The Student Army Training Corps (SATC) was a program created by the US War Department in order to prepare young men for military service during World War I. Enlisted students took college courses while simultaneously training for military service.
Throughout the University of Montana’s 130 year history, Grizzlies have shown an uncommon willingness to step up in times of crisis. When the United States Senate voted to join World War I in April of 1917, there was a shortage of trained soldiers to send to Europe. The Student Army Training Corps (SATC) was created to help address that shortage, providing students access to a college education while training them for military service. In 1918, many Grizzlies joined the SATC. Students could be seen “drilling” all over campus with rifles and bayonets, or learning vital battlefield skills like building bridges and trenches.
In more recent years, the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) has filled a similar role by offering Grizzlies an opportunity to serve their country in the military while receiving a University of Montana education. The Grizzly Battalion has been ranked in the top 20 percent of ROTC programs nationwide. Today, the University of Montana is home to hundreds of veterans, military family, active National Guard members, and Reservists. More than 1,400 students, comprising 13 percent of the student body, are affiliated with the armed services. Over the years, Grizzlies have stepped up to serve their country in moments of crisis.
In more recent years, the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) has filled a similar role by offering Grizzlies an opportunity to serve their country in the military while receiving a University of Montana education. The Grizzly Battalion has been ranked in the top 20 percent of ROTC programs nationwide. Today, the University of Montana is home to hundreds of veterans, military family, active National Guard members, and Reservists. More than 1,400 students, comprising 13 percent of the student body, are affiliated with the armed services. Over the years, Grizzlies have stepped up to serve their country in moments of crisis.
A selection of scrapbook pages commemorating the University of Montana Student Army Training Corps, 1918. Students can be seen constructing bridges, training with rifles and bayonets, and building trenches, all on the grounds of the University of Montana.
