History of the BYU ROTC Program

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BYU ARMY ROTC PROGRAM

The Army ROTC program was initiated at Brigham Young University on 29 April 1968. A building was constructed specifically for the ROTC Program (both Army and Air Force) and dedicated as the Daniel H. Wells ROTC Building in October 1968.

The first course of instruction was held during the 1968 Spring Term with a faculty and staff of four officers, two enlisted men, and two civilians. David R. Lyon, Colonel, Field Artillery, was the first professor of military science.

Extracurricular activities begun at that time included a Drill Team, Rifle Marksmanship Team, Color Guard, and the Army Sponsor Corps. Later, the Army ROTC Chorus, the Army ROTC Band, and a Ranger Company were organized.

In its early years (1969-1974) the BYU Army ROTC Program consistently had the largest voluntary cadet enrollment west of Texas A&M University and the largest attendance at both the Basic and Advanced Camps.

Since 1976, BYU cadets have consistently placed in the top few of the institutions participating at the Fourth Region Advanced Camp, which is held at Fort Lewis, Washington. In 1988, two of the ten top regimental cadets of the camp were from BYU.

In 1988 & 1990 the BYU Ranger Challenge Team placed first in Brigade competitions, and first in Region Competitions at Fort Lewis Washington. Because the team achieved scores higher than those achieved in any of the other three ROTC Regions, the BYU Rangers were declared 1988 and 1990 National Champions.

Those serving as past Professors of Military Science are as follows: David R. Lyon, COL (1968-1972) deceased March 2002; Bartley E. Day, COL (1972-1977) deceased October 1994; Donald G. Andrews, COL (1977-1980); John T. Kallunki, LTC (1980-1983) deceased August 1977); Brigham S. Shuler, LTC (1983-1987); John Norton Jr., LTC (1987-1991); Paul M. Searle, LTC (1991-1993); Joseph L. Allred, LTC (1993-1995); John J. Sullivan, LTC (1995-1998); Donald A. Coe, LTC (1998-1999); Reid E. Grawe, LTC (1999-2006). The current Professor of Military Science is Major Theodore M. Leblow. He assumed command of this detachment in June of 2006.