More than a uniform: one cadet’s path to leadership 

Cadet Mazzocchi poses for a platoon photo at advanced camp

Cadet Mazzocchi poses for a platoon photo at advanced camp

Walking through campus in her uniform, Cadet Mazzocchi carries more than just her rucksack, she carries the weight of leadership, legacy and responsibility. 

She’s Battalion Commander for TCU’s Army ROTC program. Mazzocchi is responsible for over 100 cadets, a role that places her in the spotlight and under immense pressure. 

Mazzocchi didn’t join ROTC with plans for command. A native of Sudbury, Massachusetts, she grew up in the shadow of the Revolutionary War.

“I have always been interested in the founding of this country,” said Mazzocchi, a combined science major. She also recognized that ROTC would make college more affordable.

"“Honestly, it was also largely a financial decision because ROTC was the way that I could pay for this while still doing something I am passionate about,” she said.

Cadet Mazzocchi at Camp Graduation

Cadet Mazzocchi at Camp Graduation

Her journey, however, didn’t start with leadership positions, accolades or medals. It began with a serious injury and a determination to serve.

Mazzocchi had to join the TCU ROTC program a semester late after recovering from her injury. This meant that she had to double up, completing the academic and fieldwork for both first -year (MS1) and second-year (MS2) during her first year in the ROTC program, Mazzocchi said.

“ It was intense but I didn’t want to fall behind, being a female MS1 new to the program I wanted to earn the respect of my pairs as quickly as possible”
Claudia Mazzocchi

Mazzocchi threw herself into the experience. Not only did she complete the required activities, she also joined the ranger challenge team, a physically demanding competition where they train for elite military challenges. Additionally, she also participated in Color Guard where she presented the nation's colors at events such as TCU football games. 

Her determination and resilience didn't go unnoticed. By the end of her first year she had received a competitive slot at Air Assault School. Air Assault School was an intense 10 day program where the selected cadets were put through physical tests and learnt how to conduct helicopter operations. 

By the end of her junior year (MS3) she had finished training for the Cadet Summer Training (CST), a mandatory event for all cadets. During her time at CST she earned an invitation to the Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT). Again, Mazzocchi’s determination, attitude and excellence were recognized and awarded.  

The CTLT program took place at Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington State.  Mazzoacchi spent the time placed with a combat engineer platoon from the 555 Engineer Brigade and this experience would end up shaping the next path in her career. 

Air Assault Training in Session

Air Assault Training in Session

“Having time to connect with the Engineer Brigade and experience their duties I realized that this is the branch that I wanted to go into. I wanted to be an engineer, I loved it.”

Claudia Mazzocchi

Cadet Mazzocchi in Uniform in TCU Commons

Cadet Mazzocchi in Uniform in TCU Commons

Returning to TCU for her final year Cadet Mazzocchi served as a TAC, a role that required her to mentor and evaluate junior ROTC cadets. This experience helped to continue her experience as a leader, learning valuable skills that she now brings to her role as Battalion Commander. 

“In this role as Battalion Commander everything that goes right or wrong is my responsibility," she said. "At first I was trying to be perfect but as time went on I realized it was more about being accountable than it was perfect.”

Her growth as a leader has’t gone unrecognized by her peers. She is well respected among the ROTC program as a mentor, leader and friend.

"“ She’s one of the most competent and calm leaders that I've had in my time at ROTC, her social skills are exceptional and she knows when to listen and how to speak to others in a compelling manner.”
Fellow MS3 Cadet Connor Downs said.   

Mazzocchi also knows that younger cadets are looking up to her and watching her actions, especially the women and that helps to keep her motivated.

"If they see me doing it, maybe they’ll believe they can too, and they absolutely can."
Claudia Mazzocchi

As graduation and commission approaches, Mazzocchi is reaching the next phase of her chapter, engineering school. After commissioning on May 9th, she’ll officially be Second Lieutenant Mazzocchi and heading to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri for the Engineer Basic Officer Leader Course. A 19 week program that is designed to sharpen her technical and tactical skills required for a career in engineering.

After completion of the Engineering Basic Officer Course, Mazzocchi is unsure where the army will send her but the uncertainty doesn’t seem to rattle her.  Whatever comes next Mazzocchi knows the foundation that she has built here in Fort Worth at the ROTC program is going to help her pathway forward and up the ranks.

“ Everything that I've done here at TCU, the early mornings, overnight rucks, challenges and programs have all led to this. A job in the field, serving the country that I love. I will always be grounded here, to the people, the ROTC program and to the experiences that have shaped me.” 

Claudia Mazzocchi

Cadet Mazzocchi with fellow ROTC member and super frog and TCU baseball game

Cadet Mazzocchi with fellow ROTC member and super frog and TCU baseball game

Mazzocchi’s journey has been filled with grit and determination. Her leadership style has been based on showing up, staying committed and lifting those around her up. Her time at TCU has prepared her for the physical and tactical demands that she will soon face in the Army but it has also shaped her into a confident leader that understands the value of discipline and resilience. 

As she prepares to leave TCU and campus life to join in with front line operations of military engineering, Mazzocchi carries with her more than the lessons from textbooks and ROTC drills . She carries the weight of the young women of those who will follow, watching her path.

Cadet Mazzocchi in her ASU uniform

Cadet Mazzocchi in her ASU uniform