Navy ROTC Returns to Harvard

From Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary Ray Mabus and Harvard University President Drew Faust will sign an agreement March 4 that will bring the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program back to Harvard for the first time in 40 years.

Under the agreement, the NROTC program will have an office on the Harvard University campus. This returns an NROTC presence to Harvard, one of the six original partner institutions of NROTC when the program was established in 1926.

"NROTC's return to Harvard is good for the university, good for the military, and good for the country," said the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. "Together, we have made a decision to enrich the experience open to Harvard's undergraduates, make the military better, and our nation stronger. Because with exposure comes understanding, and through understanding comes strength."

"Our renewed relationship affirms the vital role that the members of our Armed Forces play in serving the nation and securing our freedoms, while also affirming inclusion and opportunity as powerful American ideals," Faust said. "It broadens the pathways for students to participate in an honorable and admirable calling and in so doing advances our commitment to both learning and service."

NROTC active duty Navy and Marine Corps officers will meet with Harvard NROTC midshipmen on the Harvard campus during routinely-scheduled office hours. This partnership will enhance the mentoring and development of Harvard NROTC midshipmen and provide an opportunity for the Harvard community to learn more about the Navy and Marine Corps.

"The commitment of the University to educating active duty officers and military veterans is absolutely tremendous; over 100 current members of the University are serving or have served. And it is a relationship that, quite literally since the birth of our nation has benefited and enriched the experience of both Harvard and the military."

The NROTC program develops young men and women morally, mentally, and physically, and instills in them the highest ideals of honor, courage, and commitment. The program educates and trains young men and women for leadership positions in an increasingly technical Navy and Marine Corps.