LEXINGTON, Va. April 7, 2026—For the cadets of Virginia Military Institute’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 880, the path to a commission is paved with more than just classroom instruction. This year, the detachment has spearheaded a series of high-visibility operations, ranging from elite combat training at Nellis Air Force Base to strategic airlift missions over the VMI Post, ensuring that every cadet is operationally ready for the "Big Air Force."

Shadowing the Joint Force: C/Buttner at Green Flag

From Feb. 26 to March 12, Cadet Buttner, the former Cadet Wing Commander, traveled to Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas to participate in the Green Flag exercise. In collaboration with the 549th Combat Training Squadron, the 74th Fighter Squadron, and Air Education and Training Command (AETC), Buttner joined seven other pilots and intelligence selects for a "mock-deployment" training cycle.

During the two-week exercise, Buttner shadowed critical mission components, including intelligence briefs, Close Air Support (CAS) training, and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations.

"The exposure to the many elements of Nellis AFB gave me insight into how the big Air Force operates," said Buttner. "I gained perspective on what the Joint Force looks like and is capable of. This awareness will give me a greater appreciation for the components we may not consider every day."

For Buttner, who is set to commission this May as an Intelligence Officer (14N), the experience served as a direct bridge to her future career. She noted that the exercise's tactical depth prepared her for the rigors of Intel tech school. Her advice to fellow cadets is simple: "If you are given the opportunity to go, you need to take it."

Elevating Perspective: The C-17 Incentive Flight

Closer to home, Detachment 880 collaborated with Virginia Tech’s Detachment 875 on Nov. 21, 2025, to offer a high-stakes incentive flight on a C-17 Globemaster III. Operating out of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport, the mission was a highly competitive opportunity coordinated by Maj. Moore.

Cadet Johnson, an AS200 who was recently accepted into Field Training, was among those selected for the sortie. To earn a seat, Johnson had to maintain peak physical fitness, academic excellence, and a high level of detachment and involvement. The flight took the cadets over both the VMI and Virginia Tech campuses, offering a rare cockpit view of their home stations.

"The flight definitely increased my passion to fly," Johnson remarked. "The crew told us about their daily lives as part of an Air Force Reserve crew and their experiences on active duty. It showed me a brief glimpse into what life would be like as a pilot flying heavies."

With goals of becoming a pilot, Johnson encourages his peers to be proactive: "Demonstrate that you have an interest in flying and take advantage of any resources. Talk to the detachment staff and sign up as soon as incentive flights are announced."

Early Exposure to Flight: YCF

Beyond the cockpit of the C-17, Detachment 880 is actively investing in the long-term aviation careers of its members through the Aviation You Can Fly (AYCF) program. Under this initiative, Detachment Commanders are empowered to select General Military Course (GMC) and Professional Officer Course (POC) cadets for the opportunity to gain foundational flight experience.

Cadet W. Johnson. is among the cadets utilizing this resource to pursue his goal of becoming an Air Force pilot. Selected cadets receive up to a $5,000 AYCF Grant to pursue a Private Pilot Certificate (PPC). This training is conducted at local Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 141 or Part 61 Certified Flight Schools, utilizing professional curricula such as Sporty’s, Jeppesen, Gleim, or Cessna.

As these cadets prepare for their next chapters—whether it be Buttner heading to intelligence training or Johnson preparing for the challenges of Field Training—these operational experiences remain the cornerstone of Detachment 880’s leadership development.

Cadet Maximus Ankrah ‘26
Air Force ROTC Detachment 880
Photos courtesy of VMI Air Force ROTC