Naval ROTC Stories

Julia Ward ’26 came to Virginia Military Institute uncertain of herself and her leadership abilities. What she found at the Institute was a system, traditions, and a community that not only allowed her to reach those goals but pushed her to grow as a leader and gain confidence in herself.

Devin Auzenne ’26 knew the ethics and maturity needed for the U.S. Marine Corps would best be fostered in a place like Virginia Military Institute. He also knew by attending the Institute, he would be prepared to lead in the Marine Corps.

Four Virginia Military Institute cadets recently completed the U.S. Naval Academy’s (USNA) Command and Seamanship Training Squadron (CSTS), culminating with a 10-day offshore sailing training cruise to Oyster Bay, New York, aboard one of three Navy 44 training sailboats.

The applied mathematics major from Virginia Beach, Virginia, had an original plan to commission in the U.S. Navy as an explosive ordnance disposal officer, but he was medically removed from the Naval ROTC unit over a year ago. Instead, he has accepted a job with Lockheed Martin.

What started out as a foggy, misty morning, warmed into a bright afternoon as nearly 170 Virginia Military Institute cadets commissioned into the armed services in Cameron Hall, May 15 at the annual Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) joint commissioning ceremony.

Seventy cadets from Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine ROTC programs competed in a series of challenging tasks attempting to earn a German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB).

The Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) unit at Virginia Military Institute celebrated its 50th anniversary July 1 in Kilbourne Hall. The unit has commissioned 2,032 Navy ensigns and Marine second lieutenants — producing the largest class this past May with 59 officers.

Samantha Waters ’26 chose Virginia Military Institute because she wanted to become the best version of herself.

Approximately 170 Virginia Military Institute cadets, commissioned into the armed services in Cameron Hall Monday, May 15 in the annual Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Joint Commissioning Ceremony. The historic day marked the first time VMI cadets were sworn in to all six branches.

Cadets conquered many challenges on and off post during 2022 spring field training exercises (FTX).