May 12, 2026
For members of University of Missouri ROTC programs, involvement at Mizzou means early morning drills, learning basic infantry tactics and sharpening leadership skills for today’s military.
Now, Katie Vlaming, a graduating biological engineering major in Air Force ROTC will transition from a cadet to a commissioned officer ready to serve.
What inspired you to join Air Force ROTC at Mizzou?
I’ve known from a young age that I wanted to serve in the military. My dad serves in the Navy, and some of my favorite memories growing up were visiting museums on base and building model aircraft together. He’s also a Mizzou alum, so I grew up in a proud Mizzou household. During my senior year of high school, I discovered Air Force ROTC and decided to apply. I was especially drawn to the opportunity to commission into the U.S. Space Force through AFROTC, which ultimately set me on my current path.
How has your time at Mizzou prepared you for the responsibilities you’ll face as a commissioned officer?
Mizzou and AFROTC have challenged me to grow both academically and personally. Balancing a rigorous engineering degree with ROTC commitments taught me strong time management and discipline. I’ve had countless opportunities to lead, step outside my comfort zone, and learn from both successes and failures. The support from professors and ROTC cadre has been key to developing my confidence and leadership style.
I’ve also learned how to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds, which has broadened my perspective and strengthened my communication skills. Whether through my ROTC peers or my roommates who are journalism students, I’ve built a network that has shaped who I am today. Most importantly, Mizzou instilled in me a growth mindset that encourages me to stay humble, adapt and keep moving forward.
What are your future plans (military and/or beyond)?
My next step is attending Officer Training Course at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After completing training, I will be assigned a Space Force Specialty Code and move to my first duty station. While I don’t know my exact assignment yet, I’m hoping to work in Space Operations, ideally within an electromagnetic warfare squadron at Peterson.
What advice would you give incoming Mizzou students thinking about AFROTC?
You never really know if something is right for you until you try it. AFROTC builds leadership skills, discipline and a strong sense of community beyond the military service aspect. As an out-of-state student, it gave me a second home at Mizzou, which meant a lot. There’s also no service commitment during your first year, so there’s nothing to lose by giving it a shot. If it’s not for you, that’s completely OK, but you might be surprised by how much you gain from the experience!
This story originally appeared on Show Me Mizzou. Want more stories like this? Subscribe to the Show Me Mizzou newsletter.