ROTC programs at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) and the University of Dubuque are shutting down. An ROTC unit at Buena Vista University in western Iowa will also be eliminated. According to a release, the U.S. Army Cadet Command is “implementing a strategic rebalance and optimization of the Senior ROTC program,” getting rid of a number of programs across the nation. The Cadet Command is also eliminating 168 positions from its civilian workforce. The U.S. Army said the changes are part of an effort to improve efficiency. Cadets impacted by the changes will be given opportunities to continue their education and training. The changes will go into effect starting the summer of 2026.
The U.S. Army is cutting ROTC units at 10 universities nationwide, including the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Dozens of other institutions, including UW-Stevens Point, will see fewer on-campus resources and staff for their ROTC unit because of federal workforce reductions. The changes are slated to take effect in summer 2026 and tied to the Trump administration’s deferred resignation program, which encouraged federal employees to leave their jobs while continuing to receive pay through September.