FAQs

Q-1: Is it true that freshmen and sophomores can enroll in Air Force ROTC without any service obligation?
A-1: Yes. There is no associated military obligation for freshman and sophomore non-scholarship cadets. If you receive a high school scholarship, you have your freshman year to decide if you want to continue. You may withdraw from the program similar to dropping any scheduled course; therefore, you have everything to gain and nothing to lose by enrolling!
Q-2: What active duty commitment does an Air Force pilot or navigator incur?
A-2:Successful pilot candidates will serve ten years in the Air Force after undergraduate pilot training, and navigators will serve six years after undergraduate navigator training.
Q-3: After commissioning, what is the active duty commitment for non-flying officers?
A-3: The active duty service commitment is four years.
Q-4:What are the general qualifications for Air Force ROTC?
A-4: The basic requirements are: be a U.S. citizen, be a full-time student, be in good academic standing, be in sound physical condition, and be of good moral character.
Q-5: What Air Force ROTC programs are offered for Worcester Consortium students?
A-5: Air Force ROTC is offered to students attending all of the colleges in the Worcester Consortium. WPI is simply the host institution for Air Force ROTC.
Q-6: What are the procedures to apply for Air Force ROTC?
A-6: The procedures are:
  • Four-Year Program - GMC Enrollment:
  • As a Freshman you enroll in AS 100X.
  • As a WPI student, you register on-line with the rest of your classes. As a Worcester Consortium student you complete a Consortium Cross Registration Form that is signed by the instructor, your host registrar, and the WPI registrar.
  • Two-Year Program - If you are a sophomore not enrolled in Air Force ROTC and you want to enter the POC as a junior, you apply early in your sophomore year. Preliminary requirements include the officer qualification test and a medical exam. NOTE: If you are a junior or senior you may still be eligible for the two-year program.
Q-7: What can I gain from Air Force ROTC if I am not certain I want to earn an Air Force commission?
A-7: Consider the following:
  • Educational Values - You will learn about the structure and organization of the U.S. Air Force, as well as its place in the U.S. armed forces. You will also study the historical development of airpower.
  • Leadership Training - You will be given opportunities to lead others in drill and take part in projects that help build your self confidence, understanding of interpersonal interaction, and time-management. Juniors and seniors assume supervisory positions which afford the opportunity to develop leadership skills.
  • Communication Skills - Formal and individual training in written and verbal communication are part of the Air Force ROTC curriculum.
Q-8: What additional advantages does Air Force ROTC offer freshman and sophomore students?
A-8:
  • Base Visits - Visits to major Air Force bases are of particular interest. Transportation is free and you are given a guided tour of the base facilities, orientation flights, and a chance to talk to Air Force personnel.
  • Arnold Air Society - An honorary, professional service organization that engages in a number of professional development and service activities in the local community.
  • Civil Air Patrol (CAP) - Through a special arrangement between Air Force ROTC and the Civil Air Patrol, interested cadets can join a senior CAP squadron and receive free, hands-on flight training in civil aircraft.
  • Valuable Experience — Air Force ROTC provides life-skills that apply to all aspects of development, not just the military
Q-9: What additional advantages do women gain through Air Force ROTC enrollment?
A-9:
  • Opportunities for Women — Virtually all career fields in the Air Force are now open to women. Currently, females make up approximately 20% of the cadet wing.
  • Interesting, Valuable Experience - enrollment of women in Air Force ROTC was first authorized in 1969. Since then the number of women in Air Force ROTC has increased dramatically throughout the country. The skills and experience you attain increases your capabilities whether your career objective is business, management, engineering, the health professions, etc.
Q-10: What is the Four-Year ROTC Program?
A-10: You are initially enrolled in the General Military Course (GMC). You then attend a four-week field training encampment during the summer between your sophomore and junior years. When you enter the POC at the beginning of your junior year, you sign an Air Force contract to accept a commission as an Air Force second lieutenant and serve in the Air Force. The POC course meets three hours each week plus three hours in Leadership Laboratory. Cadets enrolled in the POC receive a tax-free monthly stipend during the school year.
Q-11: What if I want to join after my freshman year? When is it too late?
A-11: You must have at least two years of college left to participate in ROTC. This can include a combination of undergraduate and graduate work.
Q-12:Is the Four-Year Program more advantageous for students?
A-12 : Yes, for the following reasons:
  • It gives you more time to participate in Air Force ROTC without obligation, to gain experience and to decide whether you want to stay for the advanced program, the POC.
  • You will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships if eligible.
Q-13: Then why is an Air Force ROTC Two-Year Program offered?
A-13: It affords a "last opportunity" for you to apply for Air Force ROTC. Sometimes your academic status or ability does not stabilize until after your first few semesters. Many transfer students from junior or other colleges may not have had access to Air Force ROTC on their campus. Plus you may decide later in your college career that you want to enter the Air Force. Although there are age limitations for individuals desiring pilot or navigator positions, every effort is made to offer programs to interested students while they are eligible.
Q-14: Are there any restrictions as to what students select as their academic major?
A-14 : Some scholarships may be dependent on your selection of major, but students from all majors may participate in ROTC. 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 above 2.0 and attain your degree in the time period planned. NOTE: The GPA requirements are different if you are applying for a scholarship and once you are on scholarship. Check with the ROTC staff on those specific requirements.
Q-15:Could you outline the scholarship program?
A-15:There are several types of scholarships available. Some are awarded to high school seniors, but presently, most of our cadets have Air Force ROTC scholarships awarded while in college. These pay full or partial college tuition and most laboratory, textbook and incidental fees, plus a monthly nontaxable allowance during the school year.  Visit AFROTC for more information on scholarships.
Q-16: Must a student go on active duty in the Air Force immediately following graduation and commissioning?
A-16:Usually yes, although there are some exceptions. You may request an educational delay if you desire to attend graduate school at your own expense before going on active duty. If approved, the Air Force will postpone your active duty tour. Delays are routinely provided if you select to attend dental or medical school. Scholarships also exist for students accepted to medical school.
Q-17: How does the pay for the Air Force officer compare with that of a college graduate in civilian industry?
A-17: Quite favorably. The starting civilian equivalent salary is approximately $38,000. After four years, it is around $68,000. In addition, there are several other benefits, such as: travel pay, lower food prices, free medical care for you and HMO style care for your family, 30 days vacation with pay each year, household moving expenses, etc.
Q-18: Could you briefly describe the life of an Air Force commissioned officer? Does the officer have any private life?
A-18: The work hours for most officers are similar to those in civilian industry. During your free time there are no restrictions unless your activities conflict with USAF goals or involve conduct that will bring discredit to the USAF.
Q-19: Whom can a student speak to if there are additional questions?
A-19: You are cordially invited to visit our office at WPI anytime Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Our office is next to Institute Hall at 37 Institute Road . Any of the staff will be happy to assist you. Some of our cadets may also be available to talk to you. Feel free to bring friends, parents, high school, college or community officials, etc. Should you care to reach us by telephone, please call: 508-831-5747, or write to the detachment at:

Air Force ROTC Det 340
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
37 Institute Rd.
Worcester , MA 01609 -2280

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Last modified: January 16, 2008 09:54:41

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