Cadets who successfully complete the Army ROTC program may enter the Army with a commission as Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt.).

This commission can be for full-time service on Active Duty or for part-time service with the National Guard or Army Reserve. In order to qualify for commissioning, a cadet in the Army ROTC program must:

• complete the four-year baccalaureate degree, following all requirements from VMI
• pass the U.S. Army fitness test each semester and be in accordance with the Army’s height and weight standards
• satisfactorily complete all program and course requirements
• be medically qualified for military service from the Department of Defense
• be a U.S. citizen
• be at least 17 years old at the time of start and under 31 years of age at the time of completion
• have no felonies or domestic assault convictions

The Ceremony

Commissioning and pin-on ceremonies are two of the most moving and inspirational events seen at any college or university. At VMI, commissioning may take place during the summer, at the conclusion of the fall semester, or at the most common time, during May graduation events.

During the commissioning ceremony, cadets hear from distinguished military leaders from the U.S. Army or other speaker, and take the Oath of the Commissioned Officer, a tradition dating back to the Continental Army era. Cadets then gather and with family and friends where they select individuals, many times ROTC faculty, to pin their 2nd lieutenant's rank onto their uniforms.