Tar Heel Battalion History

Early 1990s: The Vision Takes Shape

In 1993, Colonel William Causey, a proud 1968 UNC graduate and commander of the Carolina Army ROTC Brigade, saw untapped potential in UNC-Chapel Hill’s ROTC program. At that time, the program was limited by its cross-enrollment status, which hindered growth and visibility. COL Causey spearheaded efforts to upgrade the program to extension center status, a move that promised greater resources, autonomy, and opportunities for cadets.

1994: A Major Milestone

In spring 1994, after persistent advocacy, the Army approved the upgrade. This was a significant achievement, making UNC-Chapel Hill’s ROTC program the only new ROTC program in the nation that year. This upgrade not only brought prestige but also attracted more cadets, setting the stage for future growth.

1995: Rapid Growth and Excellence

On March 22, 1995, UNC officially became an extension center of Army ROTC. By August 1995, the program’s cadet enrollment had outpaced that of nearby Duke University and North Carolina Central University (NCCU). UNC-Chapel Hill cadets quickly distinguished themselves, achieving the highest composite averages in leadership and military proficiency among the 16 programs in the Carolina Brigade.

1997: Reaching for Greater Heights

Building on this momentum, in Spring 1997, Lieutenant Colonel James Rhoads, the Extension Center Officer in Charge at UNC-Chapel Hill, applied for another upgrade—this time to host status. The program’s exemplary performance and rapid growth made a compelling case. That same year, the program was awarded the prestigious Douglas MacArthur Award for being the most outstanding Army ROTC program in the nation in the small program category.

September 1997: Achieving Host Status

On September 1, 1997, the Army formally approved UNC’s upgrade to host status. This recognition solidified UNC-Chapel Hill’s place as a leading institution for ROTC training. The program’s success continued, earning the MacArthur Award in 1999, 2003, and 2023. This cemented its reputation for excellence.