Welcome,
The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is one of the most respectable and beneficial organizations on a college campus. Entering into my senior year as both a Detachment 442 cadet and a Missouri S&T student, I can tell you with confidence that the cadets and cadre here constantly serve as a family unit, provide lifelong friendships, and inspire one another to accomplish excellence at all times.
Detachment 442 has several challenging, fun, and informational activities planned for the Fall 2008 semester. Field exercises such as mach deployment scenarios or paintball offer some hands-on training. Guest speakers, ceremonies, and briefings offer insight to the active duty life of an Air Force officer. In addition, weekly meetings and activities create the opportunity to build trust among one another while improving one's own leadership and teamwork abilities.
Those who join us here work hard and better not only themselves, but their peers. Cadets that take part in our detachment, whether it is for only a semester or four years, leave with a sense of pride unlike anything else. They have learned about honor, service, sacrifice, and responsibility. They are proud to know that they have helped others, and others have helped them. A sense of patriotism and respect is present and lives on even after their time in the program.
Cadet Wing Commander
Detachment 442
Brief History...
The very first Air Force ROTC detachment at UMR was established in 1971, but due to low enrollment throughout the campus, it was deactivated in 1976. There was no information about the very first Cadre members for that time period.
In August of 1981, UMR applied for an Air Force ROTC charter, competing against over 100 universities and colleges in the nation. UMR was only 1 of the 4 colleges awarded with the charter due to the quality of academic programs, students and outstanding student interest. The initial staff consisted of 2 officers, 2 Non-Commissioned Officers, and 1 secretary.
The first Professor of Aerospace Studies was Lt. Col. Lynn B. Ralston, assigned in April of 1982. The Commandant of Cadets was Capt. Robert S. Buck, assigned in July of 1982. He also took the positions of Flight Instruction Program Coordinator and Instructor of the Professional Corps. Out of the 70 students who first applied during the 1982-1983 academic year, 14 of those cadets received scholarships during their fall semester.
Source: UM-Rolla: A History of MSM/UMR By Lawrence O. Christensen & Jack B. Ridley,
University of Missouri Printing Services,
UM-Columbia Columbia, MO 65211 Copyright 1983
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