Clemson College opened its doors in June 1893 as a military school with an all-male corps of cadets, believing that a military atmosphere fostered the highest academic excellence. In 1916, the National Defense Act established ROTC across many land-grant colleges across the nation, including Clemson. 1,549 Clemson men served during World War I; 32 of these men paid the ultimate sacrifice. More than 6,500 Clemson men served in World War II, 90 percent of whom were officers commissioned from Clemson ROTC. Of these men, 376 gave their lives.
The National Security Act of 1947 established the Department of the Air Force, allowing Clemson to create its Air Force ROTC Detachment 770 and begin a long tradition of producing the finest officers for the world’s greatest Air Force. In 1955, Clemson College welcomed its doors to women students. Concurrently, Clemson abolished its Cadet Corps and became a civilian school. However, all male students were mandated to participated in at least the first two years of ROTC. By 1968, the ROTC requirement for underclassmen was abolished, stemming from a decrease in Detachment 770’s size. In 1979, the detachment was reorganized and is now subordinate to the Air Force ROTC Southeast Region.
Clemson’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 770, home of the Flyin’ Tigers, plays an integral part in campus life at Clemson University and continuously plays homage to Clemson’s early roots as a land-grant, military college. Detachment 770 has proven itself year after year to be one of the best medium-size AFROTC detachments, dedicated to providing cadets with the leadership and management skills needed to succeed as active-duty Air Force Officers. Many Clemson AFROTC alumni go on to lead successful careers in the U.S. Air and Space Force, serving in roles ranging from pilots and engineers to intelligence officers and medical professionals. This has earned Detachment 770 many prestigious awards: Right of Line, High Flight, and Best in State.
In recognition of its dedication to excellence in training, leadership development, and academic achievement, Clemson’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 770 has earned the honor of being named among the top 10% of all AFROTC detachments nationwide. This honor was in recognition of Detachment 770’s excellent officer production, ability to meet requirements for officers in aviation and Air and Space Force technical degree fields, and overall quality of its cadets.
To support Clemson’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 770 maintain its excellence, Clemson Corps is dedicated to providing direct funding and scholarships. It is our mission to perpetuate our military heritage and keep the tradition of military service alive.
You can help support our mission as well! Click the link down below to donate in support of scholarships and funds for cadets!
Aim High … Fly-Fight-Win! Go Tigers!
