Det 130 History

Detachment 130 was established in 1946 and is located at Howard University, in northwest Washington, DC. The Howard University ROTC program offers both Air Force and Army opportunities and has produced more African American General Officers than any other university in the nation!

Our diverse cadet corps is comprised of cadets who attend through consortium from American University, Catholic University, George Washington University, Georgetown University, Marymount University, Trinity University and the University of the District of Columbia. This year 64 cadets are enrolled in the AFROTC program here. Of those cadets, approximately 41% are Howard students, 52% are female, and 54% are of minority backgrounds.

Since 2000, Detachment 130 has commissioned more than 100 officers. In accordance with Air Force core values, we commission cadets dedicated to the principles of "INTEGRITY FIRST, SERVICE BEFORE SELF, & EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO". We provide an intensive laboratory for cadets to develop, mold, and practice leadership styles. After commissioning, an appointment to the position of Second Lieutenants propels one directly into leadership positions in the active duty Air Force. This requires our commissioned graduates not only to be diligent students and physically fit but to consistently be able to exude a level of maturity, confidence and professionalism for life as an Air Force officer. At the completion of the Professional Officer Course (POC), new officers already outrank 80% of the military colleagues. They are assigned a duty assignment, which may be at any air base or Air Force Base in the world, this allows for a wonderful opportunity to see the world and learn different cultures. Detachment 130 takes great pride in developing quality leaders for the Air Force!

Our detachment has a six member cadre unit comprised of five active duty military personnel (three commissioned officers and two noncommissioned officers), and a civilian employee. The cadre personnel are here to provide training, recruiting and administrative actions for cadets.

In addition to academic classes, cadets attend a 1 credit Leadership Laboratory each semester. This provides cadets an opportunity for hands-on leadership training and experimentation. Through the Honor Guard, cadets provide specialized drill, color guard and escort services for many university and public events/functions. We also have a community service organization, and the Andrew D. Turner squadron of the Arnold Air Society (AAS). AAS provides valuable community service and cohesiveness within our cadet corps.

If you choose the path of a United States Air Force career, you are embarking on a journey that fortifies your will, strengthens your resolve, and sharpens both your mind and body, through the profession of arms. YOU are the next generation of the United States Air Force.

Here at Detachment130, you will find some of the most outstanding cadets in the AFROTC training program, not to mention some of the most well-rounded students on campus. AFROTC is a great opportunity for scholarship, motivation, and leadership.