On February 25, 2025, our program coordinated an incentive flight for the four nursing students currently enrolled in Air Force ROTC. Through a partnership with the local Air National Guard Base, these cadets had the rare opportunity to witness a real-world training scenario alongside an Aeromedical Evacuation team. This experience provided them with firsthand insight into the demanding yet rewarding role of a Flight Nurse, who plays a vital part in transporting and caring for injured service members in the field.

By immersing our nursing cadets in realistic Air Force medical operations, we help them gain a clearer understanding of their potential career paths while reinforcing the impact they can have within military healthcare.

The Detachment 128 University of Delaware (UD) Air Force ROTC cadets joined the UD Army ROTC unit in attempting to pass the German Armed Force Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) February 21-22, 2025. This test requires cadets to perform a variety of physical and military skills tests, including a 100-meter swim in a military uniform, a fitness test that included sprinting and a timed run, a ruck, and a pistol marksmanship proficiency. 

Out of the 5 cadets, 3 of them earned a badge, Cadet Perry Smith (Senior), Cadet Ian Dunne (Junior) and Cadet Nathan Reed (Freshman).

From Left to Right: Cadet Ian Dunne (Junior), Cadet Nathan Reed (Freshman), Cadet Henry Higgins (sophomore), Cadet Perry Smith (senior), and Cadet Griffin Walls (Senior) 

In May 2025, UD had two cadets commission into the Air Force as 2LTs. The 2Lt Griffin Walls commissioned as a Combat Systems Officer (12X) and 2Lt Perry Smith as a Contracting Officer (64P). 

This summer, eight rising juniors from Detachment 128 successfully completed Field Training at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. Over the course of 21 challenging days, these cadets demonstrated their leadership, teamwork, and resilience while being evaluated on their ability to perform under pressure.

Graduating from Field Training marks a major milestone in their ROTC journey — it qualifies them to enter the Professional Officer Course (POC), where they will further develop their planning, leadership, and execution skills as they prepare to commission as officers in just two years.

This fall, Detachment 128 welcomed 27 new cadets during the New Cadet Orientation Program — one of the largest incoming classes in more than five years. This 2 day event introduced our newest cadets to the Air Force ROTC program, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and the commitment required to become a commissioned officer.

November 6, 2025: Combat Dining In

Detachment 128 cadets are preparing for their annual Air Force Dining In, a time-honored tradition that celebrates camaraderie, esprit de corps, and the heritage of the U.S. Air Force. 

December 4, 2025: AFSC Shadow Day

This fall, our junior cadets submitted their Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) wish lists — the first major step toward determining their future career fields as Air Force officers. Prior to submitting their preferences, cadets visited Dover Air Force Base to shadow professionals in their top two career choices. This hands-on experience gave them valuable insight into daily operations and helped them make informed, confident decisions about the paths they hope to pursue after commissioning.

December 13, 2025: Alumni Legacy Ball

Join UD ROTC Alumni Network for its first annual Legacy Ball. More registration and ticket information can be found here.