Happy 70th birthday, Baylor AFROTC!

Baylor’s Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) dates back to the very earliest days of the United States Air Force. In 1947, the United States Air Force was recognized for the first time as a service branch by the U.S. Armed Forces. Less than a year later — in July 1948 — Baylor AFROTC was formed, making it one the earliest and oldest AFROTC programs in the country. This year, it’s celebrating its 70th anniversary of service.

Recognized by the Air Force as Detachment 810, Baylor’s AFROTC program serves as a commissioning source for Air Force officers. AFROTC cadets advance towards careers as Air Force officers while also receiving Baylor degrees in the field of their calling, prepared for leadership in the Air Force. Over the years, Baylor AFROTC has been honored as the nation’s best large detachment and has received multiple recognitions as the top detachment in the Southwest.

Col. Joel Carey, BA ’92 — a former Baylor quarterback, commander of the 12th Flying Training Wing of the Joint Base San Antonio, and just one of the many graduates who have achieved high-ranking leadership positions — delivered the keynote speech at last month’s 70th birthday dinner.

Baylor AFROTC’s milestone anniversary is a reminder of the long line of service on campus that extends to multiple Armed Forces branches and benefits both veterans and future members. Baylor’s “Bear Battalion” was producing Army officers as far back as 1891; the current Army ROTC program began in 2008. Elsewhere on campus, Baylor Veteran Educational and Transition Services (VETS) serves the needs of Baylor students who have already served their country as they pursue the next phase of their lives and careers.

From the days shortly after World War II to today’s global challenges, Baylor AFROTC has produced more than 1,500 graduates, seen alumni serve in every corner of the planet, and has exemplified excellence for other programs around the nation.

Sic ’em, Baylor AFROTC!

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* Alum’s book on Baylor veterans leads to scholarship support, too (Nov. 2016)

* Baylor AFROTC student earns prestigious Pentagon internship (April 2016)

* Ceremony brings back AFROTC alum to campus following tours in Afghanistan and Germany (Feb. 2013)