Key Moments
Harvard ROTC Commissioning Ceremony 2025
Harvard UniversityKey Moments
Harvard graduates are commissioned as officers, taking an oath to the Constitution, not a person, amidst a backdrop of evolving global conflict and technological warfare.
Key Insights
Harvard University has the third-highest number of Medal of Honor recipients among institutions of higher learning, behind only West Point and Annapolis.
19 graduating cadets from Army, Navy, and Air Force ROTC programs were commissioned, committing to serve in America's armed forces.
Keynote speaker Lieutenant General JP McGee highlighted that the US military swears an oath to the Constitution, an ideal, not a political party or leader, emphasizing its uniqueness among nations.
The class of 2025 includes distinguished graduates in the top 10% nationwide, with several cadets selected for advanced programs like the strategic scholar program focused on great power competition and STEM.
The ceremony marks Harvard's long history with ROTC, dating back to 1916, and its ongoing contribution to military leadership, with this being the second largest commissioning class in nearly 50 years.
Lieutenant General McGee advised new officers on the 'hierarchy of dues' (do what's right, do what your boss tells you, do what you want), 'bloom where you're planted,' consider how they want to be remembered, and be open to opportunities.
The solemn oath to defend an ideal, not a person
The Harvard ROTC Joint Commissioning Ceremony for the class of 2025 marked a pivotal moment for 19 graduating cadets transitioning into commissioned officers. Lieutenant General JP McGee, J5 Director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy on the Joint Staff, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the unique nature of the U.S. military's oath. Unlike forces in many other nations, American servicemembers swear allegiance not to a monarch, president, or political party, but to the Constitution of the United States. This oath signifies a commitment to a set of foundational ideals and principles, including freedom, equality, and the rule of law, which have historically offered hope to the oppressed and instilled fear in oppressors. General McGee stressed that this oath to an 'idea' is what the military defends every day, and that the incoming officers' backgrounds, whether from prestigious institutions like Harvard or elsewhere, do not matter as much as their merit and character in upholding these principles.
A legacy of service and academic excellence
Harvard University boasts a significant military legacy, highlighted by its position as the institution with the third-highest number of Medal of Honor recipients, trailing only West Point and Annapolis. The university's ROTC program dates back to 1916, established in connection with the United States' entry into World War I. This year's commissioning class, comprising 19 cadets from Army, Navy, and Air Force ROTC programs, represents the second-largest commissioning class at Harvard in nearly 50 years, underscoring a renewed commitment to military service from the university. The ceremony celebrated not only the cadets' commitment but also their academic achievements, particularly those in STEM fields, which are deemed vital for maintaining a competitive edge in a modernizing military facing complex global challenges.
Navigating a world of accelerating change and complex threats
Lieutenant General McGee painted a picture of the complex global landscape that the newly commissioned officers will enter. He described a world characterized by accelerating change, increasing challenges, and the re-emergence of great power competition. The growing alignment among potential adversaries like Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, coupled with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, suggests a higher possibility of large-scale state-on-state conflict than has been seen since the end of the Cold War. The character of warfare itself is also rapidly evolving, with advancements in cyberspace, social media, AI, drone warfare, and nanotechnology redefining military operations. In this dynamic environment, the joint force requires the skills and leadership of these new officers more critically than ever to reestablish deterrence, prioritize homeland defense, and counter rising global powers.
Personalized guidance for future leaders
General McGee offered four key pieces of advice for the graduating officers: 'the hierarchy of dues,' 'bloom where you're planted,' 'think about how you want to be remembered,' and 'be open to opportunities.' The 'hierarchy of dues' emphasizes prioritizing moral and legal actions, fulfilling a superior's orders, and then pursuing personal goals, cautioning against conflicts between the second and third tiers. 'Bloom where you're planted' encourages a positive attitude and dedication regardless of assignment, recognizing that personal growth and success often stem from embracing current roles. Contemplating one's legacy by considering how subordinates will remember them provides a framework for ethical leadership. Finally, remaining open to unexpected opportunities is crucial, as paths in the military are rarely linear, and unexpected assignments can lead to the most rewarding experiences.
Distinguished graduates and specialized training
The graduating class included several distinguished individuals recognized for their exceptional performance. For instance, two cadets, Caitlyn Bernie and Trey Whitehead, were recognized as distinguished graduates, placing them in the top 10% nationwide. Trey Whitehead was further selected for the strategic scholar program, focusing on great power competition and STEM. The ceremony also highlighted cadets who completed specialized training, such as Cadet Isaac Tang, who was the honor graduate of the aerosol school. Several other cadets, including Goldstein, Huey, Layman, and Lim, were distinguished graduates within the Northeast region's Army ROTC programs, underscoring the high caliber of leadership and academic achievement fostered at Harvard.
A testament to mentorship and family support
The success of the commissioning class was attributed not only to the cadets' dedication but also to the unwavering support from faculty, staff, and families. Speakers repeatedly thanked the dedicated cadre from all services for their coaching, mentoring, and guidance. The presence and support of parents and family members were acknowledged as critical to the cadets' journey, with many family members invited on stage to pin the gold bars on their newly commissioned officers. This collective effort highlights the community that nurtures these future leaders, from their initial entry into ROTC to their commissioning into active service.
The story of moral and physical courage
Lieutenant General McGee shared a powerful story about Second Lieutenant Nick Eslinger, who embodied both moral and physical courage. While serving in Iraq, Eslinger, despite being a junior officer with limited agricultural experience, respectfully disagreed with and corrected a brigade commander's proposed strategy for revitalizing the local agrarian economy, demonstrating remarkable moral courage. Months later, he displayed exceptional physical courage by jumping on a live hand grenade to save his soldiers, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. The story serves as an inspiring example for the new officers, illustrating that while physical courage is vital, moral courage—the ability to stand by one's convictions and respectfully challenge superiors—is equally, if not more, important in leadership. Eslinger's subsequent career, including commanding the same battalion where he earned his valor award, underscores the long-term impact of such character.
Commissioning ceremony concludes with oaths and first salutes
The ceremony culminated with the administration of the oath of office to the newly commissioned officers, followed by the ceremonial pinning of their rank insignia and their first salute. Each officer took the oath individually, pledging to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. Family members and mentors were invited to pin the gold bars, symbolizing their officer's new rank, and to participate in the first salute, a tradition where the new officer salutes their highest-ranking supporter, symbolizing respect and acknowledging their influence. This final stage of the ceremony formally recognized their transition from cadets to commissioned officers, ready to serve their country.
Mentioned in This Episode
●Software & Apps
●Organizations
●Books
●Concepts
●People Referenced
Common Questions
The ceremony marks the transition of graduating cadets from Harvard's ROTC programs into commissioned military officers. It signifies their commitment to serve in America's armed forces and defend the nation.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
Where the keynote speaker's son is currently an ROTC cadet.
Celebrates its 250th birthday, emphasizing its historical ties to Cambridge and Boston.
The institution hosting the ROTC commissioning ceremony, with a long history of military service.
Military branch discussed, with one future naval officer commissioned to Flight Officer School.
Program established at Harvard in 1916, whose cadets are being commissioned into military service.
United States Military Academy, mentioned in the context of academic records and as an institution with a high number of Medal of Honor recipients.
United States Naval Academy, mentioned as an institution with a high number of Medal of Honor recipients.
Military branch discussed, with ten future officers commissioned from Harvard ROTC, excelling nationally.
Military branch discussed, with eight future officers commissioned from Harvard ROTC, including pilots and operations research specialists.
Institution where Second Lieutenant Carly Lehman will pursue her legal education to become a JAG Corps officer.
A tough military course from which the keynote speaker graduated in 1991, and which First Lieutenant Gavitt also completed.
Second Lieutenant (now Lieutenant Colonel) who served with the keynote speaker in Iraq, demonstrating moral and physical courage, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Second Lieutenant commissioned as an infantry officer, graduating with a bachelor's degree in integrative biology from Harvard.
Author of a three-volume biography of Winston Churchill.
First Lieutenant, noted as the first female Harvard grad to branch infantry and graduate Ranger School, and the number one female in the nation during her ROTC tenure two years prior.
Senator from Nebraska, recognized as a special guest at the ceremony.
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who received an honorary degree from Harvard in 1943 and whose courage in warning against German rearmament is highlighted.
Second Lieutenant commissioned as an armor officer, graduating with a master's degree in Russian, Eastern European, and Central Asian studies and a bachelor's in government from Harvard.
Second Lieutenant, commissioned into the Air Force.
Second Lieutenant commissioned as a missile and nuclear operations officer, graduating with a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Harvard.
Second Lieutenant commissioned as a pilot, graduating with a bachelor's degree in applied mathematics from Harvard.
Former President of Harvard University, who escorted Winston Churchill in 1943.
Former U.S. President and Army officer, mentioned as a prominent Harvard leader.
President of Harvard University, attending and speaking at the commissioning ceremony.
Former U.S. President who served as Secretary of the Navy during World War I, mentioned as a prominent Harvard leader.
Second Lieutenant commissioned as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps officer, attending Duke Law School, and graduating with a bachelor's degree in history, literature, and government from Harvard.
Lieutenant General, J5, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and keynote speaker for the ceremony.
Major and Professor of Military Science for Army ROTC Paul Revere Battalion, who gave a speech at the ceremony.
Second Lieutenant commissioned as a cyber officer, graduating with a bachelor's degree in applied mathematics from Harvard.
Lieutenant Colonel and Professor of Aerospace Science for MIT Air Force ROTC, recognized for his military service.
Admiral and former Chairman, whose career advice was 'bloom where you're planted'.
Captain and Professor of Naval Science for Boston Consortium Navy ROTC Old Iron Sides Battalion, recognized for his military service.
Second Lieutenant commissioned as a signal corps officer (branch detailed infantry), graduating with a bachelor's degree in computer science from Harvard.
Second Lieutenant commissioned as an operations analyst, graduating with degrees in molecular and cell biology and history of science from Harvard.
Second Lieutenant commissioned as an intelligence officer, graduating with a bachelor's degree in East Asian studies from Harvard.
Second Lieutenant commissioned as an operations research analyst, graduating with a bachelor's degree in applied mathematics and a minor in computer science from Harvard.
Former U.S. President and Naval officer, mentioned as a prominent Harvard leader.
Second Lieutenant commissioned as a military intelligence officer in the Army Reserves, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics and computer science from Harvard.
Second Lieutenant commissioned as a field artillery officer, graduating with a bachelor's degree in integrative biology from Harvard.
Second Lieutenant commissioned as a military intelligence officer in the Army Reserves, graduating with a bachelor's degree in government and history from Harvard.
Second Lieutenant commissioned as a medical services officer, graduating with a bachelor's degree in integrative biology with a minor in global health and health policy from Harvard.
Second Lieutenant commissioned as a pilot, graduating with degrees in Near Eastern languages and civilizations, theater, dance, and media from Harvard.
Second Lieutenant commissioned as an infantry officer, graduating with a bachelor's degree in government with a minor in history from Harvard.
Second Lieutenant commissioned as a pilot, graduating with a bachelor's degree in engineering sciences and environmental engineering from Harvard.
Ensign commissioned as a naval flight officer, graduating with a bachelor's degree in computer science from Harvard.
Structure at Harvard built to honor students who perished in the Civil War.
Location for the Basic Officer Leader Course for Second Lieutenant Khloe Hansen.
Location for the Basic Officer Leader Course for Second Lieutenants Connor Huey and Matthew Saw.
Location for the Basic Officer Leader Course for several commissioned Army officers.
Location for the Basic Officer Leader Course for Second Lieutenant Andrew Lim.
Region where significant geopolitical shifts and conflicts are occurring.
Mentioned as a potential adversary and involved in the conflict with Ukraine.
Region mentioned in context of a European war and North Korean land armies.
Site of a large-scale state-on-state conflict with Russia.
Location where three cadets will attend summer training after graduation.
Mentioned as a rising power in the Indo-Pacific, against which the military aims to maintain a competitive edge.
Continent where geopolitical shifts are occurring.
Ensign Jasmine Jiang's first assignment as a naval flight officer.
Mentioned in the context of a contested border region with Pakistan.
Mentioned as a potential adversary.
Mentioned in the context of a contested border region with India.
Mentioned as a potential adversary and involved in power dynamics in the Middle East.
Location where Nick Esinger served with the keynote speaker, a dangerous area that was pacified and rebuilt.
Location for the Basic Officer Leader Course for Second Lieutenant Morgan Kim.
The nation's second-highest award for valor, awarded to Nick Esinger for his heroism.
Emerging technology reshaping the future of warfare.
Emerging technology reshaping the future of warfare.
Emerging technology reshaping the future of warfare.
Emerging technology reshaping the future of warfare.
More from Harvard University
View all 42 summaries
35 minHarvard Thinking: Is your parenting style working?
33 minHarvard Thinking: The healing power of gene therapy
138 minHarvard Alumni Day 2026
25 minLt. Gen. (Ret.) Richard Clark Keynote Address | 2026 ROTC Commissioning
Ask anything from this episode.
Save it, chat with it, and connect it to Claude or ChatGPT. Get cited answers from the actual content — and build your own knowledge base of every podcast and video you care about.
Get Started Free