The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Program (AFROTC) Detachment 019 left its previous location and moved across the street to a newly renovated building at 1300 Carter Hill Road. The move was christened by a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 31, 2023 at 8:30 a.m.
Detachment 019 is Montgomery’s first and only college Air Force ROTC program. Founded at Alabama State University in 1971, initially located in William Burns Paterson Hall, the decision for the program to transition into another building after 12 years of renovations was made by President Quinton T. Ross Jr., Ed.D.
While the previous facility has always had classroom instruction, the new building has new installments that will help students better cultivate the skills needed to flourish as they prepare to enter the Air Force.
There are spaces in the building designed to provide mock-up offices, akin to what lieutenants will find in the Air Force. There is also a cadet staff meeting area, a computer lab, a Heritage Lounge where cadets will be able to learn about tradition and have a safe space to fellowship and talk with each other. The Heritage Lounge is still being renovated, so it is not open for use yet. Along with these other installments, a virtual reality room that will allow them to simulate flying a jet. The room is set up so that curious onlookers can see what the cadets are doing as they utilize the virtual reality room. Last, but not least, is a classroom, which will integrate smaller classes into the space in the future.
“The building that they (Detachment 019) have moved into was formerly a black business,” said Rita Foster, administrative secretary in the Office of Accessibility and Veteran Affairs. “Medical Place, where a business owner sold medical supplies.”
The commander of Department 019 Lt. Col. Lisa Boyer was selected to be the detachment manager despite high competition. According to Boyer, being selected also includes taking initiative and throwing your name in the hat.
“I was selected in the first round,” Boyer said. “But then I had to be matched to a school, so a list of schools came out, and I saw Alabama State University, and I said that’s my number one.” Boyer was then accepted by the school and matched to the Detachment 019 unit.
Ever since its founding over 52 years ago, Detachment 019 has expanded to four other universities, including Auburn University Montgomery, Faulkner University, Huntingdon College, and Troy University Montgomery.
This new building will impact Alabama State University students by giving them an opportunity to still pursue their undergraduate degree while taking AFROTC classes. If any student wanted to enroll in the Department 019 program, they would have to register in Aerospace Studies, just like any other course.
If there are any Detachment 019 cadets in financial need, they can potentially qualify for tuition scholarships up to $18,000 along with stipends and book allowances.
Before the yellow ribbon was cut and the guests were let into the new building, Boyer gave a few words regarding the program and her pride in being ahead of it.
“What this building becomes is an academic hub,” Boyer said. “A leadership focal point. My hope is for it to become a future showcase facility for both civilian military leaders to see what Air Force ROTC can be like at a HBCU.”
She continued.
“There are some spaces in this building that are not accessible as you walk inside, which is the garage and the second floor. The garage space will one day become a gym for our cadets. Other phases of this project will include a parking lot in the back as well as a marching pad for the cadets to practice drill.”
When Boyer finished speaking, she gathered with Ross along with a few cadets and Donald Dotson, vice president of Facilities Management and Operations, in front of the crowd. The rope was cut to the applause of the attendees before everyone began to make their way inside of the building, led by Boyer.
Inside, as attendees toured the facility, refreshments were served. Soldiers and cadets chatted happily, creating an atmosphere of community and hope as everyone took in the new headquarters for Department 019.
“Cadets who come into this program at the college level are in it to become second lieutenants in the United States Air Force,” Boyer said. “It can be either a three or a four-year program, and it’s an academic experience built on building blocks.” As cadets advance, their class hours will be longer. “Essentially, it’s cadets leading cadets. Our upperclassmen will lead the labs for our freshmen and sophomores.”
Junior Amin Buchanan was particularly happy about the new facility, since he has a long history with the ROTC. “I was in JROTC in high school,” Buchanan said. “So the transition from JROTC to ROTC was pretty much second nature to me. The program has grown my leadership and communication skills. It’s given me great networking opportunities and there are great people that you meet here.”
Buchanan’s plan is to enter the Air Force. He has contracted not long ago, as the paperwork is in, he will enter the Air Force after he finishes his college career pursuing his major as a business/marketing major.
“We are grateful.” Boyer said. “We are blessed. We are extremely excited to now call this our home. And finally, we are history makers as we embark on this new chapter.”
