Reserve Officer Training Corps 2021 Year In Review

Posted December 22, 2021

Georgia Tech’s Army, Navy and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs are closing out 2021 amid a number of major accomplishments. From commissioning nearly 50 students; to being an integral part of the U.S. Space Force’s aerospace and cybersecurity initiative, ROTC, which is housed in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, continued to fulfill its mission of preparing future leaders for military service. Here are the top five stories from the year that highlight the success of our ROTC units.

No: 1 U.S. Space Force Director says Georgia Tech Partnership Key to Advancing Aerospace

Lt. General Nina M. Armagno, U.S. Space Force director of staff, visited Georgia Tech in November to discuss the threat the nation’s space capabilities face from foreign countries and how colleges and universities like Georgia Tech are integral to recruitment for a robust aerospace and cybersecurity workforce. Armagno met with cadets from the Institute’s Air Force ROTC and spoke about how they should prepare to be commissioned to the newest military branch, the U.S. Space Force.

No: 2 Navy Commander Challenges Midshipmen to Find Their “Battle Rhythm”

Much of a servicemembers success in the military comes from their discipline and the support of those around them. This is true for Cmdr. Kathryn “Kat” Sampson Wijnaldum, Navy commander of the USS Oak Hill, and one of four women of color appointed to command a naval ship. She encouraged midshipmen in Georgia Tech’s Navy ROTC to develop personal and professional habits to thrive in their careers—something she calls her “battle rhythm.”

No: 3 Project GO Grant Awarded to Fund Language Programming and ROTC Training at Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech renewed its Project Global Officer (GO) grant from the U.S. Department of Defense/Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO) to provide training to cadets and fund proposed language programming in Korean, Japanese, and Russian. Project GO is valuable to cadets as it promotes critical language education, study abroad, and intercultural dialogue opportunities.

No: 4 Air Force ROTC Hosts General Jeffrey Harrigian for Talk Focused on Diversity in Leadership

Georgia Tech’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 165 received valuable lessons from Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigan, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa, when he visited the unit in February. Harrigan, a 35+ years active-duty serviceman, talked about the need for emotional intelligence and diversity in the forces to ensure effective leadership and team building.

No: 5 ROTC Cadets to Receive Commissions and Host 2021 Joint Awards Ceremony

During the Spring of 2021, Georgia Tech’s Army, Navy, and Air Force ROTC programs commissioned 49 new officers. Additionally, cadets from each program were recognized for their scholastic and military achievements throughout the year during the annual Joint Awards Ceremony. Seventy-eight total awards were distributed, notably in the areas of leadership, outstanding merit, and academic excellence.