Frequently Asked Questions

Admission to Academics

  • If I join Air Force ROTC, does that mean I'm joining the military?

    No. If you didn't get an Air Force ROTC scholarship, you are not committed to joining the Air Force or Space Force until you enter the 鈥淧OC鈥 (usually the start of your junior year of college.)  High School Scholarship winners have the opportunity to cease training with no military commitment at the end of their Freshman year. In-College Scholarship winners sign a contract with the Air Force when they accept the scholarship. Air Force ROTC provides many opportunities to see what the Air Force is about before incurring a service commitment. And while you're waiting, you are completing college and having a lot of fun.

  • Do I have to be in Junior ROTC in high school to be eligible for ROTC in college?
    No. In fact, the majority of students enrolled in college ROTC have never been involved in the Junior ROTC program.
  • Do I have to join Air Force ROTC as a freshman?
    No. There are many different ways to complete ROTC through college. Though our program is designed to be a 4-year program, we do offer other options and will work with you to determine the best option based on your current academic progress. 
  • Can I attend Air Force ROTC without a scholarship?
    Yes. Many of our students do not start with a scholarship, but all students will have the opportunity to compete for scholarships during their time in ROTC. 
  • I didn't receive an Air Force ROTC scholarship before I started college; are there scholarship opportunities while I'm in college?
    Yes. Depending on how many years you have left in college, you may qualify for a one-, two-, or three-year scholarship.
  • Is preference shown toward scholarship cadets?
    No. The fact that a cadet may have an Air Force ROTC scholarship has no bearing on an Air Force or Space Force career. Nor does it make any difference while in the Air Force ROTC program.
  • Are there any restrictions as to what students select as their academic major?
    No. In fact, we encourage you to take a curriculum you are interested in and in which you have the capability to do well. Our main academic concern is that you maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) above 2.0 and attain your degree in the time period planned. The GPA requirements if you are on scholarship is 2.5.
  • Can I pursue graduate education after I'm commissioned?
    The Air Force and Space Force are education-oriented and financially supports graduate studies. You can apply for the to earn an advanced degree on full scholarship. Additionally, most bases have graduate college programs, and you may apply for the .
  • What is the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)?
    The Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) is a standardized test that measures verbal and math aptitude (similar to the SAT and ACT) as well as additional aptitudes relevant to specific career fields. Taking, and passing, the AFOQT is a requirement for all cadets. The AFOQT is generally taken during your sophomore year. The AFOQT can typically only be taken twice. 
  • I'm prior service 鈥 do I have to attend the General Military Course (GMC)?
    Maybe. The Professor of Aerospace Studies may waive some or all of the GMC if you are prior enlisted. This is determined by the amount and kind of experience you had when you departed prior service. 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.

Careers

College Life

  • Do I have to cut my hair?
    Hair must be kept in accordance with Air Force guidelines when in uniform.
  • Do I have to wear a uniform to class every day?
    No. You are only required to wear your uniform to your Air Force ROTC classes and on Leadership Lab day once a week. Occasionally, during special events, you may be required to wear your uniform.
  • How much time do I have to spend with Air Force ROTC each week?
    The only required time is during your Air Force ROTC classes, PT, and Leadership Lab. This equates to approximately five hours per week for freshmen and sophomores; seven hours per week for juniors and seniors.
  • How are new cadets treated?

    Very well. Many detachments assign cadet "sponsors" 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. It is also the responsibility of the cadet's flight commander to help new cadets fit into the program. Many detachments also have tutoring programs and other forms of assistance. Hazing is not permitted! You'll find the cadet staff and detachment staff is concerned about your well-being and progress.

     

  • How much marching and drilling will I have to do?
    Not as much as you think. Marching/drill is sometimes practiced during your squadron time at Leadership Laboratory (LLAB). There are no mandatory drill sessions outside of LLAB.
  • When will I receive my Air Force ROTC uniform?
    Within the first couple of class periods, you will be sized for a complete uniform. Your uniform items will then be ordered and usually show up in about 2 weeks. For your Service Dress uniform, we will explain how to arrange to have alterations completed (at no cost to you). However, you are responsible for keeping the uniform clean and presentable.
  • Am I expected to participate in any extracurricular activities?
    No. 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 your university and Air Force ROTC. There's something in our program of interest to everyone. 
  • Can I participate in intercollegiate athletics while a member of the Air Force ROTC program?
    Yes. Generally, extracurricular campus activities and Air Force ROTC are perfectly compatible 鈥 as long as you do not overload yourself with extracurricular activities. A serious physical injury while participating in intercollegiate or intramural athletic activities may cause you to be disenrolled from Air Force ROTC because of a change in your physical profile.
  • Where can I attend Air Force ROTC?
    Air Force ROTC is offered at over 800 institutions throughout the continental United States, 熊猫在线视频, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.