Air Force ROTC cadets from across the Midwest visited Scott for ROTC Day, gaining a firsthand look at the operational tempo and global reach they will soon help lead as future officers.
The event connected cadets with senior leaders, including 375th Air Mobility Wing leadership and Brig. Gen. Cassius Bentley III, 618th Air Operations Center commander, who discussed leadership, mission execution and the current operational environment.
Bentley highlighted the nonstop nature of global mobility and air operations and the responsibility awaiting the next generation of leaders.
“Right now we’re operating at a pace that’s never been seen,” Bentley said. “We are never closed. We’re 24/7, 365.” Cadets explored mission capabilities through interactive displays, including aeromedical evacuation, logistics, aviation and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE).
ROTC Day gave cadets a closer look at how career fields work together to support the mission and project combat power globally.
Throughout the day, cadets engaged directly with Airmen, gaining insight into career paths, deployments and the demands of operational service. Air Force ROTC Cadet Col. Jared Wortmann, of Detachment 442 from Missouri University of Science and Technology, said the experience provided a valuable perspective on leadership.
“The best thing I took away was from the focused group discussion between the base commander and the senior cadets,” Wortmann said. “We got to learn insight from an experienced commander.”
Leaders closed the event by reinforcing the importance of teamwork, credibility and leadership as cadets prepare to commission into an Air Force defined by constant global engagement.
“It’s never about you, it’s about the team,” Bentley said. “Be the best at your job. Your credibility leads to trust.”