Stewart Newton, Chair

Overview

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Program offered by the Department of Aerospace Studies is conducted pursuant to provisions of the ROTC Vitalization Act of 1964. AFROTC is a leadership program for college students interested in earning a commission and entering the active duty Air Force as an officer, after completing a bachelor’s degree. AFROTC instructs students in military heritage, the development of air and space power, military ethics, drill and ceremonies, communication, human relations, and leadership theory and techniques. Teaching methods include instructor presentations, student discussions and team projects, and hands-on leadership exercises. All books and uniforms associated with AFROTC are provided at no cost to the student. Additionally, students may enroll for academic credit only. The AFROTC program is optimized to cover eight semesters of a typical student career. However, the program can be tailored to accommodate as few as the final six semesters prior to degree completion. Contact the Department of Aerospace Studies for details.

General Military Course (GMC). Qualified freshman and sophomore students may enroll as Air Force ROTC cadets in the general military course. This program allows students to “try out” Air Force ROTC for up to two years without incurring any obligation unless on an Air Force ROTC scholarship. Students will learn about Air Force history, the historical development of airpower, and basic officership skills. Testing and screening are accomplished during the sophomore year to determine those cadets qualified for enrollment in the professional officer course. Enrollment in AERO 101/102 or 201/202, plus the corequisite lab, is required to maintain good standing in the GMC.

Professional Officer Course (POC). Upon successful completion of a four-week field-training course at an Air Force base, qualified cadets may enroll in the professional officer course during their last two years of college. POC courses offered by the Department of Aerospace Studies are designed to prepare selected juniors and seniors for their responsibilities as Air Force officers. A subsistence stipend is paid during the last two years of college to cadets maintaining the minimum grade point average for advancement. Enrollment in AERO 301/302 and 401/402, plus the corequisite lab, is required to maintain good standing in the POC. Successful completion of the POC results in receiving a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Program Qualification Requirements

• Be a full-time undergraduate student
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Meet AFROTC height and weight standards
• Have good moral character and no history of illegal drug use or serious civil involvements
• Be medically qualified
• Pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test
• Pass an AFROTC Physical Fitness Assessment Test
• Successfully complete field training requirements
• Be in good academic standing
• Be between 17 and 30 years old
• Not be a single parent

Scholarship Opportunities

College Students: Air Force ROTC offers two, three, and four-year scholarships to college students in many majors. These scholarships include partial to full tuition and fees, a book allowance, and a monthly nontaxable stipend. Selection is based on student scores on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, cumulative grade point average, a physical fitness assessment, SAT (or equivalent) score and a rating from the cadre. To apply for any scholarship, contact the Department of Aerospace Studies.

High-School Seniors and Graduates: There are also scholarships available, on a competitive basis, to high-school seniors or graduates who have not enrolled as full-time college students. For up to four years, these scholarships pay partial to full tuition and fees, a textbook allowance, plus a monthly nontaxable stipend. Students should apply at afrotc.com prior to December 1 of the year preceding the fall term they would enter the University full-time.

Physical Conditioning

Mandatory physical conditioning is an integral part of the Department of Aerospace Studies curriculum and is required for all Leadership Lab courses including:

• AERO 101L - Initial Military Training Cadet Leadership Laboratory I 
• AERO 102L - Initial Military Training Cadet Leadership Laboratory II
• AERO 201L - Field Training Preparation Cadet Leadership Laboratory I
• AERO 202L - Initial Field Training Preparation Cadet Leadership Laboratory II 
• AERO 301L - Intermediate Cadet Leader Leadership Laboratory I
• AERO 302L - Intermediate Cadet Leader Leadership Laboratory II
• AERO 401L - Senior Cadet Leader Leadership Laboratory I
• AERO 402L - Senior Cadet Leader Leadership Laboratory II
• AERO 499L - Extended Cadet Leader Leadership Laboratory

Programs

• Aerospace Studies Minor