Chancellor Jeffrey Vitter conducted his first inspection of University of Mississippi ROTC programs Thursday on campus.
The annual Pass in Review ceremony on the Circle in front of the Lyceum Building included a keynote address to the cadets from Vitter, who became chancellor in January, according to an Ole Miss press release.
“It is an honor to be standing here today amongst a group of heroes, our students who have put aside their personal interest for the sake of serving something larger than themselves,” Vitter said. “The University of Mississippi and our ROTC programs have a long and proud heritage of service to our university, state and nation. I applaud you – cadets and midshipmen – for upholding that proud legacy.”
Vitter also thanked all veterans present who answered the nation’s call in a time of need.
A military Pass in Review is primarily used during change-of-command ceremonies, formal events bringing together large formations of troops and parades, Lt. Col. E. Scott Walton, UM chair and professor of military science and education, said in the press release.
The formation marched past a reviewing stand where VIPs and the senior officer or dignitary were seated.
According to the university’s press release:
• Army ROTC has commissioned 1,740 officers since its inception at Ole Miss in 1936. The Army ROTC program has 80 Hall of Fame inductees, including 15 general officers. Other key alumni include 2nd Lt. and 2016 Olympics bronze medalist Sam Kendricks and U.S. Congressman Trent Kelly (R-Miss.).
• The university’s Navy/Marines ROTC program has commissioned about 400 midshipmen since the unit’s inception. Distinguished members include U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Rear Adm. and former Commander of Navy Personnel Command Edward Masso, and U.S. Secretary of the Navy and former Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus.
• The Air Force ROTC program has commissioned more than 375 graduates. Distinguished graduates include Lt. Gen. James E. Sherrard III, retired commander of the Air Force Reserve Command and chief of the Air Force Reserve; Gen. Paul V. Hester, retired commander of the Pacific Air Force Command; and U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).
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The Officer’s leading these programs is dismal, on their B billet just waiting to retire with no actual concern or care for their students. Chancellor Vitter should take a look at the low attrition rates and I promise it is not due to a lack of outstanding midshipmen and cadets.