FAQ

1. What is AFROTC like in college?
AFROTC is a program that will challenge and develop one's leadership skills. The academic class will teach military education and aerospace history. Leadership Laboratory takes place once a week during the semester and is designed to train cadets to react as leaders to various situations. Experienced cadets are tasked with leadership positions within the cadet corps and are responsible for training new cadets. You are required to wear a uniform to your AFROTC classes during the week.

2. How do I join AFROTC if I am already in college?
The program requires a minimum of 3 years for a student to earn a commission. You will have to sit down with the Recruiting Officer to discuss your way forward.  If you do not have at least 3 years left of your degree, you will either have to extend your degree, or start a graduate degree.

3. If I join AFROTC, does that mean I'm joining the military?
No. You won't sign a contract to serve in the Air Force until you either accept a scholarship or until you complete Field Training in between your sophomore and junior year. With AFROTC, we provide you with lots of opportunities to see what the Air Force is about before signing up. And while you're waiting, you are getting college out of the way and having a lot of fun.

4. Will the Air Force pay for my school?
AFROTC offers many scholarship opportunities. Prospective AFROTC cadets can apply for a high school scholarship before entering college.  Freshman and sophmores have the opportunity of being competitively selected for an in-college scholarship, which pays up to $18K/yr in tuition.  Juniors and seniors not already on scholarship are automatically granted an $18K/yr tuition award, so long as they meet academic requirements.

5. Will AFROTC pay school loans?
No.  Unfortunately, AFROTC will not pay any student loans.

6. Can I be in AFROTC if I am not awarded a scholarship?
Yes.  Scholarship eligibility is not a factor for joining or completing the Air Force ROTC program.

7. How much time is involved in Air Force ROTC?
Your weekly requirements with AFROTC will amount to 5-6 hours of time at the detachment as a freshman or sophomore or 8-10 as a junior or senior. You can put as little or as much time into Air Force ROTC as you want beyond that, as long as you satisfy all academic, Leadership Laboratory, and physical fitness requirements. The ROTC staff know your studies are critical for your success in college, your success in the ROTC program, and your success in the future.

8. Do I have to live somewhere specific?
No.  AFROTC allows you to live wherever you want: in the dorms, in an apartment, at home…the choice is yours!

9. Can I pursue a graduate education after I'm commissioned?
The Air Force is education-oriented and financially supports graduate studies. You can apply for the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) to earn an advanced degree on full scholarship. Additionally, most bases have graduate college programs, and you may apply for the tuition assistance program that pays for $250 per semester credit hour of the tuition cost.

10. What is the difference between AFROTC and enlisting in the Air Force?
AFROTC is one of the three commissioning sources for the Air Force. Upon completion of a bachelor's degree and AFROTC, you will be commissioned as an officer, followed by specific training in a career field. Officers are trained to be the leaders and supervisors of enlisted personnel. Rank, pay, and career opportunities for officers are commensurate with their elevated level of responsibility. Enlisting in the Air Force is done through the local recruiter followed by basic training and prospective technical training. This avenue does not require a college degree.

11. What is the service commitment after completing AFROTC?
Most careers require an active duty service commitment of four years with the exception of flying and medical careers. Following the active duty service commitment, four years of inactive reserve is required.

12. Can I be on reserve status rather than active duty after AFROTC?
Currently, there is a limited opportunity to commission into the Reserve or Guard. The student must find a Reserve/Guard unit to accept him/her before commissioning. There is no guarantee for this opportunity.  Most students are placed on active duty status after completion of AFROTC. Once your active duty commitment is up, you can continue your career in the Air Force in the Reserve or Guard.

13. What is the AFOQT? Do I have to take it?
The Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) is a standardized test, similar to the SAT and ACT.  All cadets must take the AFOQT by the end of the fall semester of their AS200 year. For more information about the AFOQT, including an information pamplet and prep course, please click here.

14. What is a typical weekly AFROTC schedule?