New Student Orientation Program
Detachment 520 offers a distinctive pre-orientation program for any interested, incoming freshman, sophomore or junior at any of our affiliated schools. NSO provides a head start if you’re joining AFROTC in the fall or an opportunity to learn more about AFROTC and the Air Force in general. There is no military obligation or commitment to join Air Force ROTC by participating in NSO; it is simply an orientation to the program.
Some of the activities of NSO 2008 were:
- Paintball
- Ropes Course
- Survival Training
- Overnight in the woods
A typical NSO day involves rising early to do physical training (PT) at 0630, showering before breakfast, then on to a day full of activities that can include drill and ceremonies, team-building exercises, lunch, sports, leadership training, dinner, bonding with your fellow classmates, and finally a little bit of free time before lights out at 2200. Housing and food is provided for the duration of NSO. In addition, Cornell students living in campus housing are allowed to move into their dorm on Thursday, a day early, which is quite a perk!
A mailing packet for NSO 2009 will be sent around May 2009 to those who express interest in the program. It will contain information about proposed activities and pre-registration documents. Just contact afrotc@cornell.edu and let us know if you are interested in attending and we will add you to our mailing list.
The NSO program is organized and led by current Det 520 cadets who are juniors and seniors from Cornell and our cross-town schools. There is NEVER any hazing or mistreatment. NSO is NOT boot camp, nothing like people believe any form of basic military training to be from the movies. Active duty officers supervise every waking hour and are on 24 hour call. Our cadets in Det 520 are among the most professional, ethical officer candidates in the nation - consistently demonstrated by how positively our NSO participants critique the program at its conclusion.
The cost of NSO 2009 will be approximately $100 to cover the costs of lodging, food, and activities.
If you are matriculating at Cornell or one of our cross-town schools and would like to participate in NSO please contact us at afrotc@cornell.edu. We look forward to seeing you in August 2009!
NSO attendees participate in a ropes course activity at Cornell Outdoor Education's Hoffman Challenge Course.
Cadets and trainees listen and learn about outdoor survival.
NSO attendees take on NSO staff members during a drill/marching game known as 'Tank'.