Air Force ROTC Fall 2025
By Capt. Randy Rechkemmer ’16
Detachment 875 was ready to roll this fall after 47 cadets graduated from AFROTC field training at Maxwell Air Force Base with five earning the title of distinguished graduate and two earning the superior performers title! Cadets also had the opportunity to visit Air Force bases and witness operational exercises to better acquaint themselves with life and work on active duty. Upperclass cadets aced summer training opportunities at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) including Basic Freefall Parachuting Course, Combat Survival Training, the SOAR glider program, and served as cadet cadre members at the USAFA Preparatory School.
Early in the semester, cadets had the opportunity fly aboard two U.S. Air Force UH-1N Hueys from the 1st Helicopter Squadron that provides rapid-response airlift and contingency support for the National Capital Region. Their incentive flight included a cruise over the Virginia Tech campus and surrounding area, with the last flight landing on the Drillfield for a static display. The day prior, the aircrew executed a Lane Stadium flyover before the home football game against Wofford!
The detachment had the honor of hosting Professor Ken Stiles at our leadership lab during which he shared his experiences from nearly 30 years with the CIA, supporting the Global War on Terror immediately following 9/11, and his numerous deployments to Europe and the Middle East. Additionally, the cadet wing led the annual stadium run in remembrance, a tribute to those tragically lost that day. Cadets and cadre members from all ROTC branches were joined alongside members of the Blacksburg Fire Department and Blacksburg Rescue Squad for the solemn workout as everyone reflected on their own motivation and call to serve.
To ensure cadets are familiar with various career fields throughout the Air Force and Space Force, we hosted 25 officers from different duties and specialties to share their experiences and insights for Career Day. This is always a motivating event for freshmen still deciding on their futures in the Air Force, but especially insightful for juniors prior to submitting their desired Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) rankings.
Det. 875 and the Air Force Special Ops Prep Team are finalizing a plan to host a Special Warfare AFROTC Weekend for 50 cadets from 17 other universities within 400 miles, spanning both Northeast and Southeast regions. Virginia Tech AFROTC is a prime venue to showcase Air Force Special Operations career fields by utilizing university swimming pools, the Corps obstacle course, recreation fields, and the nearby land navigation course.
Cadets completed Warrior Day where first-year students and sophomores, known as General Military Course (GMC) cadets, implemented skills learned from Air Force classes within a practical, hands-on expeditionary exercise. During this training event, our more junior cadets continued to hone their leadership and followership capabilities throughout a simulated stressful environment, while more senior cadets served as instructors and evaluators. Warrior Day is designed to prepare cadets for the demands of summer field training, while empowering Professional Officer Corps (POC) cadets with a leadership opportunity to organize, train, and equip their team to execute the mission, similarly to an active-duty officer.
On a personal note, it is incredibly humbling to return to Virginia Tech as an instructor at Det. 875. Since arriving back in Blacksburg this June, I find myself constantly reminiscing of those great times with friends, a Beamer-led football team, and my own Air Force instructors when I was a cadet. My goal is to continue with the same level of training and mentorship that I experienced for the next three years of my tour as an instructor. Aim high and let’s go, Hokies!