Congratulations to Air Force ROTC Detachment 442 for earning the Missouri Air Force ROTC Commander’s Cup. On Saturday, March 5, the cadets of Det. 442 traveled to the University of Missouri-Columbia to compete in the second annual Commander’s Cup with Mizzou’s Detachment 440.

Sixty of Det. 442’s cadets, led by cadet Jay Baugh, tested their ROTC and physical fitness training against Mizzou’s cadets in a series of five team events such as the grenade toss/litter carry run, the team log carry and navigation challenge, four-person push-up squares, a one-mile relay, warrior knowledge, and the marching game of “Tanks.” S&T cadets only earned the victory during the final event.

“We are incredibly grateful for the hospitality and hard work put forth by Mizzou’s AFROTC program and also very proud of the Flying Miners for bringing home the Commanders Cup,” says Maj. Benjamin Seabough, Det. 442’s operations flight commander. “It was a fun and exciting win for our cadets, but more importantly a great opportunity to build relationships with other future military leaders.”

After the completion, the 140-plus cadets then joined forces to share a meal with one another and spend time networking and learning more about our respective programs.

“This really provided an opportunity for our cadets to display not only their intestinal fortitude, but to also apply the lessons learned throughout their ROTC career,” says Lt. Col. William Bragg, detachment commander. “The fact that they were able to do so in an environment that allowed them to network with their peers from another detachment is just icing on the cake.”