Seven Cadets from Air Force ROTC Detachment 157 at Embry-Riddle selected for Pilot and Air Battle Manager Training

This elite fighter pilot training program is the world's only multi-nationally operated and managed flying training program chartered to produce combat pilots for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The 80th Flying Training Wing is the official U.S. Air Force designation of this flight training organization.

Cadets chosen for ENJJPT are judged the top ten percent nationwide of all those that applied for rated positions. The Embry-Riddle cadets will make up almost 10 percent of the less than 60 available slots for the FY18 class – Ian Mehl, Ryan Pieton, David Poe, Jake Sonzogni and Chadwick Woolford.

Additionally, two cadets, Noel Castro and Lawrence Duncan have been chosen for rated positions. Noel Castro was selected for pilot and will attend pilot training at one of the three under graduate pilot training bases (David Poe was chosen for both pilot training and ENJJPT).  Lawrence Duncan has been accepted for Air Battle Manager training. This position in the Air Force utilizes strategy, experience and an intimate knowledge of aircraft, weapons and surveillance to control the outcome of an air battle.

ENJJPT is located at Sheppard AFB, Texas. The entire course lasts about 55 weeks. Students learn with, and are taught by, U.S. Air Force officers and officers from various air forces of our European allies. Student pilots first fly the T-6, mastering contact, instrument, low-level and formation flying. Next, they strap on the supersonic T-38 and continue building the skills necessary to become a fighter pilot.

After successfully completing ENJJPT, all officers, regardless of nationality, receive their silver U.S. wings and those of their own country and are awarded the aeronautical rating of pilot. They attend follow-on training in their assigned aircraft at various bases around the country.

“Overall, our 2018 class achieved a 97 percent selection rate,” said Col. Kimberley Ramos, Professor of Aerospace Studies and commander of Detachment 157. In the last few years, we have always had a few cadets chosen for the ENJJPT. This year’s selection of five cadets is outstanding and speaks to the partnership between Embry-Riddle and Detachment 157, which greatly contributes to the outstanding success of our cadets.”

AFROTC Detachment 157 administers and provides a college-level officer training program for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Bethune Cookman University, Daytona State College, and the University of Central Florida-Daytona Beach.