Accolades
Detachment 770 at Clemson University has received recognition for excellence at the state, regional and national levels on multiple occasions. For five consecutive years, the Air Force Association named Detachment 770 "Outstanding Air Force ROTC Detachment" for South Carolina. The Air Force Association is an independent, nonprofit civilian education organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and its pivotal role in the nation's security. The complete article regarding the accomplishment can be viewed here: Clemson Air Force ROTC named the top unit in South Carolina for the fifth straight year. Detachment 770 has won the "Outstanding Air Force ROTC Detachment" for South Carolina for years 2005-2007, 2009, 2011-2015, 2017 and 2020-2022.
In 1984 and 2007, Detachment 770 was named No. 1 nationwide, winning the Right of Line Award for medium-sized detachment. This prestigious award is presented yearly to the top small, medium and large detachments nationwide. In recent years, Detachment 770 has competed in the large detachment category. It consistently ranks nationally in the top 10 percent for total officer production, ability to meet requirements, cadet quality and program cost.
In 2006, 2007, and 2016, Detachment 770 was named the Most Outstanding Air Force ROTC Detachment in the Southeast Region; the honor, known as the High Flight Award, is presented each year to one detachment in each of three size categories of small, medium, and large. Read the article here: Clemson Air Force ROTC detachment is named best in the Southeast Region.
Detachment 770 also competes well in head-to-head athletic competitions against rival schools. In 2013 and 2015, cadets from Detachment 770 claimed first place overall in the Notre Dame Flyin' Irish Basketball Tournament. Detachment 770 also finished the tournament with a final four appearance in 2014. Read more about the achievements of Detachment 770's basketball team here: Air Force ROTC wins 29th Annual Flyin' Irish Basketball Tournament.
In 2023, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012, Detachment 770 claimed victory in the GAMA Cup. This regional sports competition promotes morale, camaraderie, sportsmanship, and leadership among its competitors in the Southeast Region of Air Force ROTC.
Cadets at Detachment 770 gain leadership skills by being involved in various military-related student organizations. Clemson's Company C-4 of the Pershing Rifle Drill Team has won six national titles at drill competitions for the Pershing Rifles, most recently in 2017. Comprised of Air Force ROTC cadets, cadets from other service ROTC programs, and civilian students alike, this team has become synonymous with excellence in drill. They are a fixture of the color guard unit at Clemson University sporting events.
Air Force ROTC Detachment 770's Rudolf Anderson Squadron of Arnold Air Society (AAS) is a professional, honorary service organization of Air Force ROTC cadets from 145 detachments around the nation. Detachment 770's Rudolf Anderson Squadron was selected to host the national headquarters staff for the 2015-2016 academic year and regional headquarters staff for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Clemson's Scabbard and Blade K-Company are comprised of Army and Air Force cadets who are competitively selected to join the professional development society based on academics, fitness, and leadership qualities. In 2015, K-Company was named the "Company of the Year" from a nationwide competition of Scabbard and Blade Companies, a first for the newly revamped national organization.
Cadets at Detachment 770 receive approximately $1.3 million in federal scholarships annually. The University also supports Air Force ROTC cadets tremendously, offering over $500,000 in-state tuition waivers to out-of-state students and over $60,000 in cash scholarships.
