U.S. Army to close ROTC programs at UNI, Buena Vista, and University of Dubuque

A U.S. Department of Defense “deferred resignation program” has pushed the U.S. Army Cadet Command to cut its civilian workforce 12 percent — or 168 positions — shrinking its ROTC footprint through closures and reclassifications, including three in Iowa.

ROTC programs at the University of Northern Iowa, Buena Vista University, and the University of Dubuque will be inactivated by the start of the 2026-2027 academic year, according to a U.S. Army news release.

“These reductions prompted a reassessment of the ROTC footprint to ensure continued mission success while operating with fewer civilian personnel,” according to the Army, characterizing the changes as a “strategic rebalance and optimization of the Senior ROTC program.”

“These adjustments will optimize resources, improve operational effectiveness, and maintain the Army’s commitment to recruiting, training and commissioning high-quality officers for the Total Army.”

The changes include inactivation of the 1st Brigade headquarters at Fort Knox and the inactivation, reclassification, or merger of 85 ROTC sites — including 10 “host units,” like at UNI.

A host unit is defined as “a senior ROTC program located at an institution with a formal agreement with the Secretary of the Army.

“Cadets attend training and classes on their home campus, and the institution is staffed with full-time ROTC personnel.”

The ROTC units closing at Buena Vista and the University of Dubuque are classified as “extension units,” defined as “senior ROTC programs linked to a host institution but located at a separate campus. Cadets take ROTC courses at their own institution with full-time cadre assigned to their campus.”

The University of Dubuque’s Army ROTC was offered through a partnership with UNI — having been reactivated in 2004, according to spokeswoman Stacey Ortman.

Buena Vista, responding to the news, said it is “disappointed by the U.S. Army Cadet Command’s decision to close our ROTC program after 15 productive years.”

“The decision was made without advance notice, creating challenges, particularly for students who planned to begin or continue ROTC at BVU this fall,” said spokeswoman Megan Ogren.

Although she couldn’t speak to the specific number affected, Ogren said, “they were notified fewer than 60 days before the semester that they would be unable to do so at BVU.”

“As soon as we were informed of the closure on Friday, June 27, university staff began reaching out to every impacted student to offer support and discuss their options,” she said. “For those who still wish to pursue a military pathway, we are working with them individually to explore alternatives whether through BVU or another institution.”

Although the Army’s plan implements closures by the 2026-27 academic year, Buena Vista no longer will accept new cadets starting this academic year.

“We remain committed to supporting our military-affiliated students and helping them achieve both their academic and military goals, whether here at BVU or at another institution,” she said.

The ROTC programs provided a path to Army officer commission — offering classes to students on leadership, physical training, and field training.

The Army is retaining ROTC programming on about 900 campuses, including the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.

Vanessa Miller covers higher education for The Gazette.

Comments: (319) 339-3158; vanessa.miller@thegazette.com