FORT LEE, Va.--Commissioning ceremonies provide a unique opportunity for senior leaders to engage and mentor new officers. Recently, Brig. Gen. David Wilson, the 40th Chief of Ordnance, talked with newly commissioned Lieutenants about their future as the Army's 'next-generation' leaders.

On May 11, Brig. Gen. Wilson delivered a keynote address and administered the oath office to 10 ROTC cadets at Grambling State University (GSU), in Grambling, Louisiana. Just two days later, Wilson was at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, administering the oath to another cadet, and witnessing his first salute.

This level of support is not unique to Wilson, but is shared by many senior officers and is indicative of the Army's commitment to develop a bench of agile and adaptive officers who will lead the Army of the future.

During his visit, Wilson talked informally with the cadets about his own experience as a cadet at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina.

On a more serious note, he spoke frankly about the challenges of balancing professional and personal goals. "Successful leaders, and you are all leaders, have learned this balance and how to maintain it for themselves and their people."

In his keynote address, Wilson praised GSU, noting that "When any institution devotes its core mission to creating opportunities and making dreams come true, it will forever have a place near and dear to your heart."

He also lauded the U.S. Army's education system, saying "No other Army or civilian business in the world invests systematically as much time or money into the education of its people. That's one of the reasons why the Army you are joining is the best Army in the world."

Before the oath was administered, Wilson spoke of spirit and how it is profound social aspect of being a commissioned officer. He said "Spirit is positive. It is contagious. It recognizes good work. It encourages initiative and it is optimistic. It is the attitude that the glass is half full, not half empty."

In his closing remarks, Wilson reminded the cadets of the responsibility they will have to their Soldiers. "As newly commissioned lieutenants about to head off into the military world, you need to remember, you carry awesome authority and responsibility. Your people will look to you to set the example -- to be the example."

The commissioning ceremony is a time-honored tradition that marks the moment the Army passes the mantel of leadership to a cadet.