Iowa State Army ROTC, Cyclone Battalion

excused by proper authority, are required to wear the prescribed uniform, attend all military exercises in their respective classes, and become members of the College Battalion." The federal government introduced the ROTC program at Iowa State in 1919. In September 1962 the ROTC program became voluntary and in September 1965 was converted to a General Military Science curriculum from a branch material program (Artillery, Engineer, and Signal Corps). The ROTC program remains a general curriculum. Women were first accepted into Army ROTC in school year 1972-73. The first group of females, 150, was commissioned in school year 1975-76. Women traditionally constitute some 20 percent of the corps of cadets and more than 15 percent of the commissionees. Over 5000 Officers have been commissioned through ISU Army ROTC. Cadets from the Battalion perform very well resulting in an above average number of Distinguished Military Graduates, and most importantly, highly qualified and motivated lieutenants who are well prepared to provide Army soldiers the leadership they deserve. The Cyclone Battalion continues to be one of the premier Army ROTC programs in the country, with over 75 cadets enrolled in Military Science classes at Iowa State.