Gen. Mattis to Commission ROTC Students in Joint Ceremony

Gen. James N. Mattis, U.S. Marine Corps, will commission 38 Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) students into active duty with the Army, Navy and Marine Corps on May 10 in a joint ceremony at Old Dominion University's Ted Constant Convocation Center. Mattis is the senior military officer on active duty in Hampton Roads, serving as both Supreme Allied Commander, Transformation, and Commander, Joint Forces Command. The presidents, or their representatives, of Hampton University, Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University will participate in the colorful ceremony, which parallels similar events held annually by universities hosting ROTC programs.

ROTC is a college-based officer commissioning program that focuses on leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning and professional ethics. ROTC produces officers in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, except the Coast Guard: 56 percent of the U.S Army, 11 percent of the U.S. Marine Corps, 20 percent of the U.S. Navy and 41 percent of the U.S. Air Force, for a combined 39 percent of all active-duty officers.

Information: 757-683-3663