military leadership career.
Visit the Mines ROTC website for more information.
Contact:
Kathleen Morton, Digital Media and Communications Manager, Colorado School of Mines | 303-273-3088 | kmorton@mines.edu
Karen Gilbert, Director of Public Relations, Colorado School of Mines | 303-273-3541 | kgilbert@mines.edu
