The culmination of four years of study and training occurs when each ROTC student receives his or her commission as a second lieutenant. At Wofford, the commissioning ceremony traditionally occurs during Commencement weekend. The commissioning ceremony itself is full of symbolism as each cadet takes the oath of office, has the gold bars of a second lieutenant pinned on their uniform, receives their commission, and then receives their first salute. Once they’ve been commissioned, newly-minted second lieutenants (and college graduates) generally attend a basic officer leader course that is specific to their branch of the Army.
