After WWII surplus Quonset huts became common in civilian roles. The huts were a frequent sight on university and other campuses as they provided a means of rapidly expanding university facilities to cope with the influx of new students, thanks to the GI Bill, which provided tuition and other assistance to returning military servicemen. The building has also been used for rainy day drills and storage. In 1953 it became a complete training center for the Navy and Marine Corps ROTC programs.
It was located at 2201 SW Washington Way, which is on the southern slope of Oregon State campus near Dixon Recreation Center, Goss Stadium at Coleman field, and the Parking Garage. To the east of where the building was located was an USMC obstacle course and practice yard which was used for ROTC physical training.
In July 2020, the unit moved out of the Armory and and took up residency in 160 Cascade Hall, making way for the Washington Way Improvement Project. In the Fall of 2023, the Obstacle course was moved next to the Women's Soccer Field on Western Avenue.
