Dear Hampton University Cadets, Military Alumni, Family, and Friends,
Many of you have no doubt seen the recent article in Army Times, entitled “US Army Cadet Command Announces Senior ROTC Rebalance and Optimization.” As President, and as a commissionee of our historic Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, rest assured that we are working diligently to understand the full impact of this announcement.
In terms of overall purpose, the article states:
“In alignment with the principles of the Army Transformation Initiative, U.S. Army Cadet Command is implementing 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.”
It is important to note that these changes are not slated to take effect until the 2026–2027 academic year.
The article provides three definitions in connection with the new alignment:
- Host Unit: 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.
- Extension Unit: A Senior ROTC program 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.
- Crosstown: An institution that allows students to enroll in ROTC courses hosted at a host or extension unit. Cadets travel for their training rather than having full-time ROTC cadre at their home institution.
Hampton, along with 39 other institutions, will be redesignated as an extension unit, which means it will maintain its program. However, we are seeking to understand the precise relationship between host and extension units, and what level of autonomy extension units will retain. Initial indications are that our ROTC program would become an extension of the William & Mary host unit.
We will keep you informed as further details emerge.
In Excellence and Service,
Lt. Gen. Darrell K. Williams ’83
(USA, Retired)
President
