The Citadel honored three of its most outstanding cadets during the South Carolina Corps of Cadets Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 6.

The United States Armed Forces now have more than 180 new officers.

As the Class of 2023 prepares to graduate from The Citadel and step into the real world, the Air Force ROTC is preparing to commission 18 brand new 2nd lieutenants into the Air Force and Space Force. A mix of future pilots, drone controllers, intelligence officers and more will be entering into a commitment of military service for their country.

“The Citadel packs a powerful punch.” Many ROTC graduates enter the Army, Air Force, Space Force, Navy and Marine Corps every year.

“I think medicine is one of the most humbling professions and I’m excited at the prospect of building relationships and serving those around me.”

“The Citadel sets you apart from your future competition in life.”

Nearly 125 awards were presented when the recipients were honored as a group on Thursday, April 7 in McAlister Field House.

After years of ROTC training at The Citadel, some cadets are getting ready to achieve their lifelong dreams and enter the military as aviators

“I really found a love to be in the Air Force,” she said. “I kind of wanted to branch out; I wanted to do something different.”

In a joint commissioning ceremony, members of the Class of 2021 accepted commissions into the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.