Untitled

SO, YOU’RE

INTERESTED IN

BECOMING AN

OFFICER?

Whether you come from a long line of Air Force ofcers, a family tradition of

service or are the rst person in your family to serve or go to college, if you’ve got

what it takes, there’s a place for you in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Ofcer Training

Corps (AFROTC).

In this brochure you’ll nd out what it takes to succeed in AFROTC, what you can

expect while you’re enrolled, why you should make AFROTC part of your college

choice, what you need to do to apply and how you can prepare to succeed.

Also in this booklet, you’ll nd tidbits of information we call “Waypoints.” They are

taken in large part from cadet knowledge books and cadets are tested regularly on

them. You can get a head start by becoming familiar with the “Waypoints.” Look for

this icon throughout the booklet:

Why Air Force ROTC?

AFROTC allows you to earn your college degree and serve your country at the

same time. You’ll learn critical time management skills, communication and

conict resolution techniques, and build your condence levels to speak in front

of large audiences and take charge of group tasks.

Our cadets come from all walks of life, from all 50 States and territories. If

you’re a U.S. citizen, it doesn’t matter where you live. All races, religious,

sexual orientations and socio-economic backgrounds are welcome in AFROTC.

You’ll have the opportunity to enter the Air Force or Space Force as an ofcer

and leader, which means you’ll have the responsibility of a management

position straight out of college.

To attend AFROTC, we ask for something more than just your time; we ask for

commitment. It takes commitment to be successful, competitive and to complete

the program.

We couldn’t be happier!

WAY P O I N T

AFROTC is offered at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across

the country. It develops the leaders of tomorrow by preparing students to

become ofcers in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force while earning a

college degree.

OBLIGATIONS

The rst two years of the AFROTC program are known as the General Military

Course (GMC). If you’re on a scholarship, you’ll have no commitment during your

freshman year.

If you are on scholarship through the High School Scholarship Program (HSSP) and

have all your documentation complete, you will contract once the host university

begins classes at the start of your second (sophomore) year. Within the rst few

days of your semester this contract enlists you in the Air Force as an E-1 or E-2 and

you are obligated to complete the AFROTC program and commissioning.

If you’re not on any AFROTC scholarship, you won’t have an obligation to the Air

Force or Space Force until your junior year and after completion of eld training.

The junior and senior years are known as the Professional Ofcer Course (POC).

APPLICATION PROCESS

Our program is so much more than your typical college life and to go along

with that, we don’t have typical requirements or application process. In fact, our

application process is quite simple.

You must rst be accepted to a university that has AFROTC or has a crosstown

agreement with one, then simply register for the required academic and leadership

laboratory under AFROTC or the Air Force. If you’re interested in an AFROTC

scholarship, it takes a little more preparation and it’s best to start early.

If you’re not on a scholarship through the HSSP when you begin, you will have a

chance to earn an In-College Scholarship during your freshman second semester

or your sophomore year.

We offer three types of scholarships:

• Type 1: 100 percent tuition and fees at a public or private school

• Type 2: Up to a specied amount for tuition and fees at a public or private school

• Type 3: 100 percent tuition and fees at a public school only

Cadets also receive a book allowance and stipend.

IMPORTANT DATES

For HSSP applicants, the application process begins in July at the end of their

junior year. For all other cadet applicants the process typically begins in March of

their junior year and concludes in their senior year of high school. However, this

process can be started later, as long as students still meet the basic admission

requirements of the university they wish to attend.

Below is a general outline of important dates. Applicants are asked to check the

AFROTC.COM website for specic deadlines.

Deadlines may differ from person to person.

For HSSP Scholarships

• Jul 1: HSSP application window opens (important for seniors in high school)

• Oct: First HSSP board meets (typically three boards will meet)

• May 1: HSSP cycle closes (chosen applicants must make selection decision)

For Cadets

• Oct: AS300/400 initiate security clearance/upgrade to top secret

• Jan: AS300 Rated Board

• Jan-Mar: AS200 Professional Ofcer Course selection process nomination

window

• Apr: AS200 Professional Ofcer Course announcement/prepare AS400

commissioning list/documents

• May: AS400 graduation and commissioning

• Jun-Aug: Field training (six two-week sessions)

AIR FORCE OFFICER QUALIFICATION TEST

The Air Force Ofcer Qualication Test (AFOQT) is a standardized test that

measures verbal and mathematical aptitude along with additional aptitudes relevant

to specic career elds in the Air Force and Space Force. The AFOQT is a required

test for all cadets on scholarship or in the POC.

WAY P O I N T

The AFOQT is taken during your second semester of your freshman year

or rst semester of your sophomore year. It can be taken a third time with a

waiver and you must wait 90 days between tests.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

It’s important you prepare early for cadet physical training (PT). The better

prepared you are, the less stress you’ll have when it comes to taking the physical

tness assessment (PFA). The PFA is conducted twice a year (fall and spring

semesters) to ensure cadets meet Air Force/Space Force tness requirements.

Cadets on a scholarship and cadets in the POC must pass the test each fall and

spring term.

Cadets who are in the GMC, but not on a scholarship, must attempt the test but do

not have to pass.

The PFA has three components:

• 1 minute of push-ups

• 1 minute of sit-ups

• 1.5 mile run

Each component has male and female standards with a minimum passing score.

To help you stay in shape, you’ll be required to attend PT twice a week. If it’s

offered more at your detachment, you’re invited to attend additional sessions.

The PT program is designed to keep you active, evaluate performance, build

camaraderie and help you develop leadership skills.

If you don’t meet AFROTC weight and tness standards, you can still participate

in the program as a non-scholarship cadet. However, you’ll be expected to work

toward meeting the PT standards.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

As a cadet applicant, you must demonstrate you’re physically prepared for the rigors

of AFROTC and a career in the military by undergoing a medical examination by a

military doctor or designated civilian contractor. The examination will be scheduled

and reviewed by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board

(DODMERB). It determines whether you are medically qualied for the program.

Physicals normally take six to eight weeks to process.

COLLEGE LIFE

You’ll enjoy college life just like every other student on campus. But in addition

to sporting events and study groups, you’ll also be part of a tight-knit community

of driven individuals striving to get the most out of their college experience, their

career and their lives.

You are only required to wear your uniform two to three times a week. The rest

of the time, you’re free to dress however you want. Grooming standards must be

maintained at all times (hair, piercings, nails, etc.).

Color Guard — This is an extracurricular AFROTC team that has the honor of

presenting the American Flag in a variety of settings including celebratory events,

memorial services and even collegiate and professional sporting events.

Social Activities — You’ll work hard and play hard. Whether it’s tailgating before

games or just hanging out with your friends, there are plenty of opportunities

to make lifelong friendships while also being involved in other social clubs and

organizations in college.

Formal Functions — Cadets and cadre (AFROTC faculty) have the opportunity

to participate in formal military functions such as the Dining In, Dining Out and

Military Ball. These events are held to honor cadet accomplishments and celebrate

achievements by AFROTC members.

ACADEMIC CLASSES

GMC cadets have a one-hour academic class per week. POC cadets have three-

hours of academics per week. All cadets participate in a Leadership Laboratory

each week. This two-hour lab focuses on each academic level. GMC cadets

learn Air Force customs and courtesies, health and physical tness, and drill and

ceremonies. POC cadets develop fundamental management skills while planning

and conducting cadet activities. The POC prepares them to be commissioned into

the active-duty Air Force or Space Force.

All cadets must be enrolled full-time as students at a college that offers AFROTC

or has a crosstown agreement with one. Cadets must maintain a 2.0 GPA

(scholarship 2.5 GPA)

SUMMER PROGRAMS

AFROTC conducts summer programs for active cadets called Professional

Development Training (PDT). The training is designed to expose cadets to the myriad

of ofcer jobs available and to experience life on an Air Force or Space Force base.

PDTs include:

• Intensive Language Programs

• Overseas Immersion

• Cyber Security Boot Camp

• Special Tactics Orientation

• Space Internship Program

• Air Force Research Laboratory Course

• Cadet Training Assistant

CLUBS

AFROTC is afliated with two nationally known organizations — the Arnold Air

Society and Silver Wings.

The Arnold Air Society mission is to build strong ofcers for the Air Force. It’s a

professional, honorary service organization advocating the support of aerospace

power. The “service” aspect of the mission is perhaps the foremost in the minds of

many members, because of the society’s continuing contributions to campuses,

communities and AFROTC.

Silver Wings is a civilian and military organization dedicated to creating

proactive, knowledgeable and effective civic leaders through community service

and education about national defense. The objectives of the organization are

professional development, personal development and civic awareness. Chapters

consist of at least 50 percent of the members being civilian and provide leadership

opportunities and the chance to develop professional skills.

ATHLETICS

Cadets are encouraged to get the full college experience and organized sports

are a great way to do this. You’ll be able to participate in university sports or

clubs depending on your course workload and schedule. However, your AFROTC

commitments always should take priority.

WAY P O I N T

The AFROTC Honor Code is “We will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor

tolerate among us anyone who does.”

AIR FORCE OFFICER OPPORTUNITIES

Ofcers with technical and science degrees ll the Air Force’s greatest needs and

therefore, their degrees are among the most sought after.

Most ofcers have a four-year active-duty service commitment after AFROTC.

However, rated ofcers such as pilots have a 10-year active-duty service

commitment following ight school while combat systems ofcers (CSOs) and air

battle managers (ABMs) have six-year commitments after ight school.

If you’re interested in becoming a rated ofcer you’ll need to compete for an

allocation about 15-months prior to graduation and commissioning. You must have

a completed physical conrming you are medically certied for a rated career eld.

This is in addition to your DODMERB exam previously completed.

You will need to pass the AFOQT with a minimum 25 for the rated portion, 10 in the

quantitative and 15 in the verbal sections. You will also be required to take the Test

of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS).

Your specic duty assignment will be made prior to commissioning and is based on

your qualications and desires and the needs of the Air Force.

SPACE FORCE OFFICER OPPORTUNITIES

If you’re interested in a Space Force career, it needs ofcers with technology,

aerospace and engineering backgrounds to help conduct DOD, NASA and

commercial space launches. Ofcers are also needed to operate space-based

systems like GPS and monitor global ballistic missile launches. Career elds include:

• Acquisition Manager

• Cyber Warfare Operations

• Developmental Engineer

• Intelligence Ofcer

• Space Operations Ofcer

Your specic duty assignment will be made after commissioning and will be based

on your qualications and desires and the needs of the Space Force. Although

Space Force bases and launch sites are located in the United States, you may be

deployed to other locations around the world.

BENEFITS

When you become a commissioned ofcer in the Air Force or Space Force, you’ll

enjoy a variety of benets, including:

• A guaranteed job with an excellent starting salary and regular promotion

eligibility

• 30 days of vacation with pay each year

• Opportunities for advanced education with up to 100 percent tuition

assistance and the Post 9/11 GI Bill

• Comprehensive medical care for you and your dependents

• Tax-free food and housing allowances

• Use of base recreational and sports facilities

• Live, work and travel around the world

• Generous retirement system with the Thrift Savings Plan similar to a 401(k)

(Note: The above benets are available to those serving full-time. Not all benets

are available for part-time service.)

APPLY TO AFROTC

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that to us, you’re more than a

GPA. Even if you don’t think you’re competitive due to grades or test scores,

apply to AFROTC anyway. We look at more than those numbers when we

consider candidates.

When you’re ready to begin your application, click on the “Apply Now” button on

AFROTC.COM.

Also, for additional information, contact your local AFROTC detachment recruiting

ofcer or Gold Bar recruiter.

WAY P O I N T

The Core Values of “Integrity Fist, Service Before Self and Excellence

In All We Do” are the foundation for all Airmen to develop their call to

serve and to hold each other accountable in all actions, on and off duty.

MULTIPLE WAYS TO SERVE

You can choose one of several paths that allows you to serve your country either

full-time or part-time. No matter which path you select, you’ll become a member of

our global Air Force or Space Force family. For more information, contact your local

recruiter today.

ROTC 22-001 is produced by Air Force Recruiting Service. Information may have changed since

publication. Contact an AFROTC detachment closest to you for updates.

AIRFORCE.COM • 1-800-423-USAF AFRESERVE.COM • 1-800-257-1212

GOANG.COM • 1-800-TO-GO-ANG spaceforce.com • 1-800-885-USSF