Program puts ROTC cadets to work on Global Strike challenges

By Sean Green | STRIKEWERX Marketing and Communication Director

BOSSIER CITY, La. — U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets spent their summer gaining valuable experience of working on research to strengthen Air Force Global Strike Command.

The second year of the ROTC Cadet Training Success Program recently wrapped up with 14 Louisiana Tech University ROTC cadets working across the command. The program was funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research through Clarkson, Inc. and facilitated by STRIKEWERX.

The program provides selected cadets valuable hands-on experience working with cutting-edge research and contributing to unique AFGSC research-based projects.

“The uniqueness of this program attracted a high quality of talent who were motivated to immerse themselves into their projects, all with the goal of benefiting AFGSC,” said Robin Nichols, STRIKEWERX project manager. “The cadets had the opportunity to see the challenges facing AFGSC by touring various bases. This was a valuable, real-world experience that helps prepare these cadets for their futures as commissioned officers.”

The cadets spent eight weeks working with mentors at Whiteman AFB, Missouri, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, and Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.

“The ROTC cadet program serves as a crucial pillar in strengthening the AFGSC mission. This program instills a deep sense of commitment, discipline, and integrity within our future officers. These cadets bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a relentless drive to multi-dimensional aspects of the logistics industry,” said Capt. Arturo Hernandez, mentor at Kirtland AFB. “There is not a better opportunity to receive firsthand exposure than for an individual to receive than the opportunity to immerse in an active-duty squadron that is supporting the Global Strike mission.”

“Integrating these young engineering cadets has been pivotal in the modernization of our new munitions as their attention to detail in solving these complex problems with new streamlined solutions will ensure we are lighter, leaner and faster in the way we generate nuclear and conventional airpower to our enemies’ doorsteps,” said Master Sgt. Andrew Cherry, mentor at Barksdale AFB.

These projects developed systems, concepts and technologies to enhance areas including data analytics, decision tools, and software automation.

Specific projects included equipment for the B-2 Spirit, security forces training, weather and traffic technology and various airframe tool re-engineering. Other projects focused on physical and mental wellbeing.