NASHVILLE (AP) — The U.S. Army has agreed to put off the planned closure of Reserve Officers Training Corps programs at three Tennessee universities.

Republican U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker said Wednesday the delay will provide time to show the programs can meet the Army's needs.

The three ROTC programs are located at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville and the University of Tennessee campus in Martin.

The Tennessee ROTC programs were among 13 the army announced it would close around the country over the next two years.

Alexander thanked Corker and U.S. Reps. Phil Roe, Diane Black and Steve Fincher for working to keep the ROTC programs open for two more years while the Army reviews its plan.