On Friday, May 17, 10 Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFROTC) cadets from Detachment 550 will be commissioned into the U.S. Air Force or Space Force in a ceremony at the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC). Detachment 550 serves as a host unit for cadets at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and 22 regional cross-town colleges and universities. Six out of the 10 commissioning cadets are graduating from RPI. 

In AFROTC, cadets learn the foundations of the Air Force, leadership fundamentals, and national security affairs in a classroom setting while developing and practicing their leadership techniques during weekly cadet-run “leadership laboratories.” Participants enter the Air Force or Space Force as officers and leaders, with the responsibility of a leadership position straight out of college.

On Friday, Colonel Edward Seward, Captain Max Lipeles, and Lieutenant Colonel Jake Miller will act as Commissioning Officers. Parents of the commissioning cadets will receive the Air Force Parents’ Pin in recognition of their support for their sons’ and daughters’ service to our country.

“I am incredibly proud of our newly commissioned Second Lieutenants,” said Miller, who is Commander of Detachment 550. “They have worked hard and invested a lot into joining the profession of arms. I’m excited to add them to the ranks of the Air Force and Space Force.”