Air Force ROTC Detachment 505 | New Mexico State University

The mission of Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is to “develop leaders of character for tomorrow’s Air Force and Space Force”. As a cadet in Air Force ROTC, you will be working towards commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force or Space Force while developing the quintessential skills to become a competent military leader.

This website will explain the programs and activities cadets in the Air Force ROTC program currently partake in to prepare for leadership roles within the cadet wing and their future careers as officers.

Cadets must weekly participate in Aerospace Studies Classes, Leadership Laboratory, and Physical Training. Additionally, the ROTC program gives back to the Corps, campus, and community through cadet organizations, service projects, and Cadet Professional Development Training. These activities are designed to offer cadets a glimpse of the active duty life before they enter. Cadets use these opportunities to decide which career path (Air Force Specialty Code or AFSC) they wish to pursue.

Regardless of the path cadets follow, the Air Force ROTC program will give them the tools to become quality officers in the military and leaders in their community.

Academic Year 2024-2025 Detachment Operation Hours

Office hours are from 0800 AM to 0400 PM Monday through Friday (excluding Federal Holidays and NMSU Holidays).

To schedule a meeting for either a virtual or in-person meeting please call 575-646-2136 or email afdet505@nmsu.edu.

Detachment 505 History

Detachment 505, located on the NMSU campus, hosts cadets from both NMSU and UTEP. Established on October 2nd, 1946, nearly an entire year before the Air Force became a separate service, we are one of the oldest AFROTC detachments in the country.

We have a rich history here in Las Cruces. Lieutenant Colonel David W. Wallace, a highly-decorated WWII fighter pilot, was our very first commander and is the namesake for our chapter’s professional service organization, the Arnold Air Society.

We’ve had many great officers earn their commissions from Det 505, including Lieutenant General Leo Marquez, Major General Tommy Crawford, Brigadier General William Hudson, and Colonel Larry Pickett, a founding father of the legendary Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association – “The River Rats”.

All students are welcome to try our program, no matter what bachelor’s degree they’re pursuing. Ultimately, the AFROTC mission is to commission excellent Air Force or Space Force officers the same day our students graduate from college.