Air Force ROTC Detachment 538

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Air Force ROTC Detachment 538

Detachment 538 at the Rochester Institute of Technology: Aspire. Commit. Succeed. Welcome to the official page for Air Force ROTC Detachment 538!

We offer a challenging in-college program to develop quality leaders for the United States Air Force with graduates commissioning as 2nd Lieutenants who serve in a variety of career fields the Air Force has to offer. Currently serving nine crosstown schools, the Air Force ROTC program here at RIT is open to many seeking the opportunities that we have to offer, to include (but not limited to) schol

arships, professional/service extracurricular opportunities, base visits, incentive flights, and more! If interested, we encourage you to send us a message here on Facebook or simply check out our website below!

09/02/2026

First Space Cadet coming back from Field Training 2026! Congratulations to C/Rahman on successfully completing Max 5!

“My favorite experience was completing flight paths around the DFAC before eating as well as getting to know all the other Space Force Cadets in my flight.” C/Rahman

Coming back from Field Training, Cadet Rahman will assume the role of Social Media Division Chief under A6.

U.S. Air Force ROTC U.S. Air Force RIT U.S. Space Force

08/26/2026

Is that a bird? A plane? No its the Thunderbirds‼️

Over the summer, members and alumni of Detachment 538 were able to witness the greatness of the USAF Thunderbirds, in action, at the Rochester Air Show!!

U.S. Air Force ROTC U.S. Air Force RIT U.S. Space Force

08/20/2026

What is the CTO ODT?
The Chief Training Officer ODT is designed to develop cadet leaders into effective trainers within AFROTC field training environment. It is led by Military Training Instructors (MTIs), who provide advanced instruction on proper drill and ceremony techniques while also teaching effective instructional methods and questioning strategies.

What did you get to do?
During the training, we learned how to develop effective lesson plans and deliver engaging instruction. We focused on creating a positive and productive training environment while expanding our knowledge of drill and ceremony techniques.

We also spent a significant amount of time practicing drill, receiving high-quality instruction from experienced trainers. In addition to improving our own proficiency, we learned how to effectively teach drill to others. One of the most valuable aspects of the experience was being treated as developing cadet leaders rather than simply as trainees, which created a more professional learning environment and allowed us to take greater ownership of our development.

What is your favorite experience or memory from the ODT?
Probably the 6 miles run. Everyone did a jodie and it was never silent and they enforced staying in step while running which was actually really cool. Also, when we had free time we would walk around base and play games in the dorms. Overall, It was so awesome! Like my mind was blown in a good way and it was such a positive experience. It really developed a good mindset and course of actions for teaching/training.

U.S. Air Force ROTC U.S. Air Force RIT U.S. Space Force

08/19/2026

Congratulations to C/Milewski on completing his formal training for his AFSC (Air Force Specialty Code) in the Air National Guard at Joint Base McGuire.

As a 1C0, C/Milewski is responsible for coordinating aircraft and crews, helping ensure that missions run as smooth as possible. From maintaining flight records, to validating aircrew safety requirements, airfield management specialists ensure that both personnel and equipment are ready to go and in the right place so missions can be carried out according to plan.

C/Milewski also graduated as the Academic Achiever, earning an average score of 90 or above throughout his training.

U.S. Air Force ROTC U.S. Air Force ღ U.S. Space Force Air National Guard

08/18/2026

AFROTC Det 538 New Student Orientation is here!

Date: Saturday, August 22nd
Time: 0830-1330
Location: Grace Watson Field
Attire: Conservative Athletic Wear

Interested in joining AFROTC?

Attend our NSOP this Saturday to learn more about the program and the incredible opportunities you’ll have!

Det 538’s New Student Orientation Program is designed for all incoming cadets to provide a comprehensive overview of what to expect this semester. From basic drill and ceremonies to training requirements and leadership expectations, our orientation will help you hit the ground running. Come prepared to ask questions, meet your cadre and fellow cadets, and start your journey strong!

ASPIRE. COMMIT. SUCCEED.

Have questions? Please email our AFROTC organizational inbox, [email protected]

U.S. Air Force ROTC RIT U.S. Air Force U.S. Space Force

08/10/2026

Congratulations to C/Kurtzhalts on successfully completing Field Training! After graduating from MAX 4, C/Kurtzhalts was also selected to participate in the Chief Training Officer (CTO) Officer Development Training (ODT).

“I was MAX 4, Squadron 3, Oscar Flight. I learned a lot about myself as a wingman and leader. I was put in a lot of positions where I had to step up or help somebody out and was forced to create a solid team to get the mission done together as a unit.” -C/Kurtzhalts

The CTO ODT is led by Military Training Instructors (MTIs), who provide advanced instruction on proper drill and ceremony techniques while also teaching effective instructional methods and questioning strategies. The course prepares future cadet leaders to confidently teach and mentor cadets with a variety of learning styles.

“My favorite experience from the ODT was running six miles on our last day and calling jodies with the MTIs because it was physically challenging, but you don’t want to let down the people running beside you.” -C/Kurtzhalts

U.S. Air Force ROTC U.S. Air Force ღ U.S. Space Force

07/14/2026

NEW POC JUST DROPPED!!

Congratulations to C/Sosa and C/Feathers on successfully completing Field Training Max 2, AFROTC’s summer leadership evaluation!

They’ve officially earned the title of POC (Professional Officer Course) cadets, taking the next step into leadership within the AFROTC program.

Way to represent Det 538—we’re proud of you both!

U.S. Air Force ROTC U.S. Air Force ღ U.S. Space Force

05/15/2026

We’re proud to announce that the following cadets have successfully completed their training and have been commissioned as officers in both the Air and Space Forces! Huge congratulations to cadets Wisniewski, Libby, and Malcolm for their achievement!

Years of hard work, dedication, leadership, and sacrifice have allowed these cadets to complete their training and take the Oath of Office. We’re incredibly proud of their journey and the success they’ve had, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for these talented individuals!

We’d like to thank Brigadier General Kaczor, Acting Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Warfighter Communications and Cyber Systems, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, for parting valuable advice onto our new Lieutenants and for speaking at our ceremony.

We’d also like to thank our generous hosts at the National Warplane Museum for allowing us to use their venue!

Finally, we’d like to thank the friends and family of our new officers for supporting these individuals on their journeys to officership. Thanks to your dedication as supporters, our new officers are able to serve.

05/04/2026

As the unit continues to grow and evolve, we’re putting a renewed focus on preserving our collective history. The Heritage Board serves as a permanent record of the individuals who have contributed to this program over the years, and it remains open for any current member who wants to officially add their name to that lineage. It’s a simple way to ensure that the work put in by this class is recognized by those who follow.

Separately, we’re also building out the Det Drive to capture the parts of our history that a physical wall can’t show. This project is a dedicated resource for archiving our unit’s media, traditions, and major milestones in one central place. By keeping our records organized now, we’re making sure the specific culture and achievements of our era are fully documented for the future of the detachment!

Want to contribute or stay updated on our progress? Send us an email at [email protected] to submit your media or to be added to our official mailing list!

05/01/2026

"Our Air Force must be able to thrive in an environment of chaos. Success will not be found in rigid adherence to the plans of yesterday. It will be found by those who have the courage to accelerate change. As you move forward from this detachment, remember that your greatest asset isn't the technology you'll operate, but your ability to think, adapt, and lead through uncertainty." — General Charles "CQ" Brown Jr.

LLAB 14 marked the conclusion of a high-tempo semester for Detachment 538. Last week was a testament to the hard work of every Cadet in the detachment, from the final parade to the awarding of individual achievements.

In addition to our Change of Command, we recognized our AS200 class as they prepare for Field Training. Seeing them receive their Lieutenant bars from the POC highlights the strong bond of mentorship within our detachment. These awards represent a commitment to the standards of excellence required of the next generation of Air Force and Space Force officers.

We are honored to have had so many visitors from our military community join us for this even, thank you for your continued support.

Congratulations to all award recipients and the Fall ‘26 staff!

Address

Rochester Institute Of Technology
Rochester, NY
14623

Website

https://www.rit.edu/universitystudies/airforcerotc, https://www.afrotc.com/

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