As the University of Central Florida (UCF) football team hosted its annual military game, the university took the opportunity to recognize and strengthen its longstanding relationship with the U.S. Armed Forces. The Knights secured a 68-7 victory over North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University at Acrisure Bounce House, where distinguished leaders from seven major military commands were honored.
Among those recognized were Maj. Gen. James E. Smith of STARCOM, Brig. Gen. Christine A. Beeler from PEO STRI, Col. Brian L. Chatman of Launch Delta 45, Capt. Robert Betts leading NAWC TSD, Col. Anthony C. Graham representing AFAMS, Col. Wynndee M. Young from PM TRASYS, and Ivan Martinez directing STTC.
Their attendance highlighted ongoing collaborations between UCF and the Department of Defense in research, simulation, and training initiatives that support national defense efforts.
UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright stated: “UCF is nationally recognized for its commitment to helping military and veteran students succeed from enrollment to employment.” The university has received several honors for supporting veterans and military-affiliated students, including being named a Military Friendly School, a Military Order of the Purple Heart University, and a Collegiate Purple Star campus; it also holds a top ten ranking in U.S News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans.
Currently, more than 3,300 military-affiliated students are enrolled at UCF—including computer science student Trevor Chandrapaul who served five years in the Navy before joining Knight Nation.
“Coming from the military, [I wanted to] continue to serve after [my] service,” Chandrapaul said about his decision to attend UCF. “[UCF] is surrounded by so many defense companies, and I felt like it was a good place for me to continue my studies.”
He found support through UCF’s Office of Military and Veteran Student Success: “I saw how many military veterans actually attended [UCF],” he said.“I reached out to someone at the [Office of Military and Veteran Student Success] and they took the time to talk to me and offer reassurance.”
The campus hosts Army and Air Force ROTC programs with around 170 cadets preparing for commission as officers in the armed forces.
This fall marks UCF’s participation in Service to Service—a new academic partnership designed for veterans pursuing graduate degrees in public service fields—making it one of only twelve universities nationwide involved in this pilot program led by The Volcker Alliance and We the Veterans.
Aviation Week Network has repeatedly identified UCF as a leading source of talent for aerospace and defense industries due in part to strong faculty expertise and Orlando’s proximity to industry employers offering internships or jobs after graduation.
One example is Carlos Arteaga—a master’s student awarded a SMART Scholarship by the Department of Defense—which includes financial aid, an internship opportunity with DOD mentors, and guaranteed post-graduation employment within DOD agencies.
“I was drawn to the program’s integration of academic advancement with real-world application…The opportunity to contribute to national security while deepening my expertise in structural and geotechnical engineering made it an ideal fit,” Arteaga said.
In July 2025 Lockheed Martin expanded its decades-long partnership with UCF by increasing investment in programs such as the College Work Experience Program which has provided work experience since 1981 for more than 10,000 students across disciplines—many later securing full-time positions at Lockheed Martin.
Faculty member Kareem Ahmed continues collaborative research with grants from DOD on hypersonic propulsion technology—capable of speeds up to Mach 17—to advance both national defense priorities as well as space exploration capabilities.
The Institute for Simulation & Training (IST) at UCF leads regional modeling/simulation research projects alongside partners such as Army PEO STRI; Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division; Air Force Agency for Modeling & Simulation; Marine Corps Program Manager for Training Systems; all members within Team Orlando community contributing nearly $7 billion annually through contracts supporting high-tech economic growth locally.
IST researchers have recently developed digital twin prototypes supporting next-generation combat vehicles used by Army personnel among other innovations benefiting every branch of service.
UCF RESTORES offers clinical treatment services utilizing virtual reality therapy techniques proven effective against PTSD among first responders,veterans,and active-duty personnel—with over 1,900 treated since inception.The Trauma Management Therapy model combines immersive technology exposure sessions with group therapy addressing anger,sleep,guilt,depression,and social isolation issues promoting long-term recovery outcomes.
