With the facilities approved, OSTC President Forrest Polk negotiated with the Army college responsibilities and compensation. As the contractor, the college was responsible for instruction in academic and physical fitness and for the provision of medical care, food and utilities. For its trouble the college was paid $26, 552 toward the remodeling of its facilities and the purchase of new equipment. Monthly the school was paid approximately $22,055 for the room, board, medical care and instruction of the soldiers (whom would never number over 400 at any given time).
Officers of 96th College Detachment (Major Hartman is front row, center)
Even before the contract was singed, the officers who would lead 96th college detachment had already settled into their new digs at the OSTC. The permanent military staff was comprised of six officers and thirteen enlisted men. 1st lieutenant George N. Miles was the first Commanding Officer, replaced early on by Captain Richard F. Hartman, who was soon afterwards promoted to major. It was under Major Hartman's watch that the 96th college detachment would operate for the next year. While the faculty and staff of OSTC were responsible for academics and the boarding of the cadets, Hartman and his staff saw to the military indoctrination of the soldiers, leading them on drills throughout campus.
