ROTC students attended the AFJROTC Change in Command ceremony Tuesday, Jan. 29, as their leaders moved up and stepped down within their world. This is a ritualistic ceremony that takes place every spring semester and is a great honor to get to participate in.

“Cadet Breanna Figuly stepped down,” senior Cadet Major Jessica Woody said.

There are six different ranks within ROTC. They are, in order of ranking: Cadet Colonel, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel, Cadet Major, Cadet Captain, Cadet First Lieutenant and Cadet Second Lieutenant.

“To be a leader in ROTC you have to be willing to take time away from your outside life, because the people you’re in charge of come first,” Woody said.

There are six steps to the ritualistic ceremony.

“First the American and Texas flag are presented and the National Anthem is played,” senior Ethan Sims said.

The students present the flags and stand at attention during the National Anthem.

“Next the outgoing and incoming Corps Commanders salute the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (SASI),” Sims said.

Lieutenant Colonel Wilbanks is the SASI of the ROTC program.

“Thirdly, the outgoing Corps Commander gives a small speech,” Sims said, “then the ceremonial passing of the Guideon occurs.”

The ceremony commences with a speech from the incoming Corps Commander, who then dismisses the group.

“This is a very good top staff,” Woody said. “I have worked hard to do the best for the Corps.”