Brig. Gen. Aaron R. Dean II, adjutant general, District of Columbia National Guard, served as guest speaker for the Howard University Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) commissioning ceremony, May 17, 2023

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WASHINGTON - Brig. Gen. Aaron R. Dean II, adjutant general, District of Columbia National Guard, served as guest speaker for the Howard University Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) commissioning ceremony, May 17, 2023. According to Howard's ROTC program website, the goal of these programs is to help students become officers and leaders in the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force and U.S. Army. During Dean's speech, he commended the newly commissioned officers of the United States Army for reaching a pivotal point of earning the rank of Second Lieutenant. "It is at this rank that your commanders will task you with complex and difficult tasks that seem impossible. He expressed that only one percent of the American population currently serve in the armed forces because the requirements are many and the selection process is very competitive. "But I am certain, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the Howard ROTC program gave you the tools and honed the skills you will need to professionally serve the Soldiers that you will be entrusted to lead." (Photos contributed by Howard University)

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Video by Sgt. 1st Class Erica Jaros

MIC'd Up with JTF-DC Commander Col. Doane

715th Public Affairs Detachment

Sept. 17, 2025 | 1:01

U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, commander, Joint Task Force - District of Columbia, D.C. National Guard, speaks with Soldiers from various states and members of the public about their experiences during the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission at locations across the District on Sept. 17, 2025. About 2,300 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. 1st Class Erica Jaros)