Cadets from the Air Force ROTC programs at the University of Virginia and James Madison University embarked on a leadership exercise at Sycamore Hill, a newly acquired training site. This event marked the cadets’ first experience at the 13-acre property, which was formerly the Federal Executive Institute, located near the Barracks Road Shopping Center.
“The objective for Detachment 890 is always the same: to build leaders of character who will lead in the world’s greatest air force,” stated Cadet Col. William McGee, commander of the cadet wing overseeing the exercises. “We cannot train for every specific scenario or specific operations. Instead, we build cadets to be confident, capable leaders with the core foundations needed to address any situation they may face.”
In total, about 140 cadets from the first and second years took part in these exercises. The first-year cadets, wearing blue polo shirts, and the second-year cadets, in battle dress uniforms, began with training in basic military protocol, including drill and ceremonial skills. This included learning how to address an officer and performing close-order marching drills.
Following this, the cadets split into groups for their respective tasks. First-year cadets worked in a classroom setting, strategizing the optimal route for a military convoy through potentially hostile areas. Meanwhile, the second-year cadets tackled a simulated rescue mission of a downed pilot. They used a gymnasium as their base, analyzing diagrams and maps, and eventually executed a mock rescue using a stretcher to retrieve a plastic dummy.
“These [exercises] vary in subject matter and scope, but generally assess cadet leadership, followership and composure under pressure,” McGee explained. “Along the way, they must rapidly adjust to potential threats and other unknowns that may disrupt their initial planning. That ability to adapt under pressure is critical.”
Sycamore Hill will serve as a training ground for ROTC students, featuring a new indoor athletic facility and additional classroom space. The Army and Air Force programs have already begun using the classrooms at the site, with the Navy set to join in the coming year.
Louis Nelson, UVA’s vice provost for academic outreach and overseer of the ROTC program, mentioned, “Beginning in fall of 2026, there will be single-room housing for 16 upper-class ROTC cadets at Sycamore Hill, with a shared kitchen. This dedicated housing will help foster a sense of community among students enrolled in UVA’s ROTC programs. Sycamore Hill will complement space used by ROTC units on Central Grounds, and cadets will train in both locations.”
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