UW-Oshkosh ROTC program to shift to Wisconsin National Guard leadership

APPLETON (WLUK) — Over 50 members of the Fox Valley Battalion took part in a training exercise in Plamann Park Thursday afternoon.

The ROTC program encompasses five universities in the area: UW-Oshkosh, St. Norbert College, UW-Green Bay, Marion University and Ripon College.

“Getting a chance to do our weekly, what we call ‘leadership laboratory training.’ So, the process of ROTC is all about developing future leaders for the United States Army, so what we’re doing today is developing leadership through a tactical setting,” said Lt. Col. Jon Doiron, who leads the ROTC group.

It’s the last remaining in Northeast Wisconsin.

In 2025, the program faced closure from the U.S. Army before being picked up under Marquette University’s program. Now, it’s making changes again.

“UW-Oshkosh is going to transition from an active duty, Army-run organization, to a Wisconsin Army National Guard-run organization. It will take a slight step down in its size, in its current stature,” Doiron explained.

The transition is set to take place before the fall semester.

The program saw an enrollment bump when it was announced it was staying in the area.

Currently, we have 53 enrolled and participating students in Army ROTC, which is great because that’s an increase from last semester of about 19 students.

Doiron told FOX 11 the universities are working on ways to help with the continued growth of the program. That includes improved transportation from UW-Oshkosh and UW-Green Bay for their weekly training exercises.

The Fox Valley Battalion will continue their training sessions at Plamann Park every Thursday through April 16. There will be signs posted for those looking to avoid the area.