UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colorado Springs, Co., Aug. 31, 2025—Cadets from VMI's Air Force ROTC Detachment 880 completed specialized officer development training programs at the Air Force Academy during Summer 2025.

Intro to Soaring Program

One cadet spent part of her summer in the Intro to Soaring Program, where she learned the fundamentals of flight using glider aircraft. The program combined hands-on flying with lessons in aerodynamics, safety, and teamwork where she approached every challenge with curiosity and determination, gaining valuable insights into what it means to be innovative and disciplined.

Reflecting on her experience, Cadet Alisa Johnson said, “It was an extremely fun experience because the gliders are so maneuverable, and the USAFA glider training squadron has a great culture. I learned how to take off in a glider behind a tow plane, how to fly aerotow (flying while attached to a tow plane), how to fly basic maneuvers, how to fly a traffic pattern, and how to land. Learning all these in only a few weeks was a bit of a learning curve and a fire hose, but the cadet instructor pilots and flight simulators were a great help. My favorite part of the experience was my AMC Flight. During this flight, I flew us up to a designated area in the sky for aerobatics. Then the instructor pilot took the controls and made the glider do loops and clovers. It was extremely exhilarating to see the world upside down and pull 4-5 Gs! The SOAR program greatly solidified my interest in Air Force aviation. I highly recommend this program to any cadet who is even remotely interested in aviation. Gliders are a great way to be introduced to aviation and get the basic feel of an aircraft.”

Freefall Program

For two other cadets, the summer was all about pushing boundaries in the Freefall Program. They trained in advanced parachuting, mastering everything from jump preparation to mid-air maneuvering and safe landings. Their success in this demanding course showed their readiness to face new challenges, both in the air and on the ground.

Cadet Tristan Bannasch shared, “During my Freefall Program, I felt the true feeling of fear and excitement. Being thrown into a situation where you have never experienced the next thing was surreal. Jumping out of a perfectly fine airplane was nerve-racking but doing it with the group of people you had bonded with next to you was amazing. The scariest part by far was watching your friends fall out of the door and then being the next person to step into the door. Earning your wings is a very honorable and rewarding experience.”

Cadet Elisha K. Williams ‘27 
Air Force ROTC Detachment 880
Photos courtesy of VMI Air Force ROTC