Jose Velazquez Avila Recognized in Annual Sword Ceremony

2015 Sep 28

Since medieval times, sabers have served as a mark of authority, representing leadership and influence. On September 27, 2015, Jose Velazquez Avila of Ciudad del Carmen was presented with a saber at Army and Navy Academy's annual Sword Ceremony in recognition of his commissioning as an officer within the Corps of Cadets.

The Sword Ceremony is held each year to recognize Cadet Leadership at the school. Cadets are qualified to receive sabers after completion of the Officer Candidate Course (OCC), a 6-week long course that tests the students on leadership, discipline, ability to lead drill, and other skills needed to succeed within the Corps of Cadets.

Successful completion of OCC is a significant accomplishment at Army and Navy Academy - one that allows Cadets to become officers within the Corps of Cadets. The Sword Ceremony is formal recognition of this great achievement.