Lakewood Ranch JROTC

C/LTC Elisa Massaro

Battalion Commander

​This position is the most demanding in a cadet battalion. The instructors select the cadet for this position based upon demonstrated leadership ability and academic standing. The appointed cadet must be able to apply common sense and judgment in the solving of problems that affect the entire cadet corps. The battalion commander must be mature, willing to accept responsibility, be able to effectively delegate authority and supervise subordinates. The battalion commander controls the staff through the battalion executive officer and the companies through the company commanders, while maintaining the final approval authority in the cadet chain of command.

C/LTC Tatum Coleman

Battalion XO

​The cadet battalion executive officer (XO) supervises, directs, and coordinates the cadet battalion staff to prevent overlapping efforts and to ensure that the commander’s desires are understood and achieved. The cadet battalion XO keeps the staff informed of the commander’s policies and keeps the cadet battalion commander informed of the status of projects assigned to the staff. The cadet battalion XO assumes command of the cadet battalion in the absence of the cadet battalion commander.

C/ CSM Gino Tambe

Battalion Sergent Major

Principle advisor to the commander on the state of morale, discipline and training of cadets within the Battalion. Works with Battalion to ensure that correct information regarding training, special events ect... is passed up and down the chain of command and Cadets improve their professional appearance both in uniform and of ROTC facilities and equipment. CSM also oversees the training and performance of the Color Guard at special events, ensures formations and drill/ceremony are executed in accordance with FM 3-22.5, runs the flag duty detail, fosters unit morale and attends weekly Battalion command and staff meetings and preforms all other duties as assigned by the Battalion Commander.