AFROTC Program Overview and Tracks
So, you're interested in joining AFROTC. Whether you're an incoming Freshman or staying in school full time to complete your master's degree, there's a path for you to become a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force.
To become a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force, you must complete the three- or four-year AFROTC program. Enrolling in AFROTC at the same time you enroll in your first college courses ensures you'll complete the program on time. Less than three years left or graduating with your bachelors, consider Officer Training School.
Four-Year Program (Traditional)
Fall Semester - Freshman Year (Highly Recommended)
Most cadets begin ROTC during the fall semester. If you are registering for a fall semester and you have 4 years until you graduate, these are the classes you should take.
- AERO 1310: U.S. Air Force Heritage and Values (1 credit)
- AERO 1010: Leadership Laboratory (1 credit)
(3.5-Year Program) Spring Semester - Freshman Year
Many cadets do not begin ROTC until spring semester--so don't stress if that is your situation! Just register for the classes listed below and we'll get you caught up.
- AERO 1320: U.S. Air Force Heritage and Values (1 credit)
- AERO 1010: Leadership Laboratory (0 credits)
Three-Year Program (Accelerated)
Fall Semester - Sophomore Year
If you have 3 years until you graduate, you'll need to double up your first year of classes. Here is what you should register for:
- AERO 1310: U.S. Air Force Heritage and Values (1 credit)
- AERO 2310: Team and Leadership Fundamentals (1 credit)
- AERO 1010: Leadership Laboratory (0 credits)
Joining Later?
Interested students who have completed more than one year in their undergrad may still join, but must be willing to extend undergrad studies to a full three years, or participate in full time graduate studies (9 credit hours) in order to cover that three-year period. In order to participate in Air Force ROTC, you must be enrolled as a full time student (12 undergraduate credit hours/semester or 9 graduate credit hours/semester) at a four-year university or selected crosstown school that offers the Air Force ROTC program.
GENERAL MILITARY COURSE (GMC)
The first section of Air Force ROTC, the GMC, is a two-year program offered to first-year students and sophomores who meet the minimum requirements. It consists of one hour of classroom work and two hours of Leadership Laboratory each week. The GMC is designed to improve communication skills and provide a window into military life. It’s an opportunity for students to try out the program with no obligation (for those not on an ROTC scholarship).
After completing GMC requirements, if students wish to be considered for entry into the last two years of the program, the POC, they must meet certain requirements.
This system uses qualitative factors, such as grade point average, unit commander evaluation, and aptitude test scores, to determine if a candidate has officer potential.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICER COURSE (POC)
After selection, before entering the POC, you must successfully complete a multi-week summer field-training exercise at Maxwell AFB, Alabama.
Once you’re enrolled in the POC, you'll attend class three hours a week and participate in two hours of weekly Leadership Laboratory each week.
The POC is offered to juniors and seniors who have already committed to a four-year post-graduation service commitment with the Air Force.
- Bachelor’s degree + 15-20 hours for ROTC
- All third-year students receive a $450 per month stipend
- All fourth-year students receive a $500 per month stipend
- Internship to commission
Got questions?
Please contact us! We're more than happy to answer questions or provide more detailed information on our program.