During the advent of World War II, the U.S. Navy turned to liberal arts colleges to provide a basic education for their recruits. [1] Between July 1, 1943, and June 30, 1946, more than 125,000 individuals were enrolled in the V-12 Navy College Training Program which was offered in 131 colleges and universities throughout the United States. The purpose of the V-12 program was to grant bachelor's degrees to future officers from both the U.S. Navy and the Marine Corps. [2]
Individual programs at each college varied and included Line units (which were the majority and therefore not indicated), Dental units, Medical units and Theological units. Some colleges were host to more than one type of unit. [2]