By Carroll College’s ROTC program held its annual Dining Out ceremony on Saturday, April 18, bringing cadets, families and faculty together for an evening that honored military tradition and celebrated a year of training and achievement.
The three-hour event blended ceremony, recognition and camaraderie, beginning with a social hour where attendees greeted guest speakers and participated in a silent auction before transitioning into a structured dinner and awards program.
“It’s a time to get together, enjoy good food and recognize everything we’ve worked for,” said senior cadet Evan Anglin. “It’s formal, but it’s also about having a good time with the people you care about. ROTC really feels like one big family under the United States flag.”
Cadets followed traditional Dining Out protocols, with seniors seated at the front and underclassmen behind them. Assigned roles helped maintain the event’s structure and tone. Captain Wyatt Smith, assistant professor of military science, served as “Mr. President,” overseeing the ceremony from opening to close. Senior cadets acted as “Mr. or Madam Vice” enforcing the “rules of the mess,” a set of formal, often lighthearted guidelines that govern behavior, etiquette and participation during the dinner and added moments of humor throughout the evening.
“Even small things, like making sure the glasses at your table are always full, are part of the tradition. It keeps the event structured but also fun,” Anglin said.
The program featured the National Anthem, the Army Song and a series of recognitions honoring cadets for achievements in academics, physical fitness and service, including specialized accomplishments such as participation in the Ranger Challenge competition.
“We do this to recognize the work our cadets put in throughout the year,” Smith said. “I’m very proud of everything they do, and Dining Out is a way to show that and make them proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
The evening also included a ceremonial “missing man table,” honoring soldiers who were killed in action or went missing in action, adding a meaningful reminder of the program’s deeper connection to military history, sacrifice and service.
While Dining Out is one of the program’s most visible traditions, Smith said it reflects the broader culture and commitments of Carroll’s ROTC program, which has been established for more than 25 years. The legacy has shaped generations of cadets into leaders, built a strong tradition of service on campus and connected current students to those who came before them.
“This program has been here a long time, and Dining Out has been a part of it long before I was a cadet here,” Smith said. “These traditions help define who we are.”
Behind the formal event is a demanding schedule that cadets maintain throughout the academic year. Participants balance early morning physical training four days a week, weekly military science classes and extended field labs every Friday. Each semester also includes a multi-day field training exercise, where cadets practice land navigation, tactical skills and leadership in outdoor field environments.
“There are hours and hours that go into this program that people don’t always see,” Smith said. “Some cadets aren’t even on scholarship; they’re here because they want to serve their country and become officers.”
Many cadets also take on additional responsibilities outside ROTC, including athletics and other campus organizations, further highlighting the level of commitment required.
For Anglin, the Dining Out serves as a rare opportunity to pause and reflect on those shared efforts.
“It’s not just about the ceremony,” he said. “It’s about sitting down together, bringing your family or your date, and just enjoying the moment.”
Rooted in centuries-old military customs, Dining Out remains a cornerstone of ROTC programs nationwide. At Carroll College, Saturday’s event reinforced not only the importance of tradition but also the sense of unity that defines the program, both in formal settings and in the daily work that leads up to them.
