You may have questions about the Air Force ROTC. Read through the most frequently asked questions below, and if you can't find the answer you're looking for, please reach out to our office.
Requirements & Curriculum
How do I enroll?
University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) freshmen simply register for the AERO 1010 & AERO 1310 courses in MavLINK. Remember, there is no military commitment at this time unless on an ROTC scholarship. Prospective students must contact Detachment 470 Cadre to review enrollment eligibility criteria and for assistance in determining semester start dates.
What is the course content of my U.S. Air Force ROTC classes?
As a freshman, you will take Aerospace Studies 1310 and 1320. These courses are devoted to an examination of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force mission, structure, and equipment. For sophomores, the AERO 2310 and 2320 classes are abbreviated history courses examining the growth and development of air power from the use of free flight balloons to the role of airpower in Southeast Asia. Each course is worth one semester hour.
AERO 3110 and 3120 (junior year) are management and leadership courses that emphasize communication skills. Rounding out your U.S. Air Force ROTC education are AERO 4110 and 4120, political science courses that examine American defense policy.
During your final two years each ROTC course is worth three semester hours. In addition, you will be prompted to register for Leadership Laboratory (LLAB-AERO 1010) when you register for any of the above courses.
What is Leadership Laboratory (LLAB)?
LLAB is a cadet-organized lab taken each semester with your AFROTC classes. You will spend two hours each week using the leadership skills and management theory acquired in class. You also have the opportunity to listen to military speakers, visit U.S. Air Force bases, and take part in social functions.
What are the requirements to be a pilot?
Three main factors are evaluated in selecting a pilot candidate: medical evaluation, test scores, and the number of pilot positions available. A physical exam is usually given for free during your freshman year to determine if you are medically qualified. You must also pass the U.S. Air Force Officer Qualifying Test.
What is Field Training?
Field Training (FT) is an approximately two-week summer encampment between your sophomore and junior year. It is conducted at Maxwell AFB, located in Montgomery, Alabama. This is an intensified training period where you receive additional leadership training, attend numerous career orientations, and learn firsthand about U.S. Air Force and Space Force life. You only attend FT once while you are in the AFROTC program.
When do I wear my U.S. Air Force Uniform?
Cadets are required to wear the proper uniform to all AFROTC events, including physical fitness training, class, and LLAB. Additionally, cadets wear the appropriate uniform all day on LLAB days. Finally, certain social events and other AFROTC sponsored activities require the wear of the uniform.
Campus Culture
What can I expect as a new cadet?
We assign cadet mentors to new students. They can help students find classes, get textbooks, learn to wear the uniform correctly, meet other cadets, and learn basic customs and courtesies.
We also have tutoring programs and other forms of assistance available. Hazing is not permitted! The focus at the unit is to develop leaders of character. The unit staff is concerned about cadets' well being and progress and will treat every cadet as a professional officer candidate.
Extracurricular Activities
Does the U.S. Air Force ROTC program include any other extracurricular activities?
Yes, the Arnold Air Society and the Wolfpack Booster Club give cadets a chance to become involved with community and civic action projects and understand the tradition of the military environment while having fun. There are also numerous athletic events where you can compete with others.
Am I expected to participate in any extracurricular activities?
Your FIRST and FOREMOST concern is attending classes and maintaining good grades. After this, you will certainly want to examine some of the various activities sponsored by both the university and the U.S. Air Force ROTC. We feel there is something in our program of interest to everyone.
Can I participate in intercollegiate athletics while a member of the U.S. Air Force ROTC program?
Yes. Generally, extracurricular campus activities and U.S. Air Force ROTC are perfectly compatible - as long as you do not overload yourself with the former. A serious physical injury while participating in intercollegiate or intramural athletic activities may cause you to be disenrolled from U.S. Air Force ROTC because of a change in your physical profile.
Scholarships
Can I attend U.S. Air Force ROTC without a scholarship?
Yes. Many of our students do not start with a scholarship.
How am I reimbursed as a scholarship student for textbook expenses?
You should be prepared to pay cash for your book purchases from the campus bookstore. You will be paid by direct deposit within the first couple of months of the semester.
Is it possible for me to change my academic major if on scholarship?
Yes, but this is a complex process and should be attempted only after you have given it much thought. Depending on your current major and your proposed major, you may lose your scholarship benefits. If you want to change your major before arriving at UNO or any of our local schools, call us immediately and we will give you detailed instructions on the procedure.
Do I have to sign a contract with the Air Force as a new cadet?
There is no military obligation while you are enrolled as a freshman or sophomore unless you are on Air Force scholarship. If you are on scholarship, you incur an active duty commitment when you start the second semester of your freshman year; otherwise, your commitment begins when you enter your junior year.