WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Army Cadet Command is holding a virtual commissioning ceremony for more than 1,100 cadets across the country Friday, June 12, at 10 a.m. Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy will host the largest ever National Commissioning Ceremony to recognize the Army ROTC class of 2020. Several Cadets will join him in the Pentagon auditorium while most will participate from their colleges and universities via Facebook and YouTube livestreams.
The ceremony allows the command to protect the health, welfare and safety of its Soldiers, civilians, Cadets, and family members, while also meeting the needs of the Nation by commissioning strong leaders, especially in a time of need such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Along with the virtual commissioning of thousands of new second lieutenants, several ROTC members will be take the oath of office in person at the Pentagon. Maj. Gen. John Evans, commander of U.S. Army Cadet Command, said this historic event will showcase the excellence of all of the new officers that will participate in the ceremony.
“I’m honored to recognize these Americans who are the embodiment of People First - each has stepped up to selflessly serve their nation and wear the colors of the United States Army,” he said. “These outstanding patriots, who are dialing in virtually from across the country, are the authors of stories written by hard work, sound ethics and unshakeable integrity - but during the ceremony they will come together with a united goal: to serve as a United States Army officer.”
“As they raise their right hand and swear an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of this great nation, they represent less than one out of every thousand Americans – those who have served as United States military officers,” Evans continued. “As commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command, I couldn’t be prouder of their dedication. As an American, I thank them for their commitment to service.”
Army ROTC produces approximately 70 percent of the officers entering the Army each year and is available through nearly 1,000 college campuses nationwide ranging from Harvard to Berkley--from Tufts to Ohio State. This year the command is set to meet its goal of commissioning over 6,000 new second lieutenants, exceeding its current year mission.
Army ROTC teaches leadership and discipline, management techniques, cultural awareness and problem solving. Those who participate in Army ROTC and subsequently serve as Army officers develop leadership and managerial skills that last a lifetime. Today's scholar will be tomorrow's leader of the most powerful Army in human history. ROTC Cadets aren’t just “any” student, they are the future leaders of our nation’s Army.
The Army ROTC program also provides more college scholarships than any other program in America, with merit-based benefits going to about 15K students each year. Not only does Army ROTC provide full scholarships for students, but they also receive a monthly stipend while they are in the program. The total amount of scholarship benefits paid this year currently stands at over $340M.
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