University News

New ROTC commander looks to train leaders in ‘uniquely consequential times’

U.S. Air Force Col. Cary Mittelmark thinks in sweeping gestures.

“I believe we are living in uniquely consequential times, both overseas and here at home,” Mittelmark said. “I also believe that it will be people – not hardware or platforms – that will be the key to ensuring our nation’s defense through those times. Taken together, those beliefs make this an extraordinary place to serve. We’re creating leaders here at UVA who will help guide America through the challenges of tomorrow with character and confidence.”

Mittelmark is a former ROTC cadet who joined the program while studying electrical engineering at the University of Portland. (Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)

Mittelmark, who in August took command of UVA’s Air Force ROTC operations, is a product of ROTC himself. He joined the program while studying electrical engineering at the University of Portland in Oregon and opted for a military career.

“I've been in the Air Force for 24 years and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Mittelmark said. “My ROTC instructors had a profound impact on my journey. That’s one of the reasons I wanted this job.”

Mittelmark also entered the service at a consequential time. He was in flight training when the 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred.

“I was in initial flight training down in Pensacola, Florida,” he said. “I remember that day very vividly. It certainly shaped and impacted my career in profound ways.”

After training to become a pilot, Mittelmark joined the Special Operations community and spent the next 18 years working in Air Force Special Operations Command, amassing over 2,500 flight hours across a number of aircraft.

“Special operations forces train to do high-stakes, niche missions,” Mittelmark said. “I flew commercial off-the-shelf aircraft, doing infiltration, exfiltration and casualty evacuation of special operations teams all over the world.”

Ad written 'Trends Blend. Classic Last. Shop Now'

Mittelmark also performed a couple of tours in the Pentagon on the Joint Staff, as a counterterrorism strategist, and then later as a readiness planner. He taught at the National War College and has commanded special operations units at both the squadron and group level.

Though he has no previous connection to the University of Virginia, Mittelmark said it was his “No. 1 choice by far” when looking to transition to ROTC.

“UVA’s reputation speaks for itself,” he said. “Academic excellence, a student experience which centers on ethics and responsibility, and a commitment to creating public servants which I think is both incredibly important and pretty unique. It’s a world-class institution and an ideal place to create future officers for the Air and Space forces.”

Mittelmark plans no sweeping changes for the unit, which has around 300 cadets from UVA, James Madison and Liberty universities. Instead, he wants to maintain a sharp focus on its primary mission: forging future warfighters.

“I have told my cadre that our job is building leaders that can quickly analyze a complex environment, understand how their actions shape it, connect those actions to desired outcomes, and then communicate all of that clearly,” Mittelmark said. “That’s very difficult – but that’s what’s required.”

He is also seeking to continue to expand the program’s reach.

“We’re always trying to evolve and grow the program in ways that benefit the University, the Air Force and the nation,” he said. “At UVA, you’ve got exceptional students - interested in public service, engaged in global issues, and eager to make an impact. Military service not only aligns well with those interests, it also provides a front row seat to history in a lot of cases.”