On Assignment: Air Force ROTC Commissioning

It is the end of the fall semester and thus, college graduation for some seniors. However, for a select few, graduation from college also means the end of their service as part of the Reserve Officer Training Corps. [ROTC] - and the beginning of their lives as commissioned officers in the military.


Air Force Second Lieutenant Kyle Wilmut speaks after receiving his commission underneath the portrait of Army General Crowder, in Crowder Hall on the University of Missouri campus Friday afternoon, Dec. 18, 2009.

While there was just a single Air Force officer commissioning taking place, this was an interesting experience for me as my brother was just offered an Navy ROTC scholarship. This gave me the opportunity to ask other ROTC students and instructors about the ROTC programs and the experiences they have had.


Without any rank insignia on his jacket, Air Force ROTC cadet Kyle Wilmut smiles before he is commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force, receiving his gold bars.


Air Force Colonel David Wilmut and wife Karka Wilmut, pin gold bars on the shoulders of their son, Second Lieutenant Kyle Wilmut after he received his commission in the Air Force.


Air Force Colonel David Wilmut assists his son, Second Lieutenant Kyle Wilmut put on his jacket after receiving his commission in the Air Force. Col. Wilmut, who has served over 28 years in the Air Force had the honor of reading his son his oath for his commissioning.


Air Force Colonel David Wilmut shares a moment with his son Kyle Wilmut before Wimut is commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. Col. Wilmut was also a member of the Air Force ROTC and had the honor of reading his son his oath for his commissioning.

Columbia College Graduation tomorrow! More to come.