CSU AFROTC Det. 772 wins S.C. Unit of the Year

Charleston Southern University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 772 has been named the South Carolina Air Force Association AFROTC Unit of the Year for 2017.

The award marks Det. 772’s successful year of transition from a 2-year program to a 4-year program, accepting freshman and sophomore cadets. The program experienced a 400 percent increase in size, increasing from seven cadets in 2015-2016 to 37 cadets in 2016-2017.

Lt. Col. Alexandria Watson, commander of AFROTC Det. 772, said, “Competition was fierce. Clemson, USC and The Citadel have great programs. As a detachment new to having a four-year program, we’re honored to compete at the same level as those schools whose programs have been well-established for decades.” 

During 2017, the program experienced a series of firsts: first time in 40 years Det. 772 was able to compete cadets in the Professional Officer Course Selection Process, and the high quality of cadets recruited led to a 100 percent selection rate; first time in more than five years a cadet was selected for Phase II of the Air Liaison Officer training; and first time in four years a cadet has been selected for rated categorization (to become a Remotely Piloted Aircraft pilot).

“Winning this award truly speaks to the commitment of the cadre to work with excellence to ensure our detachment runs smoothly,” said Watson. “More importantly, this award recognizes the accomplishments of our cadets, who are the REAL recipients of this award. We supported them, helped them succeed, and then shone a light on their success for others to see. I’m honored to serve as the commander of such an awesome cadre and group of cadets committed to serving their country.” 

Det. 772 implemented a new rigorous fitness program resulting in Physical Fitness Assessment scores increasing by 20 percent, with 46 percent of cadets scoring 90 plus, surpassing the national average. Cadets are engaged in campus life and volunteer in the community. Det. 772 also hosts South Carolina’s largest drill meet for JROTC cadets.

CSU’s Det. 772 may be a first-time winner of the South Carolina AFROTC Unit of the Year, but they are no stranger to the award podium. In recent years, they have won: 

• AFROTC Southeast Region High Flight Award: 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009 (an AFROTC Southeast Region Unit of the Year Award)
• National Right of Line Award:  2007 (a National AFROTC Unit of the Year Award)
• Southeast Team Excellence Award: 4^thQuarter 2016; 1^st Quarter 2017

To learn more about CSU’s AFROTC program, visit www.charlestonsouthern.edu/AFROTC.

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