By Michael Bredselt

Occasionally you may notice students around campus dressed a little different than most college students. These students with shorter haircuts who are seen in camouflage, dress blue uniforms, or even flight suits are members of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, also known as AFROTC. The University of Louisville is home to the 295th Air Force ROTC Detachment. This often brings up the question: What is Air Force ROTC?

Air Force ROTC is a training program charged with developing quality leaders for the Air Force. This is accomplished through officer-led classes, cadet-run leadership laboratory, and physical training. AFROTC provides potential officers with a challenging and exciting curriculum designed to hone leadership skills, time management, physical fitness, and critical thinking.

AFROTC provides many challenges that encourage cadets to practice their skills as leaders, as well as learn ways to improve. Through training situations and scenarios, cadets learn to react in ways which produce positive outcomes for the mission, the team, and themselves. Throughout AFROTC, cadets are taught Air Force Core Values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. These core values are integral parts of the lives of all cadets and will remain so for their entire careers.

General George S. Patton stressed the importance of values such as these. “A leader is a man who can adapt principles to circumstances,” said Patton. Cadets strive to emulate these values in their everyday lives.

Service is a key tenant to Air Force leadership. Cadets learn that service to their nation is one of the most fulfilling opportunities an individual can experience. Additionally, each cadet is committed to community service. Cadets are involved in many charitable events and organizations, like the Dance-a-Thon, Project Warm, and Kosair Charities. Giving back to the community is a great way to serve.

One of the great advantages of AFROTC is that cadets also get to experience life as a college student and still gain the same commission (job) as a cadet at our nation’s service academies. Like many students, cadets are involved all around campus, including leadership positions in fraternities, university sports teams, and numerous on-campus groups. AFROTC cadets represent U of L and the Air Force wherever they go.

In addition to the normal college experience, cadets also participate in AFROTC national and local military challenges or competitions, such as visiting Air Force Bases and traveling to Notre Dame for an ROTC basketball tournament and other group activities. During the summer, cadets have the opportunity to do things like achieve jump wings or solo a glider at the Air Force Academy or delve into the cyberspace world, learning from top-notch professionals around our nation. Other events aimed at building teamwork in the detachment include: rock climbing, paintball, community service, and even a 28.4 mile POW/MIA run. There are always events happening for cadets to get involved in.

With all the hard work cadets put forth, there are some rewards, including scholarships. Freshmen and sophomores have the opportunity to compete for in-college scholarships. These scholarships range from 2 to 3.5 years and often cover their entire college tuition. Additionally, scholarship cadets receive a monthly stipend from $300-$500, $900 per year for books, and free room and board.

Upon successful completion of AFROTC, cadets are commissioned in the Air Force as Second Lieutenants in various career fields. From pilots to security forces, aircraft maintainers to doctors and nurses, Air Force officers travel the world, receive top-quality training, and develop teams capable of amazing feats.

Next time you are walking around campus and notice someone in an Air Force uniform, you now have a better sense of what they are doing. Say, “Hello.” I encourage you to talk with any of us. We would be happy to share more of the advantages of being an AFROTC cadet. AIM HIGH…Fly – Fight – Win!

For more information on Air Force ROTC, please visit the website at louisville.edu/afrotc, or contact them directly at 852-6576.

Michael Bredseldt is a sophomore communication major and a member of Air Force ROTC Detachment 295.