About Air Force ROTC
We develop cadets into future Air Force officers through leadership training, physical fitness, and military education.
Integrity, Service, and Excellence
The Air Force ROTC program at the the University of Mississippi develops the leaders of tomorrow by preparing students to serve as officers while earning a college degree. In our detachment, students not only build lifelong friendships, but may also have the opportunity to pay for school through our various scholarship programs. Most importantly, our graduates have a rewarding career waiting for them after graduation.
Welcome to Air Force ROTC Detachment 430
Our mission is to develop leaders of character for the United States Air Force and Space Force, providing students with the tools, training, and experience they need to become officers in the world's greatest Air Force and Space Force. Through rigorous academic coursework, physical training, leadership development, and a culture of excellence, our cadets gain the knowledge and confidence necessary to succeed both in the military and in life. Whether you aspire to become a pilot, an intelligence officer, or a leader in another career field, AFROTC provides the foundation to help you achieve your goals.
I encourage you to explore our program, connect with our cadets, and take advantage of the incredible opportunities available through AFROTC. We look forward to welcoming you to our detachment and helping you take the first step toward a rewarding career in service to our nation.
Matthew Mills
Department Chair and Professor of Aerospace Studies
Air Force Leadership, Cadre, and Support
Cody Stites
- Associate Professor of Aerospace Studies
Bradley Jantz
- Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies
Darrian Smothers
- Tech Sergeant, NCOIC
Shealtiel Henson
- Staff Sergeant
Vernita Ivy
- Operations Coordinator
Mission
Our mission at AFROTC Detachment 430 is to educate and train highly motivated cadets with the professional, warrior, and moral fortitude to succeed as U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force officers.
History of AFROTC Detachment 430
The University of Mississippi formed a separate Air Force ROTC Detachment shortly after the Air Force became a separate service in 1947. Air Force ROTC at Ole Miss first became a separate course of study in 1950. At that time, it was in the University Division of Military along with the Army ROTC. That year, AFROTC operated under an Army organizational structure, but did have distinctive Air Force blue uniforms. In 1951, an Air Force organizational structure was developed. In 1952, the Department of Air Science and Tactics was created, and was completely separate from Army ROTC.
The department is now the Department of Aerospace Studies, but the organization is essentially the same as created in 1952. The original Corps of Cadets was designated the 430th Cadet Squadron and later designated Detachment 430.
Detachment 430 is proud to have graduates who have served in many positions of responsibility and earned numerous academic and military achievements. The Honorable Roger Wicker (class of 1973) is currently serving in the United States Senate. Two of the Air Force's nine Major Commands were recently led by Ole Miss ROTC alumni.
- Lieutenant General James E. Sherrard, III (class of 1965), retired as Command of the Air Force Reserve Command and Chief of the Air Force Reserve
- General Paul V. Hester (class of 1969), retired as the Commander of Pacific Air Force Command
Our Community
A Place That Ever Calls
Located 70 miles from Memphis and surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern Mississippi, Oxford boasts thriving music, art, and literary scenes along with great restaurants. UM's athletics provide many opportunities to watch and participate in sports—and one of the world's best tailgating parties.
With everything Oxford has to offer, it's no wonder USA Today named Oxford as one of the Top Six College Towns in the Nation.
Come see why.