UTSA ROTC recognized with multiple honors in 2024
UTSA’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 842 has been recognized as the best large AFROTC detachment in the Southwest Region of the U.S. In addition, regional awards were given to Staff Sergeant Rachel Mangru (best Enlisted ROTC Training Instructor) and Major Tina Cavazos (best Operations Officer).
The AFROTC Southwest Region is made up of 36 AFROTC detachments located on college and university campuses stretching from Mississippi to Hawaii. Regional award winners will now compete for national awards, with winners scheduled to be announced on January 9.
These recognitions cap off a year in which UTSA’s AFROTC detachment has received multiple honors for its achievements. The detachment won back-to-back national awards for Team of the Quarter, awarded by the AFROTC Commander and Holm Center Commander. The criteria for the awards are leadership and job performance.
UTSA’s detachment has climbed from #11 to #7 for cadet population size, with the largest recruitment and retention (based on percentage) in the nation, and had record enrollment to start the academic year.
In addition, the Holm Center selected Technical Sergeant Erren Barnes as Volunteer of the Quarter.
UTSA’s Air Force ROTC program is part of the University College, which is also home to the Army ROTC, Academic Introduction and Strategies, dual credit and writing programs, and offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Multidisciplinary Studies. University College equips students to flourish in today’s increasingly complex world by fostering leadership, critical thinking, communication and connections, self-exploration and interdisciplinary learning.
The AFROTC provides students the opportunity to combine military instruction and aerospace studies with practical leadership training, all while receiving a first-rate college education. The award-winning team works with 11 area colleges and universities to build the next generation of Air Force and Space Force officers, scholars and community leaders.
UTSA is known for its commitment to supporting military-affiliated students, which make up nearly 16% of the student population. The university was recognized as a 2022-23 Gold Military Friendly School. UTSA was also ranked No. 39 among 92 ranked institutions in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 list of Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans and was ranked No. 53 out of 304 institutions in Military Times 2024 Best for Vets: Colleges list.
