Grambling State University’s Army ROTC recognized seven cadets in its first branching ceremony Wednesday, Nov. 3 in the Grambling Hall Auditorium. The cadets students at Grambling State University, Louisiana Tech and the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
The purpose of the ceremony was for the cadets to receive their act of duty assignments within their branch. It also served as an announcement for the selection of future officers and their job titles.
The seven cadets honored included Chasity Tyler, Justin Smith, Lakenyon Russ, Blaire Griffin, Quatiara Goins, Norrell Smith and John Laing.
Tyler, a kinesiology major, was named to the Adjutant General branch in personnel management. She is a Louisiana Tech University student.
Smith, a criminal justice major, received the title of branch Detail Armor. He is a GSU student.
Russ, a GSU criminal justice major, will work in the detail Armor.
Griffin, a Grambling State University mass communication major, received the Chemical Corps branch.
Griffin said, “I felt loved for the simple fact that we never had a branching ceremony before at Grambling State University and I’m just grateful to have family and friends to share this day with me and all of the other cadets.”
Goins, a Grambling music education major, will work with Military Intelligence.
Smith, a GSU sports administration major, received a branch in the Military Intelligence.
Laing, an ULM economic major, received the branch of Military Police.
Some of the cadets are pursuing a bachelor’s degree and others are earning a masters. The cadets are attending Grambling State University, Louisiana Tech and the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
Lieutenant Colonel Herb Sanders, Jr. spoke to the cadets about the importance of leadership and the transition to the four phases of military life. The four phases consist of the transition from a cadet to second lieutenant to captain and from captain to general or Lieutenant Colonel.
“The glide path to becoming a commissioned officer is not to be taken lightly, and in order to become successful, one cannot be consistently inconsistent,” said Sanders.