The annual MIT Reserve Officer Training Corps Tri-service Presidential Pass in Review took place at Berry Field on Friday afternoon. The pass in review is a long-standing military tradition that began as a way for a newly assigned commander to inspect his troops. Visiting officers and guest speakers are also invited to review the troops. The guest speaker at this year's pass in review was retired U.S Army Lieutenant General James Terry Scott, who gave a short speech on the field to commend and encourage the troops. The ceremony went smoothly, with no materialization of a threatened protest, which came as a surprise to the officers.
Protesters come every year.
Last year, the protesters were very polite and the level of professionalism that they maintained was very noteworthy. This year we were expecting a bigger crowd because of the International Fair so close by. Guests come to watch review Special guests from the military, family, and friends filled the bleachers as ROTC cadets and midshipmen from MIT, Harvard, Tufts, and Wellesley marched in formation around Berry Field and performed a series of maneuvers following the orders of their battalion and wing commanders. Spectators came from as close as Harvard and as far away as Puerto Rico to show their support for the cadets and midshipmen. Although the ceremony itself usually lasts only an hour, it is a highly valued tradition among all those in attendance.