Air Force ROTC Detachment 485 - Rutgers University

06/09/2026

⭐️ SENIOR SPOTLIGHT ⭐️

2d Lt Malyssa G. Eddy is from Tucson, Arizona, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, with minors in Optimization and Quantitative Decision Science and Robotics, from Princeton University. She was competitively selected to pursue a master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology through the United States Space Force Advanced Academic Degree Program.

Let’s go, 2d Lt Eddy!

Thank you to Cadet Zakaria Rehman for taking photos of our commisionees.

05/21/2026

Detachment 485's FY26 Commissioning Ceremony

Join us in celebrating our cadets as they commission as 2d LTs into the USAF/USSF!

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05/07/2026

17 Ravens attended the Field Training Exercise (FTX) from 28-29 March, at Fort Indiantown Gap, bringing together 5 different Northeast Detachments, , in a field exercise simulating those which may be seen at field training. Through a collaborative exercise, cadets are able to put their minds together, work as a team, and apply their GMC knowledge in high-pressure scenarios.

We had a blast!

05/01/2026

The wing conducted its inaugural WARFIT on 17 April following Final Evaluation, introducing a structured, competitive fitness assessment analagous to the Commander’s Challenge. Cadets competed across four events—the farmer’s carry, hand-release push-ups, pull-ups, and a 600-yard run—each designed to evaluate strength, endurance, and overall functional fitness.

While the competitive atmosphere fostered strong wingmanship and provided an energizing way to close out the semester, the true value of WARFIT lies in its ability to challenge cadets to push beyond their perceived limits. The event reinforced a culture of accountability and resilience, encouraging cadets to measure their performance against both objective standards and their peers.

Looking ahead, Detachment 485 plans to continue refining and expanding its fitness program to better align with the demands placed on future officers. WARFIT represents an initial step in that effort, supporting the detachment’s commitment to developing physically capable, disciplined leaders and upholding the highest fitness standards across the Cadet Wing.

Organized by C/Lt Col Colin Massey and C/1st Lt Matthew Cruz

04/29/2026

Last Friday, 24 April, marked a significant occasion for Detachment 485 as the Wing concluded the Spring 2026 semester with its annual Dining-Out. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the semester’s accomplishments while strengthening the sense of camaraderie that defines the unit.

The detachment was honored to host Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Guida, a Detachment 485 alumnus, as the evening’s guest speaker. His return to the program and continued engagement with current cadets was especially meaningful, and his remarks offered perspective and motivation drawn from his experience both within ROTC and in his current role at the Pentagon.

Throughout the evening, cadets shared a formal dinner and recognized outstanding achievement across the wing. Numerous awards were presented to cadets who demonstrated excellence and reached key milestones during the semester. The change of command ceremony served as a central moment of the event, as C/Col Chauhan formally relinquished command and C/Col Kazantzis assumed command of the Cadet Wing. Both leaders reflected on their experiences, past and current, offering thoughtful remarks that underscored their commitment to the organization and its continued success.

The detachment also recognized Captain Chaplin and Staff Sergeant Jackson for their years of dedicated service. As they prepare to depart the unit, Dining-Out provided a meaningful opportunity to acknowledge their contributions and lasting impact on Detachment 485.

The evening concluded with final remarks from Lt Col Poblete and an motivational speech from Lt Col Guida, reinforcing the values of leadership, humility, and continued growth.

Overall, the Spring 2026 semester stands as a strong testament to the professionalism and cohesion of Detachment 485. The Cadet Wing’s performance this term reflects its role as a premier commissioning source and sets the conditions for continued excellence in the semesters ahead!

Organized by C/Lt Col Daniel Manson, C/2d Lt Satvika Mandala, and C/3C Nicholas Eng

04/23/2026

Our Spring 2026 semester Final Evaluation was conducted on 17 April, assessing the GMC Corps across three primary areas: Flight Drill Evaluation (FDE), Open Ranks Inspection (ORI), and academic performance.

Throughout the semester, cadets dedicated significant time outside of scheduled training to refine performance in FDE. This evaluation demands precise ex*****on, strong command presence, and acute attention to detail. While often perceived as routine drill movement, FDE serves as a deliberate training mechanism to develop critical thinking, discipline, and confidence—core attributes required of future officers.

During Open Ranks Inspection, cadets were evaluated on uniform standards and their ability to properly execute inspection procedures. Similar to FDE, ORI emphasizes attention to detail and adherence to a structured sequence of events. Maintaining a near-perfect uniform reinforces discipline, accountability, and professionalism, all of which are essential to officership.

Academic performance remains a cornerstone of GMC development. Detachment 485 continues to emphasize the importance of intellectual rigor and foundational warrior knowledge. Cadet performance on academic evaluations provides measurable data that enables the POC Corps to assess comprehension, identify areas for improvement, and ensure continuous progression toward academic excellence. This commitment to scholarship serves as a strong indicator of future officer potential.

Overall, BCLs are demonstrating strong readiness for Field Training, while BCs are solidifying their understanding of drill fundamentals in preparation to lead as AS200s in the Fall 2026 semester. The Wing looks forward to concluding the term with Dining-Out, marking the culmination of a demanding and productive training cycle!

Organized by C/Maj Suchi Borkar and C/Maj Esha Jain

04/15/2026

On 10 April, cadets assembled in Princeton for Detachment 485’s semester War Game LLAB—an immersive exercise designed to sharpen operational thinking and leadership under pressure. Set against a dynamic Caribbean Sea scenario, cadets arrived prepared to brief Cadre and the POC Corps, delivering mission-ready OPORDs with confidence and precision.

In preparation, the GMC Corps built a foundational understanding in key warfighting concepts, including Agile Combat Employment (ACE), Force Packaging, Joint All-Domain Operations (JADO), and Mission Command. They also developed familiarity with OPORD and FRAGO construction—critical tools for translating intent into executable action.

As the exercise progressed, cadets were challenged with newly released, fictional intelligence detailing evolving enemy activity. This forced teams to rapidly reassess, adapt, and apply their knowledge in drafting follow-on FRAGOs—replicating the uncertainty and tempo of real-world operations.

While there remains room for growth in overall War Game ex*****on, the LLAB proved highly valuable. The POC Corps gained critical insight into how future War Games can be better structured—emphasizing proactivity, clarity of instruction, and maximizing training impact for the GMC Corps. United in purpose, the POC are committed to strengthening GMC comprehension and development through more effective and engaging instruction.

Simultaneously, the GMC Corps demonstrated and developed essential officer qualities, including leadership, followership, critical thinking, public speaking, and effective debriefing. Through active participation in this simulated operational environment, cadets took meaningful steps toward becoming adaptable, mission-focused leaders.

Looking ahead, Detachment 485 aims to further refine and expand War Game LLABs to better challenge cadets’ mastery of core operational concepts—ultimately preparing them to excel as future DAF officers, ready to meet any challenge.

Organized by C/Maj Nathan Stewart and C/2d Lt Katelyn Kazantzis

04/09/2026

On 3 April, Detachment 485 conducted its first GMC-led Shadow Day, welcoming JROTC and Civil Air Patrol cadets for an immersive introduction to life within the 485th Cadet Wing.

This year’s ex*****on, directed under the guidance of C/Maj Anitului, empowered GMC cadets to take full ownership of planning and operations. They developed and led five core training stations: Introduction to Drill, IED/TCCC and 9-Line instruction, a Group Leadership Problem (GLP), a mentorship session, and a drill-focused GLP.

Through this hands-on leadership opportunity, GMC cadets gained valuable insight into the expectations of POC roles—demonstrating initiative, adaptability, and confidence as they planned, coordinated contingencies, and learned what makes an engaging and credible instructor.

For our visiting JROTC and CAP cadets, Shadow Day provided a strong foundational understanding of ROTC life. More importantly, it reinforced the core principles that define our wing: teamwork, humility, integrity, and accountability in service.

To our junior cadet guests—thank you for joining Detachment 485 for this year’s Shadow Day. We hope this experience offered meaningful insight into cadet life at Rutgers and inspired your future path. Til next time!

Organized by C/Maj Justina Anitului and and C/2d Lt Satvika Mandala

04/01/2026

LLAB 09: Operation Teamwork

During LLAB on 27 March, cadets participated in three dynamic stations: a war game GLP, mini teamwork GLPs, and an obstacle course. Each activity was intentionally designed to develop the core competencies required of effective officers—leadership, communication, adaptability, and trust within a team.

This lab challenged cadets to step into leadership roles and to trust their team, reinforcing why these skills are essential. In high-stake environments, officers must confidently lead teams, clearly communicate intent, and adapt to rapidly changing conditions. The war game GLP, in particular, emphasized the importance of detailed planning and ex*****on through well-constructed OPORDs, ensuring that every team member understands both the mission and the commander’s intent. This clarity is critical, as it enables teams to operate cohesively and continue the mission even in the face of uncertainty or simulated casualties.

Of equal importance was the emphasis on teamwork over individual performance. Effective officers understand that mission success depends on the strength of the team, not individual achievement. Cadets were required to collaborate, rely on one another’s strengths, and maintain accountability—skills that are vital in real-world operations where trust and coordination directly impact outcomes.

A key highlight of the lab was observing cadets shift their mindset from individual contributors to cohesive team members. This transformation underscores the fundamental principle that strong leadership is rooted in unity, shared purpose, and the ability to inspire collective effort.

Organized by C/Lt Col Colin Massey and C/Capt Joseph Lisnak

03/28/2026

Introducing our Public Outreach Personnel for the Spring 2026 semester!

These cadets have played an important role in supporting a wide range of initiatives, including commissioning, inter-ROTC collaborations, Dining-Out, social media management, photography, and recruiting efforts.

While much of their work happens behind the scenes, their impact has not gone unnoticed. They have shown consistent dedication to their responsibilities and have done an outstanding job representing the program. Their commitment and hard work continue to make a meaningful difference in everything they take on! Aim High Ravens!