Duke AFROTC Named Nation’s Best

Duke University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 585 has been named the nation’s top medium-sized ROTC detachment, earning the prestigious Right of Line award. Serving cadets from both Duke and North Carolina Central University, the detachment has been recognized for excellence across cadet development, academic performance, scholarship attainment and officer production. 

The award follows last year’s recognition as the top small detachment in the country. For prospective cadets, the distinction signals a program where high expectations are matched with strong support and proven outcomes.

Lieutenant Colonel Bradley G. Maxon, Commander of the Detachment, shares that back-to-back Right of Line awards are uncommon and reflect more than a single year of success. 

“Being recognized with consecutive Right of Line awards reflects our culture of sustained excellence in and out of the classroom,” Lt. Col. Maxon says. “Our cadets are challenged to lead with discipline, integrity and purpose as they prepare to serve in the United States Air Force and United States Space Force.”