A Brief History of the Bengal Battalion
THE EARLY YEARS
1951 – 1966
Fall semester 1951 began the future of ROTC at Idaho State College. During the next 40 years 542 cadets were commissioned as second lieutenants. ROTC was beneficial to both ISC and the Army. The Army anticipated about 25 new officers a year from the program.
When the program began, it was a requirement that all freshman and sophomore males be enrolled in ROTC. That was, of course, if they were physically fit. The following two-years were the students’ choice. These first cadets were trained for the Chemical Corps. More than 200 freshmen males enrolled. In 1953 ROTC’s mission was redefined to provide general military education.
As the program grew, ROTC formed a marching band and a drill team thus supplying their talents for school or community events. In 1957 the Scabbard & Blade Society received its national charter.
ROTC maintained a high profile through the 50’s and into the early 60’s, although students were questioning the “must enroll in” philosophy. In addition, ROTC faced controversy with anti-Vietnam protestors. A bill was passed in 1963 in which participation in ROTC would be voluntary. With that bill the enrollment everywhere began to decrease.
THE MEAN, LEAN, IN BETWEEN YEARS
1967 – 1989
As the world moved on into the late 60’s, through the 70’s and 80’s ROTC went through a few changes. Requirements lessened for the introductory courses as far as standards of appearance. Leadership and training took a more contemporary path. Exercises took the form of rappelling, rafting and field exercises versus the old-fashioned drill and ceremony. Another welcome change came in 1974 with women being fully accepted into the program. In 1981, 21 of the 100 cadets enrolled in ROTC were women.
END OF THE 20TH CENTURY
1990 – 1991
As we began the last decade of the century, Idaho State University saw the close of the Army ROTC program. The Bengal Battalion was officially deactivated in 1991.
THE NEW MILLENIUM
2000
As the new millennium dawned, so returns the Army ROTC program. After a nine-year hiatus, the program began again in January 2000 with a class of 34 students.
CURRENTLY
2007
Since being reactivated, the battalion has commissioned
52 2nd Lieutenants. Our first commissioning was held May 17, 2002, where
we commissioned 7 officers. Three years in a row the Bengal Battalion
Cadet Commander was chosen as the recipient for the George C. Marshall
award. Additionally, we have had the honor of commissioning five
Distinguished Military Graduates. All of our newly commissioned officers
have proudly served in either the reserve or the active component of the US
Army protecting our freedom in