MSG Vernon A. Peterson, MSG Robert E. Phoenix, MSG Ray H. Seewer. Photo courtesy of the University of Colorado Boulder Library Archives, University Collection.

The first CU-Boulder Army ROTC Cadre members, circa 1948. Front left: LTC Chester Landaker, CPT Landsford F. Kengle Jr.; back left: MSG Vernon A. Peterson, MSG Robert E. Phoenix, MSG Ray H. Seewer. Photo courtesy of the University of Colorado Boulder Library Archives, University Collection.

Following World War II, the University again requested an Army ROTC program and in 1948 the Army established its first official ROTC program on campus. Limited to engineering, physics, geology, and chemistry students, the unit was designed to train officers to serve in various components of the Army. 

The new Army ROTC unit was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Chester L. Landaker with Captain Landsford F. Kengle Jr. acting as the assistant PMS. Master Sergeant (MSG) Ray H. Seewer was the SMSI, while MSG Robert E. Phoenix was the Administrative NCO and MSG Vernon A. Peterson was the Supply Sergeant.

Office and storage space for the new staff was secured in the Armory building with two rooms reserved in the Engineering Admin building on campus for classrooms. A total of 63 students were enrolled in the Engineer Unit ROTC by mid-October of 1948.

Three first year Advanced Cadets were designated Distinguished Military Students at the end of the spring quarter 1949. Eight first year Advanced Cadets were ordered to attend ROTC Summer Camp at Fort Lewis, Washington. In June 1949, Colonel Cornman L. Hahn took over the reigns as the commander and PMS&T.
 
By the start of the fall quarter 1949, the Army ROTC offices moved over to the basement of Old Main. A room in the basement of Macky Auditorium was obtained for the supply space. The enrollment for the fall quarter also saw an increase in enrollment due to an extensive outreach campaign. The new enrollment for AROTC was 92.

Milton L. Wiley, Roger H. Nelson and William M. Parr. Photo courtesy of the University of Colorado Boulder Library Archives, University Collection.

The first CU-Boulder Army ROTC commissioning class of 1950. From left to right (front row): Donald C. McCarter, Donald L. Feller, Glenn R. Chafee, Jr. and Mark Chilton; (back row): Milton L. Wiley, Roger H. Nelson and William M. Parr. Photo courtesy of the University of Colorado Boulder Library Archives, University Collection.

The first seven graduates were commissioned as Second Lieutenant’s in the Engineer Corps in May 1950. The CU program was later expanded to produce officers in all braches. By the end of the spring quarter 1951, an additional six first year Advanced Cadets were designated Distinguished Military Students. And twenty four first year Advanced Cadets were ordered to attend ROTC Summer Camps at Fort Lewis, WA. Three first year Advanced Cadets attended the Fort Monmouth (Signal Corps) ROTC Summer Camp and one first year Advanced Cadet was ordered to the Edgewood Arsenal (Chemical Corps) ROTC Summer Camp.

As of July 1, 1951, the University of Colorado had installed the Army Air Corps ROTC unit which was ultimately to consist of 700 men in training. With the addition of the Air unit, the University became one of the few schools in the country which had an ROTC unit for all branches of the service – Army, Navy, Marines and Air Corps. CU’s president at the time, Robert L. Stearns was highly commended for developing this extensive military program for male students on campus.

The Army ROTC spaces have expanded in Old Main and Macky Auditorium between 1951 to 1955. The Armory is used for indoor drill space in inclement weather. And with the completion of the indoor Rifle Range, the Army ROTC Team continues to show improvement. Relations among all ROTC units are well coordinated with extensive cooperation between all sections.