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Air Force ROTC Detachment 650 at Ohio University has reached unprecedented heights, celebrating a series of historic accomplishments that showcase the commitment and talent of its cadets and cadre.
From excelling in regional competitions to earning high praise during a recent headquarters inspection, Detachment 650 is proving itself as a premier program for developing the next generation of Air and Space Force leaders.
Award-winning excellence
In an extraordinary achievement, Detachment 650 swept all three major annual award categories in the Ohio sub-region: Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, Company Grade Officer of the Year, and Field Grade Officer of the Year.
“It’s very hard to receive one high-level award like that. It’s almost unheard of for a detachment to get three,” said USAF Lt. Col. Josh Lev , commander and professor of aerospace studies at Ohio University.
The award-winners—Technical Sergeant Cynthia Clarkson, Captain Thom Hausler, and Major Steven Christensen—exemplify the leadership, dedication, and innovation fostered within the program. This feat is especially remarkable given the sub-region includes prestigious programs from Ohio State University, Bowling Green State University, Kent State University, Miami University, the University of Cincinnati and Wright State University.
Additionally, the recent headquarters inspection rated the detachment as "effective" while identifying several enterprise-wide best practices—a testament to the cadre’s efforts to maintain high standards. During the inspection, TSgt Clarkson and Maj Christensen were also named superior performers, a rare distinction that further solidifies the detachment’s reputation for excellence.
Field training success
The detachment’s cadets also shone brightly at this year’s Air Force ROTC field training.
Among nine cadets who attended, two were selected as superior performers, and the group earned the highest average leadership score among all Ohio-based detachments. These outcomes underscore the rigorous training and culture of excellence cultivated within Detachment 650.
“Our cadets did an outstanding job this year, and so did the entire detachment,” Lev said.
A culture of pride and innovation
Central to the detachment’s success is a cultural shift initiated over the past two years.
According to cadre members, the program has embraced a renewed sense of pride, ownership, and camaraderie among cadets. This transformation has been fueled by innovative training initiatives, a robust incentive program, and a commitment to fostering an environment where cadets feel valued and empowered.
“Our cadets have embraced the program with a newfound seriousness and have played an integral role in building a stronger, more vibrant culture,” said one cadre member. “The unparalleled support we receive from Ohio University allows us to offer incentives and opportunities that are rare among the nation’s 145 AFROTC detachments.”
Lev agreed that the support the detachment receives from Ohio University has been key.
“The University as a whole has done a terrific job of providing us with excellent support,” Lev said. “That’s really helping to us to make a better program and provide a better educational experience.”
Innovative training and collaboration
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Detachment 650 has implemented creative and engaging training opportunities to better prepare cadets for active duty. Recent examples include using Airsoft rifles for realistic campus-based training scenarios, partnering with other detachments and Air Force units for realistic land and water survival training, and participating in Ohio University’s Army ROTC’s German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge challenge. These experiences have enhanced skills and built resilience and confidence among cadets.
The detachment has also introduced monthly mentoring sessions to discuss leadership and what to expect when entering active duty, providing cadets with invaluable guidance for their future careers. Additionally, cadets have been challenged through Escape Room exercises designed to test their critical thinking and leadership abilities in dynamic and high-pressure scenarios.
To further develop physical readiness, Detachment 650 has partnered with the university's Campus Recreation Well-Being and Fitness team to provide cadets with foundational exercise acumen by implementing F45 workouts that teach cadets how to properly use weights in resistance training.
Nicole Powers and Bill Newton led the F45 classes for the students and were exceptional, Lev said.
“Everyone at the Ping Recreation Center has been doing an excellent job of supporting us,” Lev said. He added that he was especially grateful for the assistance from Tony Gregory and Jensen Feussner from Ohio University Well-Being and Recreation .
In addition, one of the most impactful changes for Detachment 650 has been an objectives-based training cycle that encourages critical thinking and adaptability.
“Friction points like meeting deadlines and peer accountability have pushed cadets to mentor and counsel one another,” explained a cadre member. “These experiences are unknowingly preparing them for the challenges they will face on active duty.”
A bright future
Looking ahead, the detachment continues to build on its momentum. Recent upgrades to its facilities, including a cadet lounge, conference room, and flight simulator, have created a welcoming and professional environment for learning and leadership development. Cadets and cadre alike are committed to process improvements and best practices to ensure sustained excellence.
“The future is incredibly promising for Detachment 650,” said another cadre member. “Our cadets continue to impress with their confidence growth and innovative approaches to training. They are leaving a lasting mark on the program and are poised to excel as United States Air and Space Forces officers.”
As Detachment 650 celebrates its remarkable achievements, it remains committed to developing leaders of character who are ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. With Ohio University's continued support and the dedication of its cadre and cadets, the detachment is well on its way to setting a new standard of excellence for AFROTC programs nationwide.