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Twenty-two Spartans in the UTampa ROTC program today shed the title of “cadet” and became second lieutenants in the U.S. Army during a commissioning ceremony held in Falk Theatre.

Undergraduate and graduate students’ majors included criminology, communications, business, nursing, allied health, cybersecurity, sociology, marketing, sport management and finance.

The ceremony included remarks by Professor of Military Science and Lt. Col. Geoff Shorr and a speech from retired Gen. Raymond A. “Tony” Thomas III.

“They are tried and tested. They are leaders, and they are ready,” Shorr said of the commissioning class of cadets.

“Moms and dads across the nation are entrusting their children to you. Train them hard, maintain high standards of readiness, and always treat them like you would want to be treated. Live the Army values and embody the warrior ethos,” he told them.

The second lieutenants will be immediately thrust into leadership positions in the Army, said Thomas. “You are the platoon leader. Be prepared to lead. Lead by example,” he said.

“I know that you have a little bit of anxiety on how it will go down when you report into your new unit,” he said. “First of all, take a deep breath. You’ve got this. You are specially trained, specially selected.”

Following his speech, Thomas led the oath of office to the cadets, before mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and spouses were invited to pin their loved one as second lieutenant in an emotional, sometimes funny or lighthearted exchange.

In two instances, the now-second lieutenants gave their first salute to a family member who serves in the military.

The branches the Spartans will now move into include field artillery, medical service, cyber, infantry, logistics, military intelligence and more, with placements spanning the world from Georgia to Germany.