ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) is one of the most respected commissioning programs in the United States, producing thousands of new officers each year across the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. For cadets and midshipmen, commissioning represents the culmination of years of commitment, early mornings, leadership labs, field training, academic discipline, and service.
For families, it’s the moment of profound pride when your cadet takes the oath, receives their gold bars, and steps into a leadership role in the U.S. military.
At Oak & Liberty, we’re honored to support ROTC families with licensed military apparel that helps you celebrate the achievement and mark this milestone with meaning.
Understanding ROTC Commissioning: A New Beginning
ROTC commissioning ceremonies vary by school, but they almost always include:
The Oath of Office
A powerful moment when your cadet officially becomes an officer.
The Pinning of Rank (The Gold Bars)
Usually done by family members — a deeply emotional tradition.
The First Salute (Silver Dollar Salute)
Your cadet gives a silver dollar to the first enlisted member who salutes them as an officer.
Branch Recognition
Cadets proudly display their service branch insignia:
Even within Navy NROTC programs, Marine-option midshipmen commission as Marines.
Photos, celebration, and family time
This is the part families cherish most — seeing their cadet step into their future.
What Families Typically Wear to ROTC Commissioning
There’s no mandatory dress code for families, but the most common choices are:
For Parents & Family Members
- Smart casual (polos, blouses, comfortable dresswear)
- Branch-specific shirts showing pride (Army Dad, Air Force Mom, Navy Family, etc.)
- Layered apparel for photos and outdoor events
- Branch-color themes (Army – black/gold, Air Force – blue, Navy – navy/gold, Marines – red/black)
For Cadets
During the ceremony, cadets wear:
- Army: ASU / AGSU service uniform
- Air Force: Service dress
- Navy: SDB / whites depending on season
- Marines: Dress blues or service uniform
Your apparel supports families — and these photos become cherished keepsakes.
ROTC Apparel That Fits the Moment
Even though ROTC units rarely require ROTC-specific branding, they almost always want:
- Army branch insignia
- Air Force wings
- Navy anchors
- Marine Corps EGA
- Proud Mom / Proud Dad shirts
- Hoodies and tees for unit pride days
- Polos for cadre gifts or banquets
Your existing collections already align perfectly with ROTC commissioning needs.
(Internal link ideas):
- Army Collection
- Air Force Collection
- Navy Collection
- Marine Corps Collection
- Proud Family Collection
Where ROTC Apparel Is Worn Most
Families use your apparel for events throughout the year:
- Commissioning
- Military Ball / Dining Out support
- Battalion award ceremonies
- ROTC welcome week events
- PT and lab days (hoodies/tees)
- Ranger Challenge and Drill Team events
- Homecoming photos when cadets return
- Graduation photos
- Air Force Base / Army Post / Navy Base visits
And even after commissioning:
- BOLC
- OTS follow-on training
- Branch schoolhouse
- First duty station
- Promotion ceremonies
Your apparel becomes part of the journey.
ROTC Units That Commonly Order Custom Apparel
Many ROTC programs place group orders, even if it's not widely advertised.
These are the most common:
Army ROTC
- MS1, MS2, MS3, MS4 class shirts
- Ranger Challenge teams
- Battalion pride shirts
- FTX morale gear
- Commissioning class shirts
- Cadre polos
Air Force ROTC (AFROTC)
- Detachment shirts
- Arnold Air Society
- Drill teams
- PT groups
- Commissioning class shirts
- Flight morale gear
Navy / Marine NROTC
- Unit pride shirts
- Company and platoon shirts
- Marine-option training shirts
- Cruise/practice cruise apparel
- Commissioning polos or tees
Our CAGE code and licensed capability quietly set us apart — schools trust vendors who follow military compliance.
While custom apparel is not our core focus, we proudly support ROTC units that want to create class shirts, commissioning apparel, or team gear.
Common Questions About ROTC Commissioning
Do cadets wear their uniforms at commissioning?
Yes — commissioning is a formal military ceremony.
Is branch-specific apparel appropriate for families?
Absolutely. Most families proudly wear Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Proud Family items.
Do ROTC units order custom shirts?
Yes — many battalions and detachments use class shirts, morale gear, or commissioning apparel.
Are you licensed to produce military apparel?
Yes. Oak & Liberty is an officially licensed vendor.
What makes commissioning different from basic training graduation?
Commissioning celebrates becoming a military officer, not completing basic training. It’s more formal and symbolic.
Which branch collections are best for ROTC families?
Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Proud Family collections match commissioning needs perfectly.
Celebrate Your Cadet’s Commissioning With Apparel That Honors Their Journey
Commissioning is a moment your family will remember forever — the day your cadet officially becomes a leader in the United States Armed Forces.
Oak & Liberty is honored to support ROTC families across the country with apparel that reflects this achievement with pride and meaning.
Explore our Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Proud Family Collections
Whether your cadet is commissioning as a Second Lieutenant or an Ensign, this milestone deserves apparel worthy of the moment.