Becirovic Reflects on Term as Region 3 Commander for Arnold Air Society

As a new cadet in NC State’s Air Force ROTC program, Amina Becirovic (Mathematics ’23) looked up to the Arnold Air Society members. For her senior year, she has served as one of the highest-ranking leaders in the organization. 

Becirovic was selected as Region 3 commander for the Arnold Air Society and oversaw the mission and objectives for 11 squadrons at schools across North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. She was officially sworn in at the society’s Annual Conclave (NATCON) in spring 2022.

Throughout her term, Becirovic was able to network with hundreds of other students and professionals with similar interests and career paths.

“I had to go through obstacles leading people close to home here at NC State and others spread across the nation and within my region, but these taught me valuable lessons that I will take with me into my professional career,” she said. “I also had the opportunity to inspire and motivate others to take on challenges that they doubted themselves in, or their abilities to do well in, and that was the most rewarding part.”

The Arnold Air Society is a professional, honorary service organization advocating the support of aerospace power. Its mission is to create outstanding Air Force and Space Force officer candidates by implementing additional training, professional development and networking opportunities, while working as a society to further the purposes, traditions and concepts of the U.S. Air Force. Air Force ROTC cadets must pass a rigorous candidate class to become a member. 

In her role, Becirovic brought national recognition to the region back from NATCON, with awards for Best Region Conclave, Best Candidate Training Program and Best Region Advisor for her commander.

Becirovic is originally from Goldsboro, N.C., and enjoyed watching the jets fly over from nearby Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. She was inspired by her mentor and high school cross country coach to join the Air Force ROTC and pursue a career as an officer. When she decided to attend college, she only looked at schools with strong Air Force ROTC programs, and Det. 595 more than fit the bill. After graduating from NC State this weekend, Becirovic will be commissioned into the U.S. Air Force and hopes to become a fighter pilot.

“NC State Air Force ROTC has put me in many unique roles: a trainee, subordinate, event planner, PT leader for the wing and now a vice wing commander,” Becirovic said. “I’ve had the chance to see many different perspectives of a big moving machine and see what I’ve liked as a follower and also as a leader. I’ve learned ways to be better in each role for myself and for others, whether they are my subordinate or my superior. I’ve tested different followership and leadership styles. No matter what you do, you’ll never be perfect or get the recipe to being a perfect officer, but you get the experience and training to know where to start when tackling everyday tasks or unique instances in your future roles.”

Learn more about NC State Air Force ROTC here, and learn more about the Arnold Air Society here.