Twenty Cyclone Battalion cadets successfully commission on 5 May 2012 at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Ames, Iowa to conduct a smooth and efficient commissioning ceremony in which graduating cadets receive their gold bars and friends and family can attend and participate.
Key Tasks:
Conduct rehearsal on 3 May 2012
Ensure COL Shultis is briefed on order of ceremony events
All cadets’ dress uniforms are properly inspected prior to ceremony
Endstate: Twenty cadets commission into the United States Army as 2nd Lieutenants.
The 2012 Cyclone Battalion Commissioning Ceremony was a success both in the planning aspect by cadre and assisting underclassmen and also in the execution aspect on the part of the speakers and commissionees. Cadets assisting in the ceremony all gained valuable experience in the drill and ceremonies involved in commissioning and formal ceremonies. The young color guard gained valuable knowledge on how to properly use sabers in a ceremony. The cadets responsible for narrating and the invocation gained experience in public speaking. Commissionees also were given proper honors and awards befitting a graduate and commissionee of Iowa State University and Cyclone Battalion.
Twenty cadets from Iowa State University, Drake University and Buena Vista University assembled at the Holiday Inn in Ames, Iowa to receive their 2LT gold bars and commission into the United States Army. MAJ Smith swore in all commissionees, then the National Guard commissionees were sworn in by MAJ Giroux. COL Shultis also awarded MAJ Smith the 2010-2011 MacArthur Award for Cyclone Battalion being rated the best program in 3rd Brigade. Commissionees also participated in the Silver Dollar Salute with a non-commissioned officer of their choice; an important moment for both the commissionee and NCO. Family and friends were present to celebrate the commissionees’ accomplishments and refreshments were offered following the ceremony for all present.