Army ROTC cadets inspired by visit from Space and Missile Defense Command

On Oct. 2, 2024, leaders from the Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) visited to speak with Army ROTC cadets, the Army’s future leaders as they prepare to begin their military careers.

Lt. Gen. Sean Gainey, SMDC commander, and SMDC Command Sgt. Maj. John Foley addressed Alabama A&M University, University of Alabama in Huntsville and Athens State University ROTC cadets at Alabama A&M’s Frank Lewis Gym during a professional development session.

“Be committed to yourselves,” Gainey said. “Evolve over time and don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable, because it is good. When you get out of your comfort zone you are going to grow immensely and rapidly.”

Gainey encouraged the cadets to build winning teams, seek mentors from all levels and to be the type of Soldier they will want in their organization.

“As a leader, one of the things I always encourage young leaders to take it upon themselves to push their development and mentorship,” he said. “Always look for opportunities to be mentored from different individuals.”

Lt. Col. Early Howard Jr., ROTC department chair and professor of military sciences at Alabama A&M, said it was important to have Army senior leaders address the cadets. “Anytime we can get a senior leader in the Army on our campus and speak to the future generation of officers is an absolute win,” Howard said. “Visits like this inspire the cadets. Representation matters and knowing that someone has the same humble beginnings they did, started on the same path and rose to be a three-star general is an absolute motivator. I know the cadets will take everything he said to heart and use that to become better leaders in the future.”

For Cadet Courtney Barrett, the visit was enjoyable and confirmed his desire to soon branch into the Signal Corps. “Having Lt. Gen. Gainey here today was really insightful,” Cadet Courtney Barrett said. “It really opened my eyes to what it means to be a leader and how I can further progress my professional development. I am excited to have the opportunity to lead Soldiers.”

Cadet Sarah Carter said she enjoyed the visit and looks forward to serving in the Army. "Our program is smaller so whenever we have a senior officer visit it makes us feel we are known and have a presence with the military,” she said. “Talking with my father, I wanted to join something that is really going to push me out of my comfort zone.”