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1. What is Air Force ROTC (AFROTC)?
The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is an educational program designed to give men and women the opportunity to become an Air Force officer while completing their 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 two basic routes to an Air Force Commission, the Air Force ROTC four (4) year program and two (2) year program.
· Four-Year Program. The General Military Course (GMC) is the first half of the four-year program and is completed during your freshman and sophomore years. This program allows you to "try out" Air Force ROTC for up to two years without incurring any obligation unless you are on an Air Force ROTC scholarship. These classes are two credit hours and include one hour of academics a week and a two-hour leadership laboratory. As you attend class, you'll learn more about the Air Force and the historical development of air power. The last two years are called the Professional Officer Course (POC). These junior and senior level courses are three credit hours and you'll cover leadership skills and national defense policy, amongst other things. As with the GMC, you'll still attend a two-hour leadership laboratory. Additionally, you'll attend a four-week Field Training during the summer between your sophomore and junior year.
· Two-Year Program. This program, also called the Professional Officer Course, is primarily available to junior college transfer students, sophomores, and veterans who have at least two years remaining (undergraduate, graduate, or a combination of the two) before entering the Air Force. This program is highly competitive, so it's important to apply early in your sophomore year. The leadership and national defense policy courses are the same as those offered during the last two years of the four-year program. With this program you'll attend a five-week Field Training instead of four-week. How do you make up the GMC classes you missed by not being in the first two years of the program? During Fie ld Training, you'll be taught the GMC courses.
2. What are the benefits of being Air Force ROTC cadets?
· Scholarships worth between $1,500 a semester to scholarships that have no cap on tuition, depending on the school and based on merit
· Most scholarships pay full college tuition and most textbook, lab and incidental fees
· Air Force ROTC textbooks and uniforms are provided on a loan basis
· College credit for Air Force ROTC courses in most academic majors
· A monthly stipend worth between $250-$400 depending on what year in school you are, while on scholarship or in the POC
· Authorized salary while attending Field Training
· Free space available military air travel
· Orientation flights aboard Air Force aircraft during a visit to Air Force bases
· Social activities
· Challenging job waiting after graduation
3. Am I committed to the military once I join?
No. You are not committed during the first two years of the General Military Course in Air Force ROTC. You can drop any GMC class just like other classes and not be committed. If you are on a four-year scholarship, there is no commitment during your freshman year.
4. How much time is involved in Air Force ROTC?
You can put as much time into Air Force ROTC as you want, as long as you satisfy all academic and Leadership Laboratory requirements. The staff knows your studies are critical for your success in college, in the program, and in your future. With that in mind, the staff will make every effort not to take you away from your studies, as they are the number one priority. As mentioned before, you're required to attend three hours of classes a week as a GMC and five hours of classes a week as a POC. There are plenty of opportunities to participate in other AFROTC related activities; but you decide how much time you have to spend on these activities.
5. How are new cadets treated?
With dignity and respect. The Professional Officer Course cadets (upper level) are happy to answer your questions and point you in the right direction. Your Flight Commander also helps you fit into the program, and the instructors and Commander take a personal interest in each cadet. 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.
6. What do other students think about ROTC cadets?
Air Force ROTC members are very well respected and considered an integral part of the university community. Air Force ROTC graduates have served honorably and with distinction.
7. How do I qualify?
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 Field Training
· Be physically and medically qualified
· Pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)
· Be selected for an Enrollment Allocation which allows you to attend Field Training and enter the POC
8. How much physical training is there?
All cadets must take a Physical Fitness Test (PFT) each semester. The PFT consists of sit-ups, push-ups, a 1.5 mile run, and a waist-taping. Between each exercise, there will be a 5-minute break. The PFT minimum standard is 75 points out of a possible 100 points. Cadets must also remain below their maximum allowed body fat. You must meet these standards as a sophomore to compete for an Enrollment Allocation. While at Field Training you will be tested on this physical fitness test several times. At every detachment, there is a mandatory physical fitness program; established to keep every cadet healthy.
9. What is the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)?
It is required that all AFROTC cadets take and pass the 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 1/2 hours. After you have taken the AFOQT and received your scores, an Air Force officer at your school can tell you how well you did.
10. How often can I take the AFOQT?
The test is given several times during the fall and spring and can be taken only two times with at least six months between tests.
11. Can women and veterans join?
Yes! Since 1969 women have enrolled in Air Force ROTC and can look forward to a challenging career. Presently, women are training to become pilots and na vigators, as well as in over 200 other career specialties. Pay, benefits, and opportunities are the same for everyone in Air Force ROTC.
If you're a veteran of any branch of the Armed Forces and plan to attend college, you may be able to get a commission through Air Force ROTC. You must successfully complete a four-week summer Field Training session before completing the Professional Officer Course. As a member of the POC, you will receive the monthly stipend besides any GI bill or VEAP benefits to which you are already entitled. You may also be eligible for an Air Force ROTC scholarship.
12. How do AFROTC 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.
13. What are the qualifications of my Air Force ROTC instructors?
Most instructors possess a master's degree and all have considerable Air Force experience. Each instruct or also goes through Academic Instructor School prior to being assigned to a Detachment. Air Force ROTC is a demanding job. Each instructor is handpicked by the Air Force and is considered part of the academic faculty.
14. Are there special programs for active duty personnel?
There are several programs available. You should work through your education office to determine your qualifications and requirements.
· The Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP) allows you to compete for four, three, and two year schol arships and be released from active duty to enter the Air Force ROTC program and college.
· The Airman Education and Commissioning Program (AECP) will allow you to remain on active duty and attend Air Force ROTC for one, two, or three years.
· The Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC (SOAR) is designed for those who have at least two years remaining towards their degree. You are chosen by your commander and will receive a scholarship to att end school and ROTC.
· The Airman Profession Officer Course Early Release Program (POC-ERP) is designed for those who can be commissione d before 35 years of age and can complete their bachelor's degree within two years.
15. Where can I attend Air Force ROTC?
You can attend Air Force ROTC at one of the many detachments that are comprised of over 900 institutions throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. In the Metro East area and St. Louis, you can participate in Air Force ROTC at Saint Louis University, yet be enrolled in a degree program at any of the following schools:
Washington University; McKendree College; Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville; University of Miss ouri, St Louis; Harris Stowe State College; Webster University; and Southwestern Illinois College. If you enroll at one of these schools, contact the Air Force ROTC detachment at Saint Louis University for more details.
16. How do I receive my monthly stipend and textbook refund?
As a scholarship cadet, your allowance starts when you contract with the Air Force. Your allowance is directly deposited into a bank of your choice based on the direct deposit form you will have to fill out.
17. Are Federal Income Taxes on ROTC Scholarships levied?
ROTC-provided benefits, including scholarships, stipends, uniform allowances, and book payments are not taxable as federal income according to IRS Pub lication 3, Armed Forces Tax Guide and IRS Publication 4, Student's Guide to Federal Income Tax. Normally, the only taxable income that cadets receive from the Air Force is training pay for Field Training or PDT programs. Congress and the IRS reevaluate the tax status regularly. Statutes, regulations, and interpretations can change any time. Therefore, cadets should not be advised that scholarships are guaranteed to be tax free. State rules generally follow federal rules. However, due to the number of jurisdictions, we can not track each state's tax treatment of ROTC scholarships, benefits, and training.
18. Can I attend Air Force ROTC without a scholarship?
Yes. Approximately one-third of the cadets enrolled in Air Force ROTC are not on a scholarship.
19. What is the Illinois State Scholarship?
Detachment 207 is allowed to award 40 Illinois State Scholarships to students attending SIUE. These scholarships are used primarily for freshmen and sophomores and pay for SIUE tuition, and one fee. Scholarships are awarded on a first qualified basis, so apply early.
20. Is preference shown toward scholarship cadets?
Definitely 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.
21. How do I Enroll?
Air Force ROTC classes and credit information are listed in your school 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 should enroll in AS 101 in the fall and AS 102 during the spring. Leadership Lab is included when you sign up, so you don't have to sign up for it separately. Remember that there's no commitment at this time. If you enroll at a college with a cross-enrollment agreement, have your advisor and registrar help you sign up for our program.
To enter the Professional Officer Course, you'll compete for an Enrollment Allocation as an officer candidate. Enrollment allocations are typically awarded during the spring semester of your sophomore year. However, if you are a sophomore and interested in the two-year program, come in as soon as possible to apply.
Don't delay-plan-be prepared early! Competition factors include cumulative grade point average, Air Force Officer Qualifying Test scores, medical qualifications, a physical fitness test, and a background check. The Air Force ROTC Detachment will schedule you for the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test and the physical examination.
22. Can I enroll if I didn't take Air Force ROTC as a freshman?
Yes. You enroll for AS 101 or AS 201 during fall and AS 102 or 202 in the spring. As mentioned before, you will make up the classes you didn't take durin g the five-week Field Training between your sophomore and junior year.
23. Am I still eligible after my freshman and sophomore years?
Yes. You are still eligible for the Air Force ROTC Two-Year Program. However, you should contact the Air Force ROTC personnel at Saint Louis University during the fall semester of your sophomore year to see if you can complete all of the requirements to compete for the Two Year Program.
24. I am a sophomore transfer student with no ROTC; can I join the General Military Course (GMC)?
You have two choices; enrolling in the General Military Course (first two years) or competing for the Two-Year Program. If you enroll in both years of the GMC ("doubling up"), you will compete for your Enrollment Allocation during your sophomore year and attend a four week Field Training camp. If you choose to compete in the Two-Year Program, you must first pass a physical, the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, and receive an Enrollment Allocation. You will then attend a five-week camp. When you return to school, you will enroll in the Professional Officer Course. You must have two years (four semesters) available in your program to complete the Air Force ROT C program.
25. I'm prior service do I have to attend the 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 length of active duty service and kind of experience you have had while in the 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 Fiel d Training with Air Force ROTC is all about. Additionally, the Commander may waive the requirement to attend the five-week Field Training and you would instead attend the four-week Field Training.
26. What is Leadership Laboratory?
As an Air Force ROTC cadet, you will spend two hours each week putting into practice the leadership skills and management theory acquired in class. Leadership Laboratory is a cadet-oriented program taken each year that will improve your ability to perform as an Air Force Officer. It consists of activities that range from marching to group problem solving exercises to military social events. Currently, Leadership Laboratory is held each Wednesday evening from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.
27. How often will I march and drill?
Not much. About half of the Leadership Lab sessions (about 10 hours each semester) are devoted to Drill and Ceremony. The remaining time is for guest lectures, joint training sessions and special projects.
28. How do I get my uniforms?
During the first couple weeks of school, you will be instructed to make an appointment at the detachment where you will receive a complete uniform and instructions for free alterations. You are responsible for maintaining a clean, presentable uniform at all times.
29. When will I wear my uniform?
You are required to wear your uniform to class and to Leadership Lab (Wednesdays). There are also certain military social events (Dining-In, Dining-Out, etc.) that require you wear your uniform.
30. What is Field Training?
Field Training is specialized training that offers you a first hand look at the Air Force environment. You'll attend Field Training during the summer at a selected Air Force base before you enter the Professional Officer Corps. During the Field Training you will receive Leadership Orientation, Junior Officer Training, Aircraft and Aircrew Indoctrination, Survival Training, Weapons Familiarization, Physical Training. Field Training can be demanding, but it is a very rewarding experience.
31. When do I attend Field Training?
You will attend Field Training the summer between your sophomore and junior year. Four Year Program cadets attend a four-week Field Training camp. Two Year Program applicants attend a five-week Field Training camp. The Air Force pays your transportation to and from the camp, plus a salary while at camp. You will receive some of your pay when you arrive, the remainder after completing Field Training.
32. What is the Air Force ROTC curriculum?
· FRESHMAN YEAR
Foundations of the USAF (1 hour each week). A study on topics relating to the Air Force and defense. Focuses on the structure and mission of Air Force organizations, officership and professionalism, and communication skills.
Leadership Laboratory (2 hours each week). This laboratory is conducted by the cadet corps and involves Air Force customs and courtesies, health and fitness, and military ceremonies.
· SOPHOMORE YEAR
Airpower History (1 hour each week). A critical examination of the development and use of air power from the first flights to the present, along with leadership and communication skills.
Leadership Laboratory (2 hours each week). This laboratory is conducted by the cadet corps and provides students the opportunity to demonstrate fundamental management skills and prepare for Field Training.
· JUNIOR YEAR
Leadership Studies (3 hours each week). A study of leadership and management. Students deal with actual problems and complete real world projects.
Leadership Laboratory (2 hours each week). This laboratory is conducted by the cade t corps and allows cadets opportunities to use fundamental leadership and management skills while conducting corps activities.
· SENIOR YEAR
National Security Affairs (3 hours each week). A study explaining the Armed Forces as an integral element of society with emphasis on American civil and military relations. It also refines the cadets' leadership and management skills.
Leadership Laboratory (2 hours each week). This laboratory is conducted by th e cadet corps and allows cadets opportunities to use fundamental leadership and management skills while conducting corps activities. Prepares students for entry into the active duty Air Force.
· GRADUATION
Commissioned as a second lieutenant.
33. Are there Air Force ROTC activities during the summers?
Yes. These programs are called Professional Development Training (PDT). They are voluntary but competitive programs where, if selected, you could participate in one of many exciting opportunities, including:
· Operational Air Force. During the summer before your senior year, you may volunteer to participate in a two to three week visit to an Air Force base to learn the challenges of being a junior officer. Applications are accepted the fall semester of your junior year.
· ASSIST (AS 100 Special Training). A program designed to give cadets an understanding and appreciation of the diverse careers that contribute to the execution of the Air Force mission. This five day program is conducted at various bases in the continental United States.
· Cadet Training Assistant (CTA) Program. A few highly motivated POC cadets can serve as assistants at Field Training.
· 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.
For the complete list of summer programs, please visit the AFROTC website by clicking here.
34. Are there special activities?
Air Force ROTC strives to provide a variety of professional and social activities. However, your first and immediate concern is attending classes and maintaining good grades. Yet, there are activities within the detachment, and at your University that may be of interest. Just a few are...
· 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.
· Color Guard and Drill Team. This team of cadets performs 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.
35. Is it possible to change my academic major?
Maybe. However, if you are on a federal scholarship it is much more difficult to change your major. The Air Force offers scholarships only in specific majors. If you want to change your major, you must first contact someone in the detachment. They will give you further instructions on the procedure and to discuss your options.
36. If I have academic or personal problems, where can I turn?
Your Air Force ROTC instructor has had training in counseling and cares about you. Though your instructor may not have all the answers, they can direct you to the proper sources. Our cadets are special individuals, not numbers.
37. When do I receive my commission as an Air Force officer?
Graduating seniors are normally commissioned in special ceremonies on, or around, Graduation Day.
38. What are the benefits of being Active Duty Air Force members?
· Pay: Highly competitive salary and allowance package
· Vacation: 30 days vacation with pay each year.
· Sick Leave: Unlimited; full pay continues.
· Medical Care: Furnished at no cost.
· Dental Care: Furnished at no cost.
· Life Insurance: Low-cost term life insurance available.
· Social Life: Officers clubs, swimming, golfing, bowling, tennis at reduced rates.
· Education: Opportunity for higher education with tuition assistance.
· Retirement: Opportunity to retire after 20 years with percentage of base pay.
· Advancement: Promotions based on initial appointment, grade, and experience.
· Shopping: Base exchanges and commissaries offer great cost savings, compared to other detailers.
39. What is my obligation?
There is no obligation while a freshman or sophomore in the General Military Course unless you are on an Air Force ROTC scholarship. Once you enter the Professional Officer Corps, you must maintain the following standards while in Air Force ROTC.
· Be enrolled as 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
· 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, air battle managers serve six years after completion of their training, navigators serve eight years after completion of their training, and pilots serve ten years after completion of training.
40. Can I pursue graduate education after I'm commissioned?
Absolutely. The Air Force is education oriented and allows you to apply for an educational or administrative delay to complete graduate programs before active duty. You can also apply for the Air Force Institute of Technology Direct Accession Program to earn an advanced degree as your first Air Force assignment. Additionally, most bases have graduate college programs, and you may apply for the tuition assistance program that pays up to 75 percent of the tuition cost.
41. 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 consists of men and women who proudly work in their professions, serving their country. Besides pilots and navigators, there are missile launch officers, non-rated operations, nursing, engineering, intelligence, and dozens of technical and non-technical categories. Nearly every career area found in the civilian world is also found in the Air Force.
The Air Force is looking for these special people, 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 profess ional 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'll begin a unique career full of varied experiences. Your leadership excellence starts with Air Force ROTC.
42. When do I know what job I will be doing for the Air Force as an Officer?
You will compete in a selection process much like the one you went through to attend Field Training. The factors used include your AFOQT Test score, and the Detachment Commander's rating. You will know your specific category (pilot, navigator, non-rated ops, etc) in the spring of your junior year. You will actually apply for your specific career field and base during the beginning of your senior year.
43. How long and where is pilot training? How long and where is navigator training?
Pilot training is approximately 52 weeks. Air Force pilots begin training at Columb us AFB, MS; Laughlin AFB, TX; Vance AFB, OK; and Pensacola NAS, FL. Navigator training is approximately 24 weeks and is done at Randolph AFB, TX; or jointly with the Navy at Pensacola NAS, FL.
44. What is the age limit to compete for a pilot or navigator position?
To compete for the pilot or navigator categories you must be under the age of 30 prior to beginning flight training. There are three factors needed to select pilot candidates: medical evaluation, test scores, and the number of pilots needed. You must be between 64 to 77 inches tall with sitting height of 34 to 40 inches. For vision, minimum 20/70 correctable to 20/20 without color blindness. Laser vision correction (RK, Lasik etc.) is disqualifying. A comprehensive flight physical will verify your ability to participate in training.
45. Do I have to major in aeronautical science to become a pilot or navigator?
No. You can major in any bachelor's degree program and compete to receive a pilot or navigator slot in Air Force ROTC.
46. What happens if I really wanted a pilot slot, and I don't get one?
There is no guarantee you will get a pilot slot in the Air Force, however, for the last several years the pilot and navigator selection rates have been high and all indications are that the Air Force will continue to need a large number of pilots for the next several years. It is wise, though, to have a back-up plan i n case you are not selected. If you are not selected for a pilot slot, then you will request your career field and base during the normal process that occurs during the beginning of your senior year.
47. How can I get more information?
You can fill out the information sheet, or contact the Unit Admissions Officer at Saint Louis University, for the most current information. Call: 314.977.8227 or 1.888.4AFROTC
Address:
AFROTC DETACHMENT 207
ATTN: UNIT ADMISSIONS OFFICER
SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY
3631 FOREST PARK BLVD
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63108
