The College of the Ozarks Military Science Department commissioned officer candidate Seth Ratliff as a second lieutenant in the Missouri Army National Guard on Dec. 10, 2021.

The Commissioning ceremony was hosted at The William S. Knight Center for Patriotic Education and was attended by College of Ozarks President Jerry C. Davis, college administrators, Ratliff’s family, and Bobcat GOLD (Guard Officer Leader Development) instructors according to a release from the school.

Ratliff is a senior business management major, graduating this December. 

Brigadier General James Schreffler serves as associate professor of military science at College of the Ozarks and assistant adjutant general, Army, for the Missouri National Guard.

“This was a very exciting day for 2nd Lt. Ratliff and his family as he begins his leadership journey as an officer in the U.S. Army,” Schreffler said. “2nd Lt. Ratliff has been a fixture in the Bobcat GOLD program from its inception, and we are extremely proud of his accomplishment as he makes the transition from enlisted officer candidate to commissioned officer.” 

The Bobcat GOLD Program is the College’s officer candidate program. Students graduate as second lieutenants in the Missouri Army National Guard (MOARNG) after leadership training and after developing teamwork and managerial skills. The leadership of the MOARNG has worked closely with the College to help design the program to best equip cadets, honor the mission and goals of the College, and assist the MOARNG in developing future leaders. 

“This is the first step of a very promising career for 2nd Lt. Ratliff as he becomes a leader in the ranks of less than one percent of the American population who dedicate themselves to a career of service to country in the U.S. Military,” Schreffler said.