Frequently asked Questions

Air Force ROTC

 

 1. What is Air Force ROTC?

 
The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is an educational program designed to give men and women the opportunity to become Air Force officers while completing their academic degrees. The Air Force ROTC program is designed to prepare you to assume positions of increasing responsibility and importance in the modern Air Force. Air Force ROTC offers many routes to an Air Force commission at more than 700 institutions throughout the continental United States, Hawaii and Puerto Rico; Air Force ROTC can coordinate a program to fit many different academic timeframes.

Four-Year Program - The General Military Course is the first half of the Four-Year Program and it is taken during your freshman and sophomore years. This program allows you to "test drive" Air Force ROTC for up to two years without incurring any service obligation unless you are on an Air Force ROTC scholarship. As you attend class, you will learn more about the Air Force and the historical development of airpower. The last two years are called the Professional Officer Course. These junior and senior level classes cover leadership skills and national defense policy.

2. Do I have to attend the University of Colorado Boulder to be in Air Force ROTC?

 
Detachment 105 has an agreement with the following schools to allow students to participate in Air Force ROTC:

Universities
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
University of Colorado Denver
University of Denver
Colorado School of Mines
Metropolitan State College of Denver
Regis University
Colorado Christian University
Colorado Technical University
 

Junior Colleges
Arapahoe Community College
Front Range Community College

 If you enroll at one of these schools, contact the registrar or detachment 105 for more details on Air Force ROTC. See registration info on the JoinDet 105 page.

 3. How do I enroll in Air Force ROTC classes?

Air Force ROTC classes and credit information are listed in your school's catalog. If you wish to enroll in the General Military Course, you enroll in Air Force ROTC as you would any other class.  As a first-term freshman you enroll in AS 100 and the leadership laboratory during the fall and spring terms.  If you enroll at a college with a cross-enrollment agreement, have your advisor and registrar help you sign up for ROTC classes program. 

Competition factors include cumulative grade-point average, Air Force Officer Qualifying test scores, academic history, choice of major, a physical fitness test, and an interview. You must also have an Air Force medical examination. The ROTC detachment will schedule you for this medical exam.
 

4. Can I enroll if I did not take Air Force ROTC as a freshman?

 
Yes. You can enroll in AS 100 and AS 200 (plus the corresponding leadership lab) and be what we call dual enrolled or an AS 250 student.

5. Do I have to start with the General Military Course (GMC)?

 
Yes - enrolling in the General Military Course (first two years) is mandatory. If you enroll in both years of the GMC (dual enrolled students) you will compete for your enrollment allocation during that year and you will attend a 4-week Field Training camp that following summer. When you return to school you will enroll in the Professional Officer Course. 

6. What is Field Training?

 
Field Training offers you a firsthand look at the Air Force environment.  Field Training is offered during the summer at Maxwell AFB, AL before you enter the POC.  During your time at field training, you will receive career orientation, junior officer training, aircraft and aircrew indoctrination, survival training, weapons familiarization, physical training, familiarization with the organization and function of an Air Force base.

7. When do I attend Field Training?

 
The summer between your sophomore and junior year.  Prior service cadets and Four-Year Program cadets will attend a four-week Field Training camp. The Air Force pays your transportation to and from the camp, and provides a salary of about $19 per day while at camp. 

8. How do I qualify for Air Force ROTC?

 
To qualify for the General Military Course, you must:

• Be a full-time student at a school offering Air Force ROTC
• Be a United States citizen (to receive a scholarship)
• Be in good physical condition
• Have good moral character
• Be at least 14 years old (17 to receive a scholarship appointment)

To qualify for the Professional Officer Course, you must meet all the qualifications for the General Military Course, and successfully compete for an enrollment allocation as an officer candidate. You must:

• Have two academic years remaining (undergraduate, graduate or a combination of both) after completing the Air Force ROTC field training encampment
• Be a United States citizen
• Be 18 years old or 17 years with a parent or legal guardian’s consent
• Be physically and medically qualified
• Pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test
• Be interviewed and selected by a board of Air Force officers
• Pass the PFA & complete a four-week Field Training camp

 9. What is the Air Force ROTC curriculum? 

 
Freshman Year
Foundations of the USAF  (1 hour each week + 2 hour of LLAB) - A survey course which briefly treats topics relating to the Air Force and defense. It focuses on the organizational structure and missions of the Air Force organizations; officership and professionalism; and introduces communicative skills.

Sophomore Year
Evolution of USAF Air and Space Power (1 hour each week + 2 hour of LLAB) - A critical examination of the development and use of air power from the first flights to the present; the evolution of air power concepts and doctrine; and an assessment of communicative skills.

Junior Year
Air Force Leadership Studies  (3 hours each week + 2 hour of LLAB) - A study of professionalism, leadership and management, and leadership and communication skills. 

Senior Year
National  Security Affairs/Preparation  for  Active  Duty  (3 hours each week + 2 hour of LLAB) - A study explaining the Armed Forces as an integral element of society with emphasis on American civil-military relations, and refinement of leadership and management skills.

Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) – This is a laboratory conducted by the POC cadet corps and allows POC cadets to apply leadership and management skills as they work with GMC cadets.

Graduation
After successful completion of AS courses, field training and academic courses you will be commissioned as a second lieutenant.

10. What is Leadership Laboratory (LLAB)?

 
As an Air Force ROTC cadet, you will spend one or two class periods each week putting into practice the leadership skills and management theory acquired in class. Leadership Laboratory is a cadet-centered program taken each year that will improve your ability to perform as an Air Force officer. You will also listen to military speakers, visit Air Force bases, view films and take part in social functions.

 11. Do I have to start with the GMC if I am in the military or have prior military service?

 Not necessarily.  The detachment commander may waive some or all of the GMC if you were prior enlisted. This is determined by the amount and kind of experience you had when you served.  You may want to attend the sophomore Air Force ROTC classes and/or the preparation sessions for Field Training with the sophomores to see what Field Training with Air Force ROTC is all about.

12. Can I receive any ROTC credit for Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and Junior ROTC?

Possibly. The detachment commander can give credit for part of the GMC for the Spaatz, Earhart, and Mitchell Awards (any academic term of the GMC). Contact the detachment for details.
 

13. Once I join AFROTC, will I have a commitment to the government?

 
You will sign a commitment form only if you are on an AFROTC scholarship. Otherwise you are not committed during the first two years of the General Military Course (GMC) in Air Force ROTC. You can drop any GMC classes just like other classes and not be committed.
 

14. What is the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)?

 
The AFOQT measures verbal and math skills (similar to the college entrance exams) as well as your aptitude in academics, pilot, and navigator/technical areas. Testing requires about 4 ½ hours. After you have taken the AFOQT and received your scores in approximately two-weeks.

15. How often can I take the AFOQT?

 
The test is given several times during the fall and spring and can be taken a maximum of two times with at least 6 months between tests. 

16. Are there scholarships and how can I qualify?

 
AFROTC.com is the main source for researching and applying for AFROTC scholarships.  Most scholarships pay college tuition and most laboratory, textbook and incidental fees, plus a monthly, nontaxable allowance during the school year.

High School Seniors & Graduates - There are three- and four-year scholarships available on a competitive basis to high school seniors or graduates who have not yet enrolled as full-time college students. Scholarships are awarded in many majors. To apply, see your high school counselor, an Air Force ROTC officer, an Air Force recruiter, or www.afrotc.com.  Deadline to submit the completed scholarship package is normally the first week of December for Fall scholarships awarded during the following year.  (For high school seniors, apply before December 1st of your senior year.) Apply Early!

College Student, Air Force ROTC Cadet & Active Duty Airmen - Anyone, whether a college student, an Air Force ROTC cadet, or active duty enlisted member who meets the requirements may apply for two- and three-year scholarships. These scholarships are awarded according to the needs of the Air Force. The current needs change yearly and are normally offered in the areas of (check AFROTC.com for current needs):

• Selected engineering and scientific fields
• Selected non-technical academic majors
• Pre-health professions, physician/ osteopath (last 2/3 years of bachelor’s degree)
• Nurse (three-, two- and one-year scholarships)
• Law (last 1 or 2 years of a law degree)

You need to apply directly to the Air Force Detachment at a college offering Air Force ROTC. Selections are based on scores achieved on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, overall grade-point average and a rating from an interview. Also, you must be able to complete your bachelor’s degree and be commissioned before you are 31 years old.

17. Can I attend Air Force ROTC without a scholarship?

 
Absolutely! Nearly half of the cadets enrolled in Air Force ROTC are not on a scholarship.  Once you are enrolled in ROTC, there are more opportunities for scholarships.
 

18. Is preference shown toward scholarship cadets?

 
Absolutely not!  The fact that a cadet may have an Air Force ROTC scholarship has no bearing on an Air Force career.  Nor does it make any difference while in the Air Force ROTC program.

19. How do I receive my monthly stipend and textbook funds?

 
As a scholarship cadet, your monthly stipend starts when you contract with the Air Force. This stipend ranges from $300 to $500, depending on your academic year. In addition, cadets on scholarship receive about $900 per year for textbooks. You must have an active bank account in order for the Air Force to directly deposit both of these allowances in your account. 

20. Does the scholarship pay for room and board?

 
No.  Scholarships will not pay your room and board.

21. As a scholarship cadet, what should my parents do if they receive a tuition bill?

 
Occasionally it may take time for all the paperwork to catch up and you may receive a bill showing you owe money.  Simply bring it into the Air Force detachment and we will take care of it.

22. Are there special programs for active duty airmen?

 
Yes! Both the Scholarships  for Outstanding Airmen  to ROTC program and the Airman  Scholarship and Commissioning  Program allow you to compete for four-, three-, and two-year scholarships and be released from active duty to enter college and complete the Air Force ROTC program. You must be able to graduate and complete the ROTC program before 30 June of the year you turn 30. The Professional Officer Course (POC) Early Release Program is designed for those who can be commissioned before 35 years of age and can complete a bachelor’s degree within two years. See your Base Education Services Officer for more information.

23. Are there AFROTC activities between my junior and senior year?

Below are just a few voluntary activities (subject to funding availability):

Air Force Academy Freefall (AFAFF) Parachute Training Program  - This is a 12-day parachute training program conducted at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  The course has stringent physical training, conditioning, ground school and five free fall jumps from 4,500 AGL.

Foreign Language Immersion Program  - This is a 4-week program for those studying a foreign language.  Selected cadets live with a local family, hotels or universities and receive total cultural and language immersion.  The Air Force covers all costs except the cadets personal expenses.

Army Airborne Training  - Voluntary airborne training is available for selected cadets to attend the US Army Airborne School or USAF Academy and be awarded a Parachutist Badge.

USAFA Soaring  Program - Training in non-powered gliders is available for selected cadets at the USAF Academy. 

24. When do I know what career I will have as an Air Force Officer?

 
You will compete in a selection process much like the one of an enrollment allocation as an officer candidate. The factors to be used will include your AFOQT scores, your field training performance rating, your GPA, your academic major, your Physical Fitness Assessment score, and the Detachment Commander’s rating. You will know your specific Air Force Specialty Code (career) approximately six months before you are commissioned.

 25. What positions are available?

  
You can pursue any academic major to participate in the program. The Air Force is more than airplanes and the wild blue yonder. The Air Force is men and women who proudly work in their professions while serving their country. The Air Force is more than just pilot and navigators, there are space and missile officers, non-rated (non-pilot/non-nav) flight operations, pre-health, nursing, engineers, security forces, technical and non-technical categories. Nearly any career found in the civilian economy can also be found in the Air Force. 

The Air Force is looking for leaders who believe in their country and are eager to work for its continued freedom. Being an Air Force officer is a demanding and challenging profession. An Air Force commission calls for hard work and discipline, but it offers many professional and personal rewards. Air Force ROTC is the Air Force’s largest source of officers. As a college graduate with an Air Force ROTC commission, you will begin a unique career full of varied experience. Your leadership excellence starts with Air Force ROTC.
 

26. Do I have to major in Aeronautical Science to become a pilot or navigator?

 
No.  Your academic major plays no role in pilot and navigator selection. You can major in any bachelor’s degree program and compete to receive a pilot or navigator slot in Air Force ROTC. You can even be on an Air Force ROTC scholarship in an engineering or science major and compete on an equal basis for a flight position.

27. What are the age limits for a cadet to compete for a pilot or navigator position?

 
To compete for the pilot or navigator categories you must be able to complete your bachelor’s degree and be commissioned through Air Force ROTC before you are 29 years old.

28. How long is pilot training? Where is it offered?  How long is navigator training?  Where is it offered?

 
Pilot training is approximately 52 weeks. Air Force pilots are trained at Sheppard AFB, Texas; Laughlin AFB, Texas; Columbus AFB, Mississippi; and Vance AFB, Oklahoma.

Navigator training is approximately 29 weeks at Pensacola NAS, Florida, and Randolph AFB, Texas.

 29. Are there special activities for AFROTC cadets?

 
Air Force ROTC strives to provide you a wide variety of professional and social activities. But your first and most immediate concern is attending classes and maintaining good grades.

There are too many special activities in our program to list; there is something for everyone, this is just a few:

Fraternal/Service Activities  - Air Force ROTC actively supports a national, honorary service organization--the Arnold Air Society. This organization is voluntary and provides many social and community service activities to develop your professional abilities.

Dances, Dinners, Picnics and Parties - From summer to spring, informal and formal activities are planned to complement the academic schedule.

Sports - The cadet corps participates in various intramural teams and activities, plus competes with others on campus as well as a springtime inter-detachment field day.

Color Guard, Drill Team, and  Band - These are teams of proficient cadets that perform in various formal ceremonies, sports events, parades and competitions.

Base Visits  - Visits to Air Force bases throughout the United States are encouraged to allow you to see first hand the "real" Air Force and those who majored in your chosen career field.  Travel is often in an Air Force aircraft.
     

30. Can I take Air Force ROTC classes during the summer? 

 
No.  Classes are only offered during the Fall and Spring semesters.  The summers are reserved for Field Training.

31. How much physical training is there?

 
Air Force ROTC cadets participate in structured physical activity two times per week. Physical fitness is an important aspect of Air Force life, and gives an opportunity for fun and enjoyment. While attendance is mandatory, many cadets find the activities so much fun that they actually spend off days doing voluntary PT.

32. How is the PFT administered?  Who takes it?

 
All contract cadets must meet fitness standards performing the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) every semester. The PFA consists of push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1 1/2-mile run and an abdominal circumference measurement.
 

 33. How often will I march and drill?

 
About one fourth of the Leadership Lab sessions (about 5 hours each semester) are devoted to drill and ceremony. The remaining time is for guest lectures, joint training sessions, special projects, and competitive sports.

34.  When do I get my uniforms?  When do I wear my uniform?

 

As long as weight standards are met, cadets receive a complete uniform, plus instructions for alterations. Cadets are responsible to keep their uniform clean and presentable.

You are required to wear your uniform on the day you have Leadership Lab as well as during your weekly ROTC class periods. There are also certain military social events (Military Ball, Dining-Out, etc.) that require uniform wear.
 

35. If I have academic or personal problems, where can I turn?

 
Your Air Force ROTC officer-instructor has had training in counseling and may not have all the answers, but he or she cares about you and can direct you to the proper counseling resources. Our cadets are special individuals, not numbers. 

36. What do other students think about ROTC cadets?

 
Air Force ROTC cadets are respected members of the local community, and the university is highly supportive of all ROTC programs.
 

37. How are new cadets treated?

 
Very well. The Professional Officer Course cadets (upper level) are willing to answer your questions and point you in the right direction. Your flight commander also helps you fit into the program. There are tutoring programs and other forms of assistance available to you. Hazing is not permitted at any Air Force ROTC detachment. The staff is concerned about your well being and progress and will treat you as an adult officer candidate.

38. How much time is involved in Air Force ROTC?

 
The ROTC staff knows your studies are critical for your success in college, your success in the ROTC program, and your success in the future. Cadets can put as little or as much time into Air Force ROTC as you want, as long as you satisfy all academic, Leadership Laboratory and physical fitness requirements.

 39. What is my obligation to the Air Force if I join ROTC?

 Unless you are on an Air Force ROTC scholarship, there is no obligation while a freshman or sophomore in the General Military Course. Once you enter the POC, you incur an obligation to the USAF. You must maintain these standards while in Air Force ROTC:

• Be enrolled as a full-time student
• Be in good academic standing with the college and Air Force ROTC
• Make satisfactory progress toward degree requirements to graduate when contracted and in the major you selected to enter the POC (changes must be approved)
• Attend POC classes and Leadership Lab.
• Wear your uniform to Leadership Laboratory and to AFROTC classes as directed by your AFROTC instructor
• Meet the same dress and appearance standards as active duty personnel, including haircuts
• Remain physically qualified, and maintain required physical fitness and weight standards
• Comply with the Air Force drug abuse policy
• Enlist in the Obligated Reserve Section of the Air Force Reserve

After graduating from college and completing all Air Force ROTC requirements, you will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. Non-flying officers serve four years on active duty, navigators serve six years after training, and pilots serve 10 years after training.
 

40. If I have an ROTC scholarship, is it possible to change my academic

Yes, but it is difficult and should be attempted only after a lot of thought and with a valid reason. The Air Force offers scholarships only in specific majors. If you want to change your major before arriving, please call immediately to get the detailed instructions on the procedure.

41. What are the qualifications of my Air Force ROTC instructors?

 
Each officer-instructor possesses at a minimum, a master’s degree and has considerable Air Force experience. Air Force ROTC is a demanding job. Each instructor is handpicked by the Air Force and has to be approved by the University to become a member of the academic faculty.

42. When do I receive my commission as an Air Force officer?

 
Graduating seniors are usually commissioned in special ceremonies on commencement day or soon afterwards.

43. What are the benefits of joining?

 
Air Force ROTC cadets:

• Scholarship that value in the range of $3,000-$60,000, depending on school
• Most scholarships pay full college tuition and textbook costs, lab and incidental fees
• Air Force ROTC textbooks and uniforms provided on a loan basis
• College credit for Air Force ROTC courses in most academic majors
• Nontaxable monthly allowance during the academic year, while on scholarship or in the POC, ranging from $300 - $500 depending on academic year
• Authorized salary while attending Field Training
• Free space-available military air travel
• Orientation flights aboard Air Force aircraft
• Visits to Air Force bases
• Social activities

Active Duty Air Force members:

Pay                              Highly competitive salary and allowance package
Vacation                     30 days leave with pay each year
Sick Leave                 Unlimited; full pay continues
Medical Care              Furnished at no cost
Dental Care                Furnished at no cost
Day Care                    On and off base facilities offered at low rates
Life Insurance           $400,000 of low-cost term life insurance
Social Life                  Officers’ clubs, fitness centers, swimming, golfing, bowling, etc. 
Education                   Opportunity for higher education with tuition assistance or full scholarship
Retirement                 Opportunity to retire after 20 years with 50% of your base pay
Promotions                First Lieutenant after 2 years—more than $46K per year Captain after four years—more than $62K per year
Shopping                    Save as much as 25% in on-base stores
Living Quarters          On-base housing available or off-base housing allowance paid  

44. Can I pursue graduate education after I am commissioned?

The Air Force is education-oriented and financially supports graduate studies. You can apply for the Air Force Institute of Technology to earn an advanced degree on full scholarship. Additionally, most bases have graduate college programs, and you may apply for the tuition assistance program that pays 100 percent of the tuition cost.

45. How do Air Force ROTC graduates compare with Air Force Academy and Officer Training School graduates?

The Academy, ROTC and Officer Training School all produce qualified Air Force officers. The Air Force achieves better diversity and talent by getting officers from more than one commissioning source. Once on active duty, the most important factor in promotion is duty performance.

46. What are the High School Scholarship Academic Requirements?

 
GPA 3.0
SAT 1100
ACT 24

47. What if I have had PRK, LASIK or other eye surgery?

PRK, LASEK and Epi-LASEK are the only eye refractive surgeries approved for initial accession entry into flying training.

PRK surgery has an automatic 1-year post-surgery MRS period for cadets applying for FCI/IA/III, SMOD, ATC positions and a 6-month follow-up MRS period for AF Commissioning. The applicable follow-up evaluations must be completed prior to removal of MRS and prior to scheduling of any physical examinations.

HQ AETC/SGPS will consider waivers for those that have had LASEK and Epi-LASEK refractive surgery on a case by case basis for flying/special operational duty. ALL the pre/post surgical criteria, along with all required follow-ups noted in the current PRK Fly checklist must be forwarded for waiver consideration. Any other type of corrective surgery is not approved for flying duty. LASIK refractive surgery remains disqualifying for flying duty.

48.  Can I be on reserve status rather than active duty after AFROTC?

No.  You must be on active duty status after completion of AFROTC.  Once this commitment is up, you can continue in the Air Force as a reservist.

49.  What if I have been in trouble with civil authorities?

You will complete a form where you will list all civil involvement.  Due to the many circumstances one may have been involved with civil authorities, we will review all incidents on a case-by-case basis.

50.  What kind of medical conditions are disqualifying?

Your medical eligibility will be made by medical personnel during a physical examination.  One frequently occurring condition are those who have been diagnosed with asthma or similar respiratory conditions at any time in their lives are not qualified for the Air Force.  However, if you have not had any episodes resulting from these conditions since the age of 12, medical personnel will assess whether a waiver is possible. 

 51. How can I get more information?

Mailing Address:
Air Force ROTC, Det 105
Folsom Stadium, Gate 5
371 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309-0371

 

Email:                                                                               
Det105@colorado.edu

Visit our local and national websites:
www.afrotc.com
www.colorado.edu
http://afrotc.colorado.edu
www.airforce.com
www.af.mil
www.afoats.af.mil