The Digital Collections Center has a new physical exhibit dedicated to the Furman Army ROTC digital collection. The exhibit is located on the ground floor of the Duke Library outside the Digital Collections Center offices. The Furman Army ROTC digital collection contains nearly 3,000 photographs documenting the rich and robust history of ROTC at Furman.
Furman’s Department of Military Science was first organized in September of 1950 as an Armored Cavalry ROTC Unit. In 1953, the program was re-designated from the Armor Branch to a general branch. Up until 1970, all male freshmen and sophomores who were deemed “physically and morally qualified” were required to serve in the ROTC. The large number of participants made for a robust and fascinating campus history. The ROTC included a color guard, ROTC band, rifle teams, and even a tank division (with 5 tanks). Furman’s ROTC program has enjoyed success in numerous extracurricular activities. The program enjoyed unrivaled success during the 1950-60s in small bore rifle competitions, winning over ten first place victories in local and regional competitions.
Learn more about the ROTC by visiting the digital collection online and browsing the exhibit located outside the Digital Collections Center on the ground floor of the Duke Library.