Baylor AFROTC named one of America’s top detachments

Baylor’s long history of military education dates back at least to 1888, just a couple of years after BU settled in Waco. Over the years, Baylor has prepared a long line of future military officers through the Air Force ROTC and Army ROTC programs; today, these programs offer students the option to earn their degrees while preparing for careers as officers in the U.S. military.

Baylor’s Air Force and Space Force Reserve Officer Training Corp (AFROTC) recently added another milestone to its distinguished history. Earlier this year, Detachment 810 was named the No. 1 Medium Detachment in the country, outperforming 49 other detachments nationwide to claim the top honor.

“This award validates the value of thinking outside the box, building a great team, and harnessing the creative power of 80-plus cadets,” says Lt. Col. Kenneth Sterling, commander of Detachment 810. “Baylor’s support of this program is second to none and in line with the school’s longstanding commitment to supporting the military.

“Baylor asked the Air Force to set up a Detachment in 1948, and has stood by that decision for over 75 years,” Sterling continues. “This award reflects Baylor’s commitment, generosity, and partnership with Air Force ROTC and the quality of students at Baylor and our cross-town schools.”

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps is an educational program designed to allow men and women to become Air Force or Space Force officers while completing their degrees at universities such as Baylor. BU’s Detachment 810 was established in July 1948, only 10 months after the creation of the Air Force as a separate military unit, making it one of the first (and now, oldest) ROTC programs in the nation.

Baylor AFROTC began the fall 2024 semester with its largest Cadet population in a decade, with a current roster of 85 cadets, and expects to commission 15 cadets as officers this year.

Sic ’em, Air Force ROTC!