The journey of a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) cadet or midshipman is one of a dual life. For four years, they live in two worlds: the world of a normal college student, navigating finals and football games, and the world of a future officer, mastering land navigation and leadership at 0500 PT.
As a commissioned officer myself, I have a profound respect for the path they choose. It takes a unique kind of discipline to balance a full academic load with the immense responsibilities of military training.
Unlike the service academies, where traditions are monolithic, the ROTC experience is beautifully diverse. Every college and program has its own unique traditions, rivalries, and unit pride. The experience of a "Fightin' Aggie" at Texas A&M, a cadet at VMI or Norwich University, The Citadel, Virginia Tech, or a midshipman at a large state university battalion are all different, but the pride at commissioning is universal. This can make finding a gift that honors their specific journey feel challenging. This guide is for the proud families who want to celebrate that hard-earned commission.
1. Capturing the Milestone: The Personalized Commissioning Plaque
The commissioning ceremony is the single moment when their two worlds—college student and military officer—officially merge. It's often held right on campus, with their unit CO or a family member giving them their first salute.
Our Personalized Commissioning Plaque is the ideal gift to capture this defining moment. It allows you to frame a 5x7 photo of their commissioning or first salute right next to their new service crest (Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps) and a custom engraved message. It also makes a perfect, heartfelt "thank you" gift for a host family that has supported your cadet or midshipman during their college years.
A Pro-Tip on Personalization: For a timeless gift, focus on the event, not the rank. A plaque that reads "Second Lieutenant Jane P. Doe" will be outdated in a couple of years. Instead, something like, "Jane P. Doe, United States Army, Commissioned 15 May 2026" will be cherished for their entire career.
Design a Custom Commissioning Plaque
2. The "Must-Frame" Item: Their Commissioning Certificate
This is less of a gift idea and more of a crucial "to-do" for every new officer's family. When they commission, your son or daughter will receive an official signed certificate. This is a very big deal. It is the one document that is worth getting professionally framed to preserve it for a lifetime. It's a profound, personal document that deserves a place of honor.
3. The Story of Their Summers: The Challenge Coin Display
While the school year is for academics, the summers are for immersion. This is when the "real" military experience is forged—from CORTRAMID for NROTC midshipmen to CULP or Advanced Camp for Army cadets. At every one of these major training milestones, they will earn a challenge coin.
That first coin, and every one that follows, tells a story. A new officer can easily collect 5-10 new coins each year. A Personalized Coin Display is the perfect way to give them a place to showcase this growing, visual history of their career.
Perfect for: A new graduate, to give them a home for their first career coins.
Shop Our Engraved Challenge Coin Displays
4. The Symbol of Their New Authority: The Officer's Sword
The officer's sword is the ultimate symbol of the new authority and responsibility they are accepting. While not all services require ROTC graduates to purchase one immediately, may new officers do acquire their saber as a key part of their new identity. It's a powerful gift that truly honors the milestone.
Our handcrafted displays are all built with "PCS-proof" construction, because we know an officer's career is one of movement. We're committed to keeping these symbols of leadership out of the closet and on the wall. We offer dedicated displays for each sword / saber type and a beautiful Universal Display (in three wood finishes) that perfectly fits the swords of the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.
(Please note: We do not sell swords. For a high-quality, regulation sword, we personally recommend trusted vendors like Marlow White.)
Explore Our Full Collection of Sword Displays
From balancing a full-time course load to grueling summer training, earning a commission through ROTC is a marathon of dedication. From our military family to yours, congratulations on this incredible milestone.
- The Blades Raised Team
