UAH hosts Army ROTC Spring 2026 commissioning ceremony

Four UAH students were commissioned as second lieutenants into the United States Army. From left: 2LT Katalina Archiable, U.S. Army Reserve, Cyber Corps; 2LT Collin Cloud, U.S. Army National Guard, Corps of Engineers; LTC Diana J. A’Xaymac, Professor of Military Science (PMS) of the Army ROTC program at Alabama A&M University; 2LT Abigail Judge, Active Duty, Medical Service Corps; 2LT Vitaliy Knoop, U.S. Army Reserve, Logistics 

Courtesy UAH

The University of Alabama in Huntsville partnered with Alabama A&M University’s ROTC Bulldog Battalion proudly recognized the achievements of its Army ROTC cadets during a formal commissioning ceremony honoring the newest Second Lieutenants of the United States Army. Surrounded by family, friends, cadre, and fellow cadets, these graduates marked the culmination of years of discipline, leadership development, and academic rigor as they took the oath of office and entered the ranks of commissioned officers.

• 2LT Archiable, Katalina | Component: U.S. Army Reserve  | Branch: Cyber Corps
• 2LT Cloud, Collin | Component: U.S. Army National Guard | Branch: Corps of Engineers 
• 2LT Judge, Abigail | Component: Active Duty | Branch: Medical Service Corps 
• 2LT Knoop, Vitaliy | Component: U.S. Army Reserve | Branch: Logistics 

A deeply meaningful tradition followed the oath of office, as family members and loved ones were invited forward to participate in the “pinning” ceremony. In this moment, parents, spouses, siblings, or mentors placed the gold bars of a Second Lieutenant onto the shoulders of their cadet, symbolizing both pride and the beginning of a new responsibility. This personal touch reflects the vital support systems that helped shape each cadet’s journey to commissioning.

The ceremony also included the time-honored First Salute tradition. Each newly commissioned officer rendered their first salute to an enlisted service member of their choosing—often someone who played a key role in their development. In return, the officer presented a silver dollar as a token of respect and gratitude, symbolizing the mutual trust and partnership between officers and noncommissioned officers (NCOs).

The keynote address was delivered by Colonel (Retired) Joe Judge a distinguished former Army officer, who offered candid and impactful advice to the new lieutenants. Drawing from decades of experience, he emphasized the critical importance of trusting and empowering senior NCOs.

“Your NCOs are not just your support system—they are your experience, your continuity, and your reality check,” he noted. “If you listen to them and learn from them, you will succeed far beyond what you could accomplish alone.”

Colonel (Retired) Judge also challenged the new officers to reflect on the type of leaders they intend to become. He described the distinction between a positional leader—one who relies solely on rank and authority—and a personal leader, who builds trust, understands their soldiers, and leads through genuine connection.

“A positional leader can write people off—dismiss them because they’re not in the same place or don’t see things the same way,” he said. “But a personal leader invests in people, learns their strengths, and earns their trust. That’s the kind of leadership that builds teams—and wins.”

In closing, he shared a leadership concept inspired by Dwight D. Eisenhower, often described as the difference between pushing and pulling a chain. Colonel (Retired) Judge used this analogy to reinforce how effective leadership is not about forcing compliance, but about inspiring movement.

“If you try to push a chain, it bunches up and goes nowhere,” he explained. “But if you pull it—if you lead from the front—every link follows naturally.”

He encouraged the commissionees to embrace this mindset as they enter the Army, understanding that their influence as leaders will come not just from their rank, but from their example. By setting the standard, demonstrating competence, and building trust with their Soldiers—especially their noncommissioned officers—they create momentum that others will willingly follow.

“You are now that first link,” he emphasized. “Know where you’re headed and lead from the front. When you do that, your formation will move with you—not because they have to, but because they want to.”

The ceremony concluded with applause and celebration as the new Second Lieutenants officially joined the profession of arms. As they prepare to step into their roles across the Active Duty, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve components, they carry forward the values of leadership, service, and commitment instilled during their time with the Bulldog Battalion and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. 

Congratulations to the Army ROTC Class of 2026. Your journey is just beginning.