Embry-Riddle Air Force ROTC Detachment 028 Cadets Celebrate Future Roles

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 028 recently celebrated its cadets learning their career assignment in the Air Force or Space Force.

The unit held its Spring 2025 Drop Night event, during which cadets’ future career assignments — known as Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs) — were announced. Thirty-three of 37 cadets earned their top choice. This included 18 pilot slots, two Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Pilot slots, and one Combat Systems Officer slot, said Colonel Russell Davis, commander of Detachment 028 on the Prescott Campus.

Cadet Samantha J. Chaffins holds up her certificate acknowledging her selection, earning a 14N Intelligence Officer assignment. (Photo: C/Capt Adrian Diaz)“One hundred percent of our cadets who applied to be pilots and flight-related officers earned their top choice,” he said.

For many, earning a competitive slot, such as a pilot position, is the result of years of hard work and dedication.

Harrison Reiter, a senior Aeronautics major, was one of the 18 cadets to earn a coveted pilot slot. A prior enlisted member before joining ROTC, Harrison described Drop Night as the moment he achieved his aspirations.

“It is hard to put into words how much this night means to me, my family and my fellow cadets,” said Reiter. “It made everything feel worth it.”

Cadets from across the nation compete for a limited number of assignments, with every aspect of their academic and leadership performance evaluated.

“Grades, fitness, ROTC performance, leadership and more are all evaluated,” said Reiter. “It’s not competing against individuals here at Embry-Riddle, but from across the country.”

Reiter said his passion for aviation stems from his time as an F-35 maintenance technician at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where he drew inspiration from watching pilots take to the skies.

Reiter credits Detachment 028 for instilling leadership and resilience.

“The cadets here support each other in every way, from sharing a meal to cheering each other up after a tough exam. Everyone stands out in that way.”

Samantha J. Chaffins, also a senior cadet, grew up in a military family and cited her father’s 20 years of Air Force service as a significant influence. She earned a 14N Intelligence Officer assignment.

“Growing up surrounded by discipline, resilience and service, I learned the importance of selflessness and leading with purpose,” she said. “These are the lessons I hope to carry forward as I continue to learn.”

Detachment 028 Commander Col. Russell Davis celebrates with cadets Micah Oliver and Liam Rodgers during the unit’s Spring 2025 Drop Night event. (Photo: C/Capt Adrian Diaz)For Chaffins, Drop Night was “a deeply personal milestone.” She recalled the nervousness of watching her first Drop Night as a freshman, doubting her potential.

“I struggled at first but committed to becoming ‘comfortable with the uncomfortable.’ The support from my cadre and fellow cadets helped me grow into a leader,” she said.

Maj. Joshua Acosta, assistant professor of Aerospace Studies, emphasized the foundation that Drop Night has for these cadets’ future success.

“It’s the monumental moment when future officers learn their career fields. It’s a celebration of years of dedication toward becoming an Air Force or Space Force officer,” he said.

Many cadets enter the program dreaming of service from childhood or continuing family legacies of military duty, said Acosta. Drop Night isn’t an endpoint but a beginning.

“What I look forward to most is becoming part of a team that supports and enables operations across the Air Force,” said Chaffins. “Working behind the scenes to provide insight, anticipate threats and help others carry out their missions more effectively and safely.”

With competitive selections, rigorous preparation and the support of a strong detachment, these future officers are well-positioned to excel in their chosen fields — whether piloting aircraft, managing space operations or supporting mission-critical roles across the Air and Space Force.