Air Force Aerospace Studies
Lt Col Terrence A. Leary, Head
Professor: Lt Col T. Leary
Assistant Professors: Maj. R. Davis, Capt. D. Richards
Mission
The mission of AFROTC is to produce leaders for the Air Force and build better citizens for America. Its vision is to be “a highly successful organization, respected throughout the Air Force, the educational community and the nation.”
Educational Objectives:
Students who successfully complete the AFROTC program will have:
1. An understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of Air and Space.
2. A basic understanding of associated professional knowledge.
3. A strong sense of personal integrity, honor, and individual responsibility.
4. An appreciation of the requirements for national security.
Air Force ROTC Programs
There are two traditional routes to an Air Force commission through Air Force ROTC. Entering students may enroll in the Air Force Four-Year Program. Students with at least two academic years remaining in college may apply for the Two-Year Program. However, there are opportunities for Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and in some cases Seniors and Graduate Students. Please check with the AFROTC Detachment Staff for these special circumstances.
Four-Year Program
The more popular and preferred program is the traditional Four-Year Program. To enroll, simply register for Air Force Aerospace Studies in the fall term of the freshman year in the same manner as other college courses. There is NO MILITARY OBLIGATION for the first two years of Air Force ROTC unless you have an Air Force ROTC scholarship.
The first two years are known as the General Military Course (GMC). Classes meet one hour per week and are required for freshmen and sophomores.
Individuals who successfully complete the GMC compete nationwide for entry into the Professional Officers Course (POC). POC classes meet three hours per week and are required for all juniors and seniors. Officer Candidates enrolled in the POC and on scholarship receive a nontaxable subsistence allowance of up to $400 each month.
Qualified Officer candidates will attend the Air Force ROTC field-training program for four weeks between their sophomore and junior years.
Two -Year Program
The Two-Year Program is available for college students with two years of undergraduate or graduate study remaining. Applicants must apply for the program no later than the beginning of Term C (spring semester) preceding those two final years. The applicant will take the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, will be given a physical examination at no expense, and will meet a selection board.
Applicants for the Two-Year Program will attend the Air Force ROTC field training for six weeks instead of four at an Air Force base prior to their entry into the Professional Officer Course (POC). Like their four year counterparts, they are paid while at field training and will receive travel pay to and from the Air Force base hosting field training. Students accepted into the Two-Year Program will complete the Professional Officer Course as described above.
Other Aspects of the AFROTC Program
Leadership Laboratory:
Air Force ROTC officer candidates participate in a Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) where the leadership skills and management theories acquired in the classroom are put into practice. The LLAB meets once each week for approximately two hours.
This formal military training is largely planned and directed by the officer candidates. The freshmen and sophomores are involved in such initial leadership experiences as problem solving, dynamic leadership, team building, Air Force customs and courtesies, drill movements, Air Force educational benefits, Air Force career opportunities, and preparation for field training. The juniors and seniors are involved in more advanced leadership experiences as they become responsible for the planning and organizing of wing activities, to include conducting the Leadership Laboratory itself.
Field Training:
The summer program is designed to develop military leadership, discipline, and to provide Air Force officer orientation and motivation. At the same time, the Air Force can evaluate each student’s potential as an officer. Field training includes aircraft and aircrew orientation, Air Force professional development orientation, marksmanship training, officer training, physical fitness, and survival training. Uniforms, lodging, and meals are provided at no cost to the cadet, and travel at Air Force expense is authorized by air or privately owned vehicle to and from the individual’s home of record or school. Additionally, after applicable deductions, cadets receive pay of about $500 for the four-week encampment and about $750 for the six week summer camp.
Base Visits:
Air Force ROTC officer candidates have the opportunity to visit Air Force bases for firsthand observation of the operating Air Force. These trips are frequently made on weekends or scheduled to coincide with school vacation periods. Officer candidates may be flown by military aircraft or travel by bus to an Air Force base where they spend several days before returning to campus.
Other Benefits:
The Air Force provides all Air Force ROTC uniforms and textbooks for on-campus programs and field training. All officer candidates who have received an Air Force scholarship or are enrolled in the Professional Officer Course (POC) may travel free on military aircraft on a space available basis.
Additional Information:
In addition to formal activities, the Cadet Wing plans and organizes a full schedule of social events throughout the academic year. These include a Dining-In, Military Ball, a Field Day, and intramural sports activities. Professional Development Training Programs, such as the Rising Sophomore Program, Rising Senior Program and Army Airborne training are also available to selected volunteer officer candidates during the summer.
Arnold Air Society:
Each officer candidate can elect to be part of a national society dedicated to conducting service related events for the Air Force and local community. These Arnold Air Society members are involved in a myriad of service projects to include charity work, service to the poor, work with local orphanages, and similar activities. Twice a year, members participate in conventions/ conclaves held in various cities and attended by members from all the schools in the country sponsoring AFROTC. Membership is by nomination after completion of a one semester, project-oriented pledge program.
Civil Air Patrol:
All Air Force ROTC officer candidates at AFROTC Detachment 340 have the opportunity to become members of the Civil Air Patrol and to receive up to 8 flight orientation rides on Civil Air Patrol aircraft at Worcester Regional Airport.
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: February 26, 2008 10:08:52