Air Force ROTC Det 875

06/06/2026

The last two weeks, several of our Det 875 cadets had the incredible opportunity to participate in Global Scholars Program, a 3-credit academic course focused on the history and lessons of World War II, culminating in an immersive journey through some of the very locations they studied.

Cadets Buggy, Dougherty, and Saulnier traveled through London, Bayeux, and Paris. Cadets Alonzo, Duren, and Marik explored Bayeux and Paris. Throughout their trips, each cadet researched and presented a historical topic on-location, bringing history to life through firsthand learning. From discussing air power at Normandy in front of a B-17 bomber to studying the events and decisions that shaped the Allied victory, these future officers gained a deeper appreciation for leadership, service, and sacrifice.

As we commemorate the anniversary of D-Day today, we are especially mindful of the courage displayed on June 6, 1944. Standing where history unfolded serves as a powerful reminder that freedom has never been free. We honor our troops and Allied forces whose sacrifice changed the course of history.

WorldWarIIHistory

05/18/2026

05/18/2026

🛰️Spring 2026 Commissioning Complete✈️

We are so proud of our new Second Lieutenants and wish them all the best as they continue their journey into the U.S. Air and Space Forces.

Congratulations from Det 875 - Best Alive! 🇺🇸

05/01/2026

Detachment 875 cadets created, coordinated, and executed its annual Air Force Training Exercise (AFTX), testing cadets' proficiency in a dynamic, multi-day, high-tempo training environment. From leadership and followership to problem-solving under pressure, AFTX challenged every participant to step up and perform when it mattered most.

AFTX is where preparation meets ex*****on - building the confidence, teamwork, and resilience required of future Air and Space Force leaders. Detachment 875 is proud of the effort, adaptability, and professionalism shown by the Best Alive!

04/08/2026

WEEK 9:

Detachment 875 had the privilege of welcoming back past cadre member Mr. Easton Penland, who briefed our Professional Officer Course (POC) cadets on military financial fundamentals. He delivered advice on important life skills as the POC continue to prepare for commissioning.

General Military Course (GMC) cadets conducted classroom Group Leadership Projects (GLPs), testing their adaptability to a changing environment, and requiring decisive and effective decision making.

04/04/2026

Celebrating the year’s accomplishments (so far!) with Det 875:

Recently, Detachment 875 held its Dining Out ceremony, honoring military tradition and strengthening the Cadet Wing’s esprit de corps. Cadets, cadre, and guests enjoyed an evening filled with food and festivity

Explore our top ranked program to discover more opportunities and traditions.

Link in bio! https://liberalarts.vt.edu/rotc/airforce.html

04/02/2026

Introducing... Det 875's Cadet Wing Commander! Continue following us as we post a series of Cadet Wing Leadership interviews. Who better to start us off than C/Col Jacob Gruber?

Rank and Name: C/Col Jacob Gruber

AFROTC Position: Cadet Wing Commander – Directs and executes the mission while overseeing the daily operations of the Cadet Wing

Hometown: Centreville, VA

Major: Political Science (focus in national security studies)

AFSC: 11X – Pilot

Hobbies: Hiking, anything outdoors, collecting vinyl records, spending time with dogs & cats at home.

04/01/2026

Hard work pays off for Det 875:

Recently, our cadets earning an Enrollment Allocation and headed to Field Training this summer took the oath of enlistment at the Virginia Tech baseball military appreciation game, officially swearing into the Armed Forces. They will continue their preparation and training towards a commission in the U.S. Air and Space Forces.

Thank you to all who were able to join us in-person or online for this special moment in our cadets' careers!

03/28/2026

Join Detachment 875 in congratulating our February Cadets of the Month! Scroll to learn more:

AS100 – C/Walker
Became a member of AFSOPT through the tap process. Maxed the PFA (85 pushups, 64 situps, 8:18 run). Continues training in the gym, pool, and on runs while preparing for a marathon. Supports peers in physics and calculus while balancing 19 credit hours and maintaining A’s and B’s as a first-semester engineering major.

AS200 – C/Sisk
Developed a company cleaning schedule for regimental inspection, resulting in zero auto-fails. Supported the Rappel Team tap process by teaching knots and managing social media photos. Assisted 14 cadets with job applications by taking and curating professional headshots tailored to specific employers.

AS300 – C/Niland
Created a task-tracking spreadsheet with a point system, completing 55+ tasks in 3 weeks. Captured and edited 400+ photos for Air Force Flyers and the Wing, and trained a staff member in photography to support tap coverage. Served as Highty-Tighty S-7 NCO, producing and refining 5+ training passes with his XO.

AS400 – C/Tieu
Placed 4th out of 32 at the VMI State Cyber Competition (4-hour CTF event). Maintains all A’s in major coursework while building a strong cyber foundation. Works 10–15 hrs/week at VT Dining, earning $160–$200 weekly to support family and save for a Toyota RAV4. Devoted 5–6 hrs/week to Bible study and achieved a 405 lb deadlift (2.3x bodyweight).

12/31/2025

CONGRATULATIONS to our Winter ‘25 Commissionees! (read ⬇️⬇️⬇️)

2nd Lt. Bailey Felter
2nd Lt. Matthew Mauro
2nd Lt. Sarah Neal
2nd Lt. Connor Nelson
2nd Lt. Julia Plantier
2nd Lt. Emre Ramiz*

A special highlight on 2nd Lt. Ramiz, as he is a DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE of the program. This entails being in the 𝘵𝘰𝘱 10% of 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐂 𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, exemplifying unyielding dedication to improve himself, the program, and those around him. Way to go, Lt. Ramiz!

Each of these graduates have shown their profound commitment to the Air Force core values- “𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵, 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧, 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰”. These graduates have made VT, the VTCC, and Det. 875 very proud, and we’re confident they will continue to do so throughout their careers. GO HOKIES!!!