Current Cadets
These are some of Det 90’s very own, here are some of their thoughts on the program and their thoughts on the time they’ve spent here at CSU.
AS 300 Cadet
Our AS 300 Cadet is completing her 2nd year at CSU. She transferred from another university and entered AFROTC as an AS 250. She is currently studying Psychology and minoring in Aerospace Studies!
What’s been your favorite part about ROTC?
“My favorite part of ROTC are all the opportunities, like escape and evasion, going to visit F.E. Warren AFB, seeing helicopters, the missiles, getting the “You Can Fly” scholarship and getting some hours and going to Arizona this summer for the hours. Also, the mountain medic thing that’s going to happen at the end of summer. And people! The people that are here, they’re all levelheaded. They all have similar goals. They’re fun, kind, and respectful people.”
What’s something you wish you knew coming into ROTC?
“I knew absolutely nothing coming in last year. The one thing I would say is just go in and just be ready to be humbled. My dad always said the military is a foreign language. And I never understood that. I was like “dad I mean it’s the military, but I mean…”. Now there’s so many things that I know with my ROTC friends that I don’t know how to talk about with people outside of ROTC. So just go into it with an open mind, and just be humble. Because everything’s new, like marching and revelry, and all that stuff.”
Would you convince someone to join AFROTC?
“100%! Oh, totally! If they didn’t know what they wanted to do, if they wanted a secure group of people and had just a little bit of dedication in their life, BOOMB Air Force! Or at least go to the reserves. But yeah, I would totally convince someone if I could, it’s a big commitment, but it’s worth it.”
How has DET 90 affected you? Why Det 90?
“I didn’t pick detachment 90, I just kind of came to CSU and at the last minute decided to do this. I didn’t know it was one of the best largest detachments. How has it affected me? It has affected me in how I live my life in every aspect. Structure is huge for me. Also building a sense of patriotism. I’m so proud to be what I’m a part of. I always thought ROTC was for nerds, and I didn’t understand what it was about. Like, I didn’t know that it was a total pipeline to being an officer in the Air Force. I didn’t understand the difference between officer and enlisted. But now that I understand, ROTC is probably the coolest way to become an officer.”
How has ROTC impacted your education here at CSU?
“Well, my first semester here, I wanted to make sure I got a 4.0, because as a AS 250, your first semester is what goes up the rated board, and nothing else. Also in [my previous university], I went to college during COVID, so I’ve never had an In-person classes until this year. But coming here, I don’t know, it’s just made me want to go to classes. And when I want to go to classes, not because of course attendance, but for more of an intrinsic motivation, that’s enjoyable. I don’t have to go to all my classes, but I have been.”
Why did you join ROTC?
“I was at a pool party with my family, and we were eating corndogs talking about it. And they’re like, “You know what, CSU has a military or AFROTC program.” And I was like, “Cool”. And then we looked on the website and I was like, “Okay”. I originally actually wanted to be a search and rescue officer, but I didn’t know what all goes into that obviously. Basically, I wanted structure, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my future. And my dad was in the military… and the military is kind of cool. And there’s a lot of benefits. I guess there’s like six answers there.”
AS 400 Cadet
Currently a 4th year Mechanical Engineering student here at CSU Fort Collins our AS 400 Cadet has been part of the Air Force ROTC detachment for the last 4 years and offers his unique insight into the ROTC curriculum below.
What has been your favorite part about ROTC?
“My favorite part is the people. Coming in during the COVID pandemic, there was a very strong community that you didn’t get anywhere else on campus. That community and camaraderie has continued and is still one of the best parts about AFROTC. It’s a very tight knit group of people that get along well and support one another.”
What’s something you wish you knew coming into ROTC?
“Don’t be afraid to fail. ROTC is a learning environment, and it is designed for cadets to be able to fail and then learn from their mistakes. I was worried that failing would set me back but that is far from true.”
Would you recommend someone to join AFROTC?
“Definitely. ROTC changed my life in a lot of ways and all of them for the better. I encourage everybody to at least give it a try. If you’re on the fence about it, try it for a semester. You’re not committed to anything and after that semester, if you decide it is not for you, at least you gave it a shot. Even if military service is not in your future, AFROTC will provide you with valuable skills that are applicable to any path you pursue in life.
How has DET 90 affected you?
Detachment 90 gave me a strong foundation to begin my career as an Air Force leader. I have grown as a leader and wingman more than I would have ever expected. Detachment 90 has also given me a community of friends and teammates that encourage me to get better every day.
Why Det 90?
“Detachment 90 definitely has a better community of cadets. When I was looking for an ROTC detachment, I toured all the local ones. None of them had the welcoming atmosphere that Det 90 has. I was also very impressed by the caliber of leaders that Detachment 90 had produced.”
How has ROTC impacted your education here at CSU?
ROTC forces me to be a better student. I am more diligent with my time management and my studies. ROTC has also improved my independence, motivation, and responsibility, making me a well-rounded and mature student.
Why did you join ROTC?
“Service has always been important to me; I have wanted to serve my country since I was a little kid. Growing up right next to the Air Force Academy, I always worked towards getting in there. While I was in high school, I had some friends older than me that attended the Air Force Academy, and they pointed out some downsides of attending a military academy. Being part of something bigger than myself and serving my country was still very important so I looked for other avenues to service. I considered enlisting but knew that I could do more as an officer. Additionally, I wanted to have a ‘college experience’ and learn how to be an adult. ROTC was the perfect combination of college, and military studies that still ends in a commission into the United States Air Force.