Congratulations to the four newest Second Lieutenants (2LT) who have recently commissioned into the United States Army from the James Madison University Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. ROTC is a college-based program dedicated to training young males and females who have dedicated themselves to service in United States Army. Army ROTC officers serve in all branches of the U.S. Army to include the Nurse Corps, Engineer Corps and Infantry, along with 14 other basic branches. ROTC Cadets take an obligation of active or reserve military service upon graduation from college. ROTC students attend college like any other student, but unlike their peers, they receive basic military and officer training in order to provide leadership to our troops. Commissioning into the United States Army marks the end of the journey as an ROTC cadet, but starts the path as a U.S. Army Officer. The following individuals have spent their college careers training to become officers and have taken the oath to lead the future of our Army. The oath of commissioning is as follows:
I, (state your name),
Having been appointed an officer
In the Army of the United States
In the grade of Second Lieutenant
Do solemnly swear (or affirm)
That I will support and defend
The Constitution of the United States
Against all enemies, foreign and domestic
That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same
That I take this obligation freely
Without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion
And that I will well and faithfully discharge
The duties of the office upon which I am about to enter
So help me God.
Rankin, Alex
Commission Date: 14 DEC 2013
Hometown: Spring Hill, VA
Degree at JMU: Justice Studies
Branch: Military Intelligence
Next assignment after BOLC: 1st Information Operations, Ft. Belvoir VA.
2LT Rankin stands on stage with his family, 14 DEC 2013.
Pickett, Alyssa
Commission Date: 17 January 2014
Hometown: Warrenton, VA
Degree at JMU: Geographic Science
Branch: Signal Corp
Next assignment after BOLC: C. Co 116th BSTB.x
2LT Pickett stands with Army (Ret.) Colonel Bob Hess
Engle, Calvin
Commission Date: 14 Dec 2013
Hometown: Stratham, New Hampshire
Degree at JMU: Health Sciences
Branch: Infantry
Next assignment after BOLC: Bravo 1-114 New Jersey National Guard
2LT Engle Stands with family 14 Dec 2013
Maisel, Mercedes
Commission Date: 14 Dec 2013
Hometown: Burke, VA
Degree at JMU: Nursing
Branch: Nursing Corps
Next assignment after BOLC: Top three choices comprised of Hawaii (Tripler), San Antonio, and Walter Reed.
2LT Maisel holds her Nursing undergraduate diploma upon graduation from