Air Force ROTC Returns To Yale University

The Secretary of the U.S. Air Force was in New Haven on Monday.  He joined Yale University officials to announce a new Reserve Officer Training Corps unit on campus. Air Force ROTC is the second military detachment to agree to return to Yale this year.  The university announced in May that it would also reinstate a Naval ROTC unit. 

Speaking to a roomful of cadets, military and university officials, U.S. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said with ROTC on campus, Yale students will see examples each day of the young men and women who serve in the military.  "It’ll be a reminder that while the United States military’s all volunteer force remains one of our nation’s strengths, this strength depends on broad participation by its citizens."

The military left Yale and many Ivy League institutions at the height of the anti-Viet Nam war protests. Later, Yale struggled with the Department of Defense over Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, the policy prohibiting gays and lesbians from serving openly. After Congress voted to repeal the policy, a survey of Yale undergrads showed overwhelming support for a return of ROTC. 

Don’t Ask Don’t Tell officially ends on September 20th. 

For WNPR, I’m Diane Orson.