After a long four years of undergoing early mornings, strenuous physical training, and learning what it takes to be leader, Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) seniors will be commissioned as 2nd Lieutenants in the United States Army. The ceremony will take place on May 5th, 2023 at 10:00 am in Lee’s Chapel where friends and family will gather to celebrate the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one. One where they trade out their cadet ranks for butter bars—a term used often to reference a 2nd Lieutenant because, as funny as it sounds, their rank insignia ironically looks like one.
New 2nd Lieutenants will oversee platoon size units consisting of a platoon sergeant and two or more squads; approximately 16-44 soldiers. The AROTC program allows cadets within the four years they are in the program to practice being in leadership roles so they can be prepared to take on the responsibility of being a platoon leader. Even though everyone will have different jobs in the Army, ultimately every newly commissioned officer will have the same roles and responsibilities. Those responsibilities entail leading, planning, and making decisions in high-pressure environments.
“For me, commissioning signifies the growth and maturity I’ve gained up to this present moment and helps me reflect on how far I’ve come to get to that point,” Waverly Mayo (‘23) said.
Throughout the ceremony, many customs and traditions must take place. To start off the event, everyone stands to sing “The Army Goes Rolling Along” and the National Anthem. The lyrics of “The Army Goes Rolling Along” tells the history of the Army’s victories and brings pride to those who have served their country and to those who are currently serving their country. It is expected that every soldier sings it proudly. After that, a guest speaker, who is normally a retired officer, offers words of encouragement and advice. Finally, to close things off, cadets will recite an oath to their country which secures their entry into the Officer Corps. Following the oath, friends or family members pin the 2nd Lieutenant rank on the shoulders of the newly commissioned officers.
“During the Oath of Office, each cadet will recite with someone they choose who can be an officer in any United States military branch,” Professor of Military Science (LTC) Lieutenant Colonel Reitano said. “A lot of times we see retired grandparents or parents come back and give their son or daughter the oath.”
The powerful message they recite is a vow that they will protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
“My oath is going to be my father,” Eric Sangtiago (‘23) said. “I look up to him a lot so for him to give me that oath means a lot.”
Another part of the ceremony directly after the oath and pinning is the first salute. This is where an enlisted soldier gets to come and salute the young Lieutenant for the first time in a ceremonial fashion. They usually present them with a half dollar afterwards to acknowledge and give respect to their new rank and position.
What’s special about commissioning and going through the ROTC process is that you are guaranteed a full time or part time job after college. Cadets have gone through military science classes, physical fitness tests, completed and passed Advanced Camp at Fort Knox Kentucky over the summer, and much more to get to this point.
Going into the ‘Big Army’ is a highly anticipated milestone. Many cadets are looking forward to moving onto their first duty stations, where they will actually be doing what they love most: leading. But before doing so, they must graduate from what is called the Basic Officer Leader Course. Santiago received active duty and will be going to Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC) in July to complete a core component of training at Fort Lee Virginia, which is the home of quartermaster school. BOLC gives new 2nd Lieutenants skills and understanding as to how to make an impact as a leader while also giving knowledge about what their job entails.
A quartermaster in the Army is someone who oversees and ensures all equipment, materials, and supplies are available and working for missions. They play a key role in supporting the soldiers who work out in the field.
Even after commissiong, the desire to be great never stops. With characteristics such as discipline, resilience, and courage, nothing can get in the way of climbing up the ladder to success.
“It takes somebody to have the will and desire to do it [ROTC & Army],” LTC Reitano said. “It’s not something that’s so hard to get to but it requires effort by the individual to want to do it. Nobody wakes up in the morning and says, ‘I want to do a 12-mile ruck march’, that’s not common. But for someone who wants to serve their community and nation it’s easy for them to do it.”
