HUNTSVILLE — The University of Alabama in Huntsville has launched a “first of its kind” joint Air Force and Space Force ROTC program. At an activation ceremony Thursday, the organization was officially welcomed to campus.
“We’ve received calls from many, many parents who want their sons and daughters to have the opportunity to get the leadership skills provided in this kind of program,” said UAH President Dr. Chuck Karr. “I think this is a testament to the long history and committed service of the Air Force to our nation. This ROTC program is the first of its kind in the country as it is a joint Air Force and Space Force program.”
Karr said UAH presents an ideal location for such a program.
“With our proximity to Redstone Arsenal and Cummings Research Park, this program is ideal for our students as they look to graduate from UAH and transition to the next phase,” he said. “We have more than twenty students are already engaged in this program.
“We very much look forward to you graduating from UAH to commissioning and becoming leaders in our world as UAH alumni.”
Brig. Gen. Joseph Sheffield, Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development commander, said UAH was the Air Force’s school of choice to begin the program.
“So why Huntsville? Why UAH?,” he said. “I’ll be honest with you. It was our first choice when we started this pilot program for three reasons. One: world-class education. Two: strong STEM program and; Three: a desire to have a military presence here.
“Two of UAH’s largest programs are engineering and nursing, and these are critical needs for the Air Force and Space Force.”
Lt. Col. Joseph Johnson, Detachment 012 and UAH operating location commander, called the partnership with UAH a “cornerstone of a long-term initiative.”
“Our mission is to build leaders and that aligns with UAH’s goal to offer a challenging hands-on curriculum that ensures graduates are prepared to become tomorrow’s leaders,” said Johnson. “Together we will educate and develop students and prepare them for the challenges of a military career in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force.
“This partnership with UAH is the beginning of a cornerstone in a long-term initiative.”
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