Maj. Gen. Davis wishes Cadet Command farewell

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As a young Basic Camp graduate standing on Brooks Field at Fort Knox, Ky. in 1988, Johnny K. Davis knew he was going to join the United States Army to help pay for college.

Commissioning in 1989 from the New Mexico Military Institute through their Early Commissioning Program, Maj. Gen. Davis launched himself into an illustrious military career as an infantry officer that spanned multiple awards and tours around the globe.

Thirty years later, Davis would find himself back on Brooks Field, assuming the role of Commanding General of United States Army Cadet Command.

“It was an honor and a privilege to return to my roots and give back to thousands of Army leaders,” Davis said. “I never imagined marching off of Brooks Field as an ROTC Basic Camp graduate in the late 80’s [only to] return to Brooks Field to assume command and leadership of Cadet Command in 2021.”

Coming into this new role, Davis concentrated his efforts on the people.

“The Soldiers, civilians, and their families are the heart of the organization. To know the pulse, you must connect with the people, be genuine, caring, and gracious,” Davis said.

With a command that holds 273 Senior Army ROTC programs pulling from 1,000 universities across the country, Davis focused on creating a positive command climate across Cadet Command.

“Speaking with new professors of military science and senior military science instructors when they go through our University Leaders Course here at Fort Knox, or speaking with Cadets during Cadet Summer Training, I did everything in my power to not miss a chance to connect and spread my vision and message into the organization,” Davis said.

Davis was adamant Cadet Command demonstrate an “all in” mentality. He expected “a total investment in the development of those around us and in ourselves.”

“We owe it to each other to be the best we can each day, and be even better the next,” Davis said.

Cadet Command rose to the challenge.

This past year, Cadet Command commissioned over 6,500 Second Lieutenants.

Davis proudly encourages these newly commissioned Second Lieutenants to step into their roles with confidence.

“Listen to your NCOs – they will always lead you to success and victory,” Davis said. “Always be positive, no matter the circumstance. Care for your Soldiers like they are your own children."

Over the summer, from June to August, Cadet Command saw more than 10,000 Army ROTC Cadets graduate from Cadet Summer Training.

“It was the thrill of a lifetime to interact, mentor, and develop the future leaders of our nation,” Davis said. “These men and women showed through their physical efforts, mental ability, and moral strength that our national leadership of tomorrow is in great hands.”

During his 13-month tenure, Davis also attended Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) events around the country and observed, first-hand, the advantages of the program.

“I was amazed [at] how far JROTC has come as a citizenship and civics program, and how that has positively impacted the lives of thousands of Americans, both in and out of the program,” Davis said.

As Davis reflects on his military career and the impact of Cadet Command from day one as an Army ROTC Cadet to present day, he reminds himself and the command of three things.

“First, don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t achieve greatness – everyone has a shot. Second, you have a bright future even if everything isn’t perfect. Finally, you will be tested – do the right thing and you will be okay,” Davis said.

As Davis moves just down the road to his next assignment as the commanding general, United States Army Recruiting Command and Fort Knox, he carries the lessons he learned from Cadet Command.

“First lesson – we know this is a challenging time, but my approach won’t and can’t change – putting people first and keeping the focus on them and their families will lead to success and make history,” Davis said. “Second lesson – stay positive. Things are better when we look for the good instead of picking each other apart. Third lesson – mitigate harmful behaviors. We all have the ability to make a positive difference for ourselves and each other.”

About Army ROTC

Army ROTC is one of the best leadership courses in the country and is part of your college curriculum. Through classes and field training, Army ROTC provides you with the tools to become an Army Officer without interfering with your other classes. ROTC also provides you with discipline and money for tuition while enhancing your college experience.

Army ROTC offers pathways to becoming an Army Officer for high school students, current active-duty Soldiers, and for current National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers through the Simultaneous Membership Program.

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