AFROTC's Top Small Detachment 2024
After being endorsed as Southeastern Region's Top Small Detachment in 2023, 2024 presented newer challenges and provided Detachment 585 even more opportunities to prove that we produce nothing less than the highest-performing cadets and young leaders ready to take on the challenges as officers in the world's finest Air Force and Space Force. On January 8, 2025, we were recognized as AFROTC's 'Right of Line' Detachment, recognizing us as the nation's best small detachment.
Distinguished Graduates
10% of each AFROTC detachment can be nominated for the the “Distinguished Graduate” honor, the highest graduation honor. These students are considered to be the Air Force's future "cream of the crop" and are recognized as Distinguished Graduates from ROTC for the remainder of their career. Since Detachment 585 has fewer than 10 graduates each year, all of our nominees meet a higher headquarters selection board. Yet over the past several years, more than 25% of Detachment 585's cadets have received the Distinguished Graduate award.
Field Training Preparation (FTP)
During the second semester of their sophomore year, cadets will compete for an Enrollment Allocation (EA) in order to attend Field Training (FT). Our FTP program is carefully planned and executed from the Cadet upperclassmen and Cadre to help prepare cadets, both mentally and physically, for the demands of Field Training.
Detachment 585's Field Training preparation success was on display in 2024! Cadets crushed FT-Victory in '24, earning 1 Exceptional and 4 Superior Performer awards--a remarkable 83% special recognition rate! Our cadets averaged 1st in South East Region in Overall Score, Leadership, Knowledge, Fitness, and Drill--a remarkable TOTAL SWEEP of all five categories and BEST Field Training Performance Report average nationwide! (that is a #1 ranking across 145 Detachments!)
Supportive Environment
The program at Detachment 585 is designed to develop the skills needed as an Air or Space Force officer through a supportive and welcoming environment. In the fall, new cadets are matched with mentors in the detachment to facilitate support and develop a team atmosphere.
World Class Cadre
At Detachment 585, we are proud to offer a cadre of experienced and dedicated professionals with a rich history of military service and leadership. Our team includes leaders with extensive operational and combat experience, including deployments supporting Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, INHERENT RESOLVE, and more. From commanding RC-135 operations and Security Forces units to serving as a Marine Gunnery Sergeant and overseeing complex logistics operations, our cadre bring unparalleled expertise and passion to developing tomorrow’s leaders.
With academic credentials ranging from MBAs and Homeland Security degrees to specialized certifications, our cadre embody the blend of professionalism and adaptability needed to inspire and guide cadets. Together, we ensure a rigorous and rewarding ROTC experience, preparing cadets to lead with character and serve with distinction in the Air Force and Space Force.
Priority Registration
Because both Duke University and North Carolina Central University are supportive of our program and their cadets' success, Detachment 585 cadets are eligible for priority (early) registration. This privilege helps prevent course conflicts, keeps cadets on track with their academic plan, and further demonstrates your University's commitment to your success.
Convenient Location
Detachment 585 at Duke University is located directly on Duke's campus, which makes it easy for students to get to and from the detachment! On top of that, our cross-town school, NCCU, is only 10 minutes down the road.
In addition to being located near a vibrant Durham social scene and North Carolina's state capital of Raleigh, home of the Carolina Hurricanes and Durham Bulls sports teams, we are located in a region with a plethora of military history and resources to help provide an immersive, hands-on military learning environment. Our Detachment makes annual visits to bases such as Pope Air Field, Seymour Johnson AFB, Langley AFB, Shaw, among others. Choosing Detachment 585 means you will be surrounded by like-minded, high-performing individuals and resources dedicated to helping you succeed as a leader.
New Cadet Orientation
Before each fall semester, we hold our annual New Student Orientation (NSO) to acclimate new cadets to Air Force ROTC. This voluntary program is designed so college students from Duke and NCCU can focus on the basics of Air Force ROTC while building a sense of teamwork and camaraderie with their classmates – all before they have to worry about keeping up with college studies. Graduates of NSO frequently say that it cemented in their minds that Air Force ROTC was right for them.