SAN MARCOS, Texas –
Through these unique times, the 5th Brigade Army ROTC at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston and their 36 ROTC Battalions in eight states continue to meet the mission.
At the end of the college school year, the next big step for graduating Army ROTC cadets is to commission as an Army Officer.
In normal circumstances, commissioning cadets would participate in an in-person commissioning ceremony at their university, where friends and family could attend and a distinguished guest speaker would provide inspiring words.
The “new normal” for 5th Brigade Army ROTC programs is now virtual, just like many others across the nation. One example is the Army ROTC Battalion located at Texas State University in San Marcos, which commissioned 11 second lieutenants May 21 through a virtual commissioning ceremony.
Friends and family across the country had the opportunity to attend by viewing the virtual ceremony and Col. Chris S. Alfeiri, 5th Brigade commander, virtually attended as the guest speaker.
Though times have changed, change has welcomed an opportunity in which innovation is forging the way and 5th Brigade Army ROTC Battalions, staff, cadre, leaders and future leaders are doing just that.