Alumni Connection

Green Mountain Battalion Alumni,

I am very humbled by the opportunity to continue this program’s tradition of training and producing some of the finest junior officers in the U.S. Army. Our Cadets are easily among the most motivated, intelligent, and resilient in U.S. Army Cadet Command. It is my mission to maintain the momentum of high standards, esprit de corps, and the mentality of excellence started by all of you in the past as this program moves into the future. Since my arrival last October, there have been many positive changes as we emerge from the constraints of the pandemic, not the least of which has been a return to classroom instruction. Being able to conduct class in person not only improves the learning environment, but also enables an increased level of bonding among the Cadets and cadre alike. In addition, there are less COVID-19 related distractions and restrictions during lab. We have been able to conduct our field training in a more realistic manner and improve every training scenario as a result. As usual, the Cadets have excelled in improving their field craft, building on their tactical proficiency, and most importantly, honing their leadership skills. It has been so fulfilling for me to watch our Cadets develop beyond my expectations and prepare to lead our men and women in providing security to the American people.

As a testament to the success of our Cadets, all 17 of the class of 2022, who have been to CST received their first branch choice. This scenario is almost unheard of in any program across the United States. Five of these recently commissioned Second Lieutenants were designated as Distinguished Military Graduates, and two of them were ranked within the top 10% in the country. We have had multiple Cadets graduate from the Army Mountain Warfare School, participate in the Vermont National Guard’s TAG match where a few cadets earned the “Governor’s Twenty” tab; participated and graduated from the Mountain Athlete Warrior course conducted in Fort Drum, NY, and many other courses and schools that further develop the Cadets into better leaders.

I cannot be prouder of the many accomplishments our Cadets have achieved. As Alumni, the support you provide only adds to and enables continued success of this program. I want to thank each of you for your continued involvement and desire to see this program continue its track record of excellence.

Catamounts Lead the Way!

Lieutenant Colonel Travis J. McCracken, Professor of Military Science

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased you have found the official website of the UVM Army ROTC program! The UVM ROTC Alumni Association exists to instill pride, encourage involvement, and inspire commitment through a worldwide network of alumni and friends to promote and support the UVM ROTC mission.  We are dedicated to providing lifelong engagement through our personal relationships with each other, annual events, and the UVM ROTC Endowment Fund.

As your Alumni Association President, I would like to introduce myself. I initially arrived at UVM in 2008 as an undergraduate student and contracted Cadet. After commissioning into the Army Reserve as an Adjutant General Corps officer in 2012, I spent five years moving around the United States working in a variety of Army and civilian capacities. Unable to get the desire for maple creemees and a hike in the Green Mountains out of my mind, I returned to the great state of Vermont in 2016 and have been here ever since. Now, more than 10 years after commissioning, I am happy to be back at 601 Main St. serving as the UVM ROTC Alumni Association President.

At a time when the world is so full of uncertainty, the selfless service shown by the Cadets cannot be understated. I thank each and every one of them for their service.

Catamounts Lead the Way!

Sarah Griffin (’12), President, UVM ROTC Alumni Association