Cadet Life
By joining Detachment 105, you will not only grow as a leader, but you will be inducted into a family of over 250 motivated individuals. Alongside these cadets, you will have the opportunity to participate in some incredible, unique experiences both inside and outside of Air Force ROTC. Apart from the weekly trainings that you will be required to attend, you will have the opportunity to take part in base visits, clubs, and specialized trainings. By virtue of spending so much time with your fellow cadets, many life-long friendships are created during your time in the program.
Key Takeaways
AFROTC brings together individuals with a shared commitment to serve a cause greater than themselves. Through four distinct stages aligned with each academic year, the program offers experiences that shape leadership, character, and growth.
The Cadet Insight series features one cadet from each AS year, reflecting on their journey and the key takeaways from their training so far. Each video offers a personal perspective, accompanied by the highlights from their latest year as they move forward.
- CADET FOURTH CLASS POULIDIS, MARKOS. UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
C/4C Poulidis is one of our Thunderchiefs currently transitioning from the AS100 to the AS200 year. While the AS100 year introduces cadets to the foundational concepts of Air Force ROTC, the AS200 year demands a deeper understanding of military doctrine, greater adherence to standards, and growth as both followers and future leaders.
As of August 2025, Cadet Poulidis and his wingmen are entering this next phase as they embrace peer mentorship, team cohesion, and professional development in preparation for Field Training.
AS100 Retrospective:
- Step outside your comfort zone early
- Stay on top of deadlines and suspenses
- Be proactive- initiate conversations and build connections
- Focus on improving your communication skills
- CADET THIRD CLASS HOSKINS, SAGE. UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO
C/3C Hoskins is a cadet in Detachment 105’s Crosstown Network, commuting from a partner university to train under the host unit at the University of Colorado Boulder. His consistent involvement in extracurricular responsibilities and strong application of mentorship lessons reflect his dedication and adaptability.
As of August 2025, Cadet Hoskins will return from Field Training and step into a leadership role within the Professional Officer Course, ready to guide the next class of cadets.
AS200 Retrospective:
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions, curiosity drives growth
- Reground yourself often in the principles of followership
- Actively seek feedback to refine your leadership potential
- CADET MAJOR TAYLOR, BENJAMIN. UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, BOULDER
As an AS300, cadets take the lessons from their training and development opportunities during their AS100 and AS200 years, as well as Field Training, to take on the responsibilities of the Cadet Wing, training and instructing the next generation, as they receive mentorship from Cadre and the prospective commissionees from the AS400 class.
As of August 2025, Cadet Taylor will return to the Detachment as an AS400, more than ready to mentor the incoming AS300's, and look ahead to a career as an Air Force Officer.
AS300 Retrospective:
- Prioritize balancing Academics and ROTC as ROTC responsibilities increase
- Prioritize clear and consistent communication as a leader
- Uphold standards
- CADET LIEUTENANT COLONEL HYATT, WILSON. COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES
As AS400s, cadets begin the transition from ROTC to active duty as commissioned officers in the United States Air Force or Space Force. During this final year, they receive their assignments, complete their degrees, and lead the Cadet Wing by setting the vision, mentoring underclassmen, and assuming many of the program’s key leadership positions, including director, branch chief, and division chief roles.
As of May 2025, Cadet Hyatt has moved on from Detachment 105, receiving a commission as 2d Lt Hyatt, Wilson.