The United States Air Force has launched a flight academy at the historic site of the Tuskegee Airmen in an effort to address the pilot shortage and boost diversity within its ranks. During a recent ceremony held at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, the Red Tail Flight Academy team celebrated the graduation of the newest cohort of Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) Flight Academy students.
The AFJROTC Flight Academy program aims to increase interest among high school students in pursuing a career in aviation, thereby helping to address the ongoing shortage of pilots in the United States. Additionally, the program seeks to promote diversity in the aviation industry.
The AFJROTC Flight Academy is one of the many ways the Air Force is tackling the chief of staff’s charge to ‘return the luster and get after rated diversity’, said Col. Johnny McGonigal, headquarters, AFJROTC director. The program follows a competitive selection process to ensure a wise investment of government resources. Moreover, the graduates are closely monitored for five years to assess the program’s impact on their development.
The academy, located at Moton Field, the original site of the Tuskegee Airmen, recently graduated nine scholars who have successfully completed an intensive eight-week flying program and obtained a private pilot’s license. Furthermore, the graduates have earned three credits towards their undergraduate degree, all at no cost to them and without any military commitment. Of the graduates, six will be entering their final year of high school in the fall and are considering college opportunities where they can apply their newly acquired credentials and credits.
In a surprising announcement, Lt Col. Jason Newcomer, AFROTC Detachment 015 commander at Tuskegee University, offered each rising senior a full tuition and fee scholarship for their first year if they choose to attend Tuskegee University in 2024. This remarkable opportunity, valued at $125,000 per student, can potentially translate into the AFROTC Historically Black College University scholarship in their second year.
The detachment at Tuskegee University faced challenges in producing rated graduates due to low enrollment and a lack of interest in aviation careers. However, over the past year, the team at Detachment 015 has made significant strides by implementing a flight simulator program and successfully tripling program enrollments.
Maj. Scott Dolar, Detachment 015’s operations officer, expressed enthusiasm for cadets who possess the necessary qualities to thrive in the program. They have the grades, grit, fitness, and military interest to be successful cadets, he remarked. The Air Force has already invested in them through AFJROTC, and the team at Detachment 015 aims to build on that investment by nurturing them as the next generation of rated officers.
Recognizing the importance of recruiting exceptional talent, Dr. Charlotte P. Morris, the president of Tuskegee University, awarded ten one-year tuition and fees scholarships to Detachment 015. These scholarships will be granted annually to help recruit high-quality cadets and bridge the financial gap they face between arriving on campus and becoming eligible for the AFROTC HBCU scholarship at the start of their second year. Notably, the university provides free room and board to all AFROTC scholarship recipients, making it possible for Detachment 015 cadets on scholarship to receive a fully funded education at a highly regarded Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
Colonel Aaron Ruona, AFROTC Southeast region commander, emphasized the incredible opportunities available to Tuskegee University students. The TU president’s scholarship, combined with our HBCU scholarship, provides cadets with a $136,000 education for the cost of one year’s room and board, he said. The collaboration between TU, AFJROTC, and AFROTC serves as a means to attract top talent and enhance diversity within the nation’s aviation careers.
By establishing the flight academy at the renowned Tuskegee Airmen Historic Site, the United States Air Force is making significant strides towards addressing the pilot shortage while simultaneously promoting diversity within the field. The AFJROTC Flight Academy program, as showcased during the recent graduation ceremony, is a testament to the commitment in nurturing future aviation leaders from diverse backgrounds.
