Shaping the future together: U.S. Army Cadet Command offers opportunities to remain connected to service
By Brig. Gen. Maurice Barnett, Commanding General, U.S. Army Cadet Command July 2025
For those who have worn the uniform with pride, transitioning to civilian life can be a profound change. The Army isn’t just a career — it’s a calling built on discipline, camaraderie, and service to the nation. As service members prepare to retire, many wonder what comes next. While their time in uniform may be ending, the opportunity to continue serving – through mentorship, instruction, and leadership — remains. U.S. Army Cadet Command offers meaningful ways to stay connected by guiding the next generation of officers and instilling values in young cadets.
Through the Army Senior ROTC program, Cadet Command is developing the next generation of Army officers. In fact, the Army ROTC program has cadets on approximately 900 campuses and produces the vast majority of second lieutenants for the Army — totaling approximately 5,000 annually.
Our cadets are held to high standards and are tested in both the classroom and the field before earning their commissions. The Army has always demanded the best, and we will never compromise on that expectation. As I travel to various programs around the country, I’m continually impressed by the cadets’ fitness, intellect, and eagerness to take part in tough, realistic training. Right now, at Fort Knox, cadets are immersed in Cadet Summer Training — the largest annual Army training event — where they apply leadership lessons from the ROTC curriculum in rigorous field exercises. This training is a crucial step in preparing them to lead as future officers, reinforcing the values of discipline, teamwork, and adaptability in challenging environments.
Retired service members can stay involved with Army ROTC in meaningful ways. If you’re a Senior ROTC alum, reconnecting with your former program is a great way to give back. ROTC programs welcome experienced mentors to guide cadets, share leadership insights, and even participate in training exercises. By sharing your journey — from cadet to officer to Soldier for Life — you can give future leaders a real-world perspective on military service. Reach out to your former program or one local to you and see what opportunities may be available.
More broadly, Senior ROTC alumni can inspire future generations by sharing their personal journeys and the impact of Army ROTC on their careers. By actively engaging with local communities through mentorship programs, career days, and public speaking events, alumni can highlight how ROTC fosters leadership, discipline, and educational advancement. Whether through veteran service organizations, outreach at high schools, or direct collaboration with university ROTC detachments, these interactions help bridge the gap between military service and civilian aspirations.
Cadet Command’s mission extends beyond training future officers. Through the Army JROTC program, we instill leadership, discipline, and civic responsibility in high school students in more than 1,700 programs nationwide. While most Junior ROTC cadets do not pursue military careers, they emerge as strong, principled individuals ready to serve their communities in meaningful ways.
Those seeking a formal role in education and leadership should consider becoming JROTC instructors at local high schools. Retired Soldiers and qualified veterans can apply to teach our leadership education courses helping instill discipline and responsibility in young cadets. JROTC instructors play a key role in shaping future leaders and connecting communities with their Army.
As we transition out of active service, our mission does not end — it evolves. The lessons we’ve learned, the values we’ve upheld, and the leadership we’ve exemplified can — and should — be passed on to the next generation.
For those who still feel the call to serve, U.S. Army Cadet Command offers a pathway to continue shaping the Army’s future. Our commitment to service was never just about the time in uniform — it was about serving a purpose greater than ourselves. As you transition, that purpose endures.
For more information about the Army’s Senior ROTC program, please visit https://www.armyrotc.army.mil and connect via social media at @ArmyROTC. To review more information about the Army JROTC program and instructor opportunities, visit https://www.usarmyjrotc.com and @armyjrotcofficial on social channels.
