Eagle Air Force ROTC Team Earns First Place at Texas Competition

A team from Embry-Riddle’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 028 took home first place at this year’s Air Force Special Warfare Invitational in San Antonio, Texas.

The Air Force’s Special Warfare Training Wing hosted the Special Warfare-themed competition from Nov. 1-2, during which AFROTC teams took on mental and physical challenges and participated in teambuilding events. AFROTC Detachment 028, located on the Prescott Campus,  sent two teams of six cadets to the event, where they competed against 113 cadets from 42 detachments across the country. 

Both Detachment 028 teams were led and accompanied by Maj. John Conner, who is the detachment’s resident Combat Rescue Officer.  AFROTC Detachment 028’s second team went from last at the outset to place eighth overall.

“Congratulations to both of our Detachment 028 teams,” said Prescott Campus Chancellor Ken Witcher, Ph.D. “You have made this university proud with your teamwork, determination and commitment to excellence.”

The purpose of the competition was to foster leadership and camaraderie and to increase awareness of Air Force Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR) career fields, including combat control, pararescue, special reconnaissance, tactical air control party, combat rescue officer, special tactics officer and tactical air control party officer. The teams participated in exercises designed to mirror AFSPECWAR global access, precision strike and personnel recovery missions.

“Our participation would not have been possible without the amazing support of the university,” said Col. Russ Davis, commander of AFROTC Detachment 028 and professor of Aerospace Studies. “The two vehicles, fuel and material support provided by Embry-Riddle enabled our cadets to show their grit, strength and courage.”