Since the mid-70s, The ROCKS, an international 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, through its National Board, chapters and Interest Groups has been a source of strength within the military community, providing mentorship and professional leadership development to military officers. Our mission is based on a philosophy of mutual support, networking and mentorship—Strengthen military officers and civilians by providing and promoting mentorship, professional leadership development, scholarship and networking. We are an essential leader in providing developmental guidance to support members of the officer corps, cadets, and federal civilians. Connection, guidance and opportunity through our mentorship program is the foundation of all our work.

Upon reaching Washington, several informal meetings followed. However, the emphasis was modified to deal with survival in the National Capitol Region and to address other issues of interest to the members. During the years which followed, many officers were reassigned in and out of the Washington area so the group continued to grow. The need for a more structured organization was also seen, so a formal meeting was held on October 9, 1974, to get the group formalized. BG Roscoe Cartwright, along with Colonel Robert B. Burke, led an initiative to formally organize the growing network into what became temporarily known as the "No Name Club" until they agreed on an official name. Shortly thereafter, on Dec 1, 1974, the "No Name Club" was assembled to vote on a name when it received news that General Cartwright and his wife had died in a plane crash earlier that day. The leader of the group, General Cartwright, who embodied the spirit of nurturing, commitment and mentorship was gone.