Remarks of LTC Brian L. Baker

Professor of Military Science, Army ROTC at MIT, Harvard, Wellesley, Tufts & Salem State

Harvard ROTC Commissioning Ceremony, Harvard Yard, 5 June 2002

President Summers, commissionees, distinguished guests, parents, alumni and friends - The need for having a viable, national-level citizen-soldier-commissioning program like ROTC is abundantly clear.  ROTC provides the bulk of the junior officers for our Armed Forces. 

Our programs produce civilian-trained, civilian-oriented officers who are sympathetic to the aspirations of society at large. Our second lieutenants and ensigns are critical decision-makers who reflect the broad spectrum of America's colleges and universities and provide a representative cross-section of America's youth in our officer corps.

ROTC's presence at leading universities across the country ensures that our Armed Forces will remain closely linked to the nation's leading intellectual centers. This link to the country's youth and intellectual centers provides a key component of our connection with America.  Our connection with Harvard, as you know, is rich and steeped in tradition.  We have enjoyed a strong partnership with MIT.

I'd like to share our vision for Harvard ROTC which is twofold:

• "To be recognized as the best university leader development program in the Nation; honing and sharpening the leadership and management qualities of some of the most gifted young Americans who will lead our Armed Forces into the 21st century."
• "To transcend institutions whereby future leaders of government, industry, business and academia carry with them our values, armed with the experience of service to nation through ROTC."

Dr. Summers, Dean Lewis, alumni, we can ensure our vision comes to fruition with your continued support.  Thank you for all that you have done this year, with and for us, and thank you in advance for your unwavering leadership as we chart the course of tomorrow for  Harvard ROTC.