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Next generation leaders experience 24/7 global mobility mission at Scott

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Devin Morgan
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  

Air Force ROTC cadets from across the Midwest visited Scott for ROTC Day, gaining a firsthand look at the operational tempo and global reach they will soon help lead as future officers.

General speaks to cadets.

U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadets receive a brief from Brig. Gen. Cassius Bentley III, 618th Air Operations Center commander, during ROTC Day on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Mar. 18, 2026. Cadets were given the opportunity to view aircraft and visit displays from multiple career fields throughout the day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Devin Morgan)
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The event connected cadets with senior leaders, including 375th Air Mobility Wing leadership and Brig. Gen. Cassius Bentley III, 618th Air Operations Center commander, who discussed leadership, mission execution and the current operational environment.

Bentley highlighted the nonstop nature of global mobility and air operations and the responsibility awaiting the next generation of leaders.

“Right now we’re operating at a pace that’s never been seen,” Bentley said. “We are never closed. We’re 24/7, 365.”
Cadets explored mission capabilities through interactive displays, including aeromedical evacuation, logistics, aviation and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE). 

Service member presents at booth.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Hannah Katchen, 932nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight nurse, speaks with U.S. Air Force ROTC cadets about aeromedical evacuation operations during ROTC Day at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, March 18, 2026. Cadets received firsthand insight into active-duty missions through briefings and demonstrations held throughout the day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Devin Morgan)
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ROTC Day gave cadets a closer look at how career fields work together to support the mission and project combat power globally.

Throughout the day, cadets engaged directly with Airmen, gaining insight into career paths, deployments and the demands of operational service. Air Force ROTC Cadet Col. Jared Wortmann, of Detachment 442 from Missouri University of Science and Technology, said the experience provided a valuable perspective on leadership.

“The best thing I took away was from the focused group discussion between the base commander and the senior cadets,” Wortmann said. “We got to learn insight from an experienced commander.”

Cadets explore gear.

Air Force ROTC cadets try on gear during ROTC Day at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, March 18, 2026. Cadets visited booths from multiple departments to learn how each supports Team Scott and the Air Force mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Devin Morgan)
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Leaders closed the event by reinforcing the importance of teamwork, credibility and leadership as cadets prepare to commission into an Air Force defined by constant global engagement. 

“It’s never about you, it’s about the team,” Bentley said. “Be the best at your job. Your credibility leads to trust.”