Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enroll?

What is the course content of my Air Force ROTC classes?

What is Leadership Laboratory?


What types of scholarships are offered?


Can I attend Air Force ROTC without a scholarship?


What does the Air Force scholarship cover?


How am I reimbursed as a scholarship student for textbook expenses?


Is it possible for me to change my academic major if on scholarship?


What is the feeling of other students on campus about AFROTC cadets?


How are new cadets treated?

How much marching and drilling will I have to do?

When will I receive my Air Force ROTC uniform?


When do I wear my Air Force Uniform?


What is a Dining-Out?

Am I expected to participate in any extracurricular activities?

What are the requirements to be a pilot?


Can I participate in intercollegiate athletics while a member of the Air Force ROTC program?


When do I actually receive my commission as an Air Force officer?


How long is my active duty commitment after graduation?


What are the qualifications of my Air Force ROTC instructors?


If I encounter academic or personal problems, where can I turn for help?


Will I travel to different Air Force bases while in Air Force ROTC?


What is Field Training?


What is Operation Air Force?


Can I continue my education beyond the baccalaureate level?

How do Air Force ROTC graduates compare with Air Force Academy and Officer Training School graduates?

How do I enroll?

As a freshman, you simply register for the AS 1100 (fall) or AS 1200 (winter/spring) course listed in your class schedule. Remember, there is no obligation your entire freshman year. Sophomores should register for AS 2100 (fall) or AS 2200 (winter/spring). There is still no military commitment at this time unless on scholarship. Juniors, seniors, or transfer students should contact the detachment for scheduling information.

What is the course content of my Air Force ROTC classes?

As a freshman, you will take Aerospace Studies AS 1100 and AS 1200. These courses are devoted to an examination of the Air Force mission, structure, and equipment. For sophomores, the AS 2100 and 2200 classes are mini-history courses examining the growth and development of air power from the use of free flight balloons to the role of air power in the 21st Century. Each course is worth two semester hours. AS 3100 and 3200 (junior year) are management and leadership courses that emphasize communication skills. Rounding out your Air Force ROTC education are AS 4100 and 4200, political science courses that examine American defense policy. During your final two years, each ROTC course is worth three semester hours. In addition, you will be required to register for Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) when you register for any of the above courses.

What is Leadership Laboratory?

LLAB is a cadet organized lab taken each year with your AFROTC class. You will spend two to three hours each week using the leadership skills and management theory acquired in class. You also have the opportunity to take orientation flights, listen to military speakers, visit Air Force bases, view films and take part in social functions. The majority of the activities conducted outside of LLAB are optional (voluntary).

Can I attend Air Force ROTC without a scholarship?

Indeed you can. Many of our students do not start with a scholarship, but earn one eventually. Still, at any given time, about 60% of our cadets receive financial assistance.

What does the Air Force scholarship cover?

Nominally, the scholarship provdes full tuition, fees, and $750 a year for textbooks. Cadets on scholarship also receive a monthly stipend that ranges from $250 to $400, depending on year group.

How am I reimbursed as a scholarship student for textbook expenses?

You should be prepared to pay cash for your book purchases from the campus bookstore. You will be paid by direct deposit within the first couple of months of the semester.

Is it possible for me to change my academic major if on scholarship?

Yes, but this is a complex process and should be attempted only after you have given it much thought and consulted with your AFROTC advisor. Depending on your current major and your proposed major, you may lose your scholarship benefits. If you want to change your major before arriving at MU, call us immediately and we will give you detailed instructions on the procedure.

What is the feeling of other students on campus about AFROTC cadets?

AFROTC cadets are looked upon with respect as persons who have elected to serve in an honorable profession. Detachment 440 graduates have served honorably and with distinction. We are truly considered a part of the university community.

How are new cadets treated?

Very well. We 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 cadet's flight commander's responsibility to help new cadets fit into the program. We also have tutoring programs and other forms of assistance. Hazing is not permitted! The focus at the unit is on teaching as well as discipline. The unit staff is concerned about cadets' well being and progress and will treat you as adult officer candidates. The first semester in AFROTC is normally focused on orientation and team-building.

How much marching and drilling will I have to do?

Not as much as you think, normally 2-3 hours per semester. Marching/drill is sometimes practiced during your squadron time at Leadership Laboratory. There are no mandatory drill sessions outside of LLAB.

When will I receive my Air Force ROTC uniform?

Assuming you've completed the AFROTC application and meet AFROTC height and weight standards, we will issue you a complete uniform and tell you how to arrange for having alterations completed (at no cost to you) within the first few weeks. However, you are responsible for keeping the uniform clean and presentable.

When do I wear my Air Force Uniform?

Normally, you will be required to wear your uniform all day on the day you attend LLAB and to your AS class. Most cadets attend their AS class and LLAB on the same day. There are also certain social events scheduled throughout the year, such as Dining-Out, where the wearing of the uniform is required.

What is a Dining-Out?

A Dining-Out is a formal military banquet steeped in custom and tradition. The Dining-Out enables you to bring a date or guest(s) to enjoy many time honored festivities. It is one of the highlights of being a cadet at our detachment!

Am I expected to participate in any extracurricular activities?

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 the university and Air Force ROTC. We feel there is something in our program of interest to everyone. All extracurricular activities are voluntary.

What are the requirements to be a pilot?

Three main factors are evaluated in selecting a pilot candidate: medical evaluation, test scores, and the number of pilot positions available. A physical exam is usually given for free during your freshman year to determine if you are medically qualified. You must also pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test taken during your freshman year.

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 - as long as you do not overload yourself with the former. 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.

When do I actually receive my commission as an Air Force officer?

Cadets normally get commissioned the same day they graduate. At MU, we currently commission our graduating seniors in special ceremonies on the day of the university's commencement exercises. You can expect to enter active duty within 60 days after graduation.

How long is my active duty commitment after graduation?

There is no military obligation while you are enrolled as a freshman. If you are on scholarship, you incur an active duty commitment when you enter your sophomore year; otherwise your commitment begins when you enter your junior year. After being commissioned a second lieutenant, non-flying officers will serve four years of active duty, while pilots serve ten years and navigators eight years after completing their respective training.

What are the qualifications of my Air Force ROTC instructors?

Most AFROTC instructors possess a master's degree and all have considerable world-wide Air Force operational experience. ROTC duty is a demanding job; therefore, each instructor has been handpicked by the Air Force. In addition, since the instructor is part of the academic faculty, the university has a voice in the selection.

If I encounter academic or personal problems, where can I turn for help?

First, try your Air Force ROTC instructor. While the instructor may not have a psychology degree, he or she does have experience in counseling and can direct you to the proper sources. Our instructors try to develop a strong rapport with each cadet, and this personal relationship tends to minimize problems. Each university also offers various resource offices for their students and many services are free as part of your student fees.

Will I travel to different Air Force bases while in Air Force ROTC?

Yes. We realize the vast scope of the Air Force is difficult to visualize in the classroom. Therefore, we give you the opportunity to visit an Air Force base for a firsthand look at how it operates. You'll be accompanied by an experienced, active duty Air Force officer. Every semester we conduct a base visit. AFROTC normally covers lodging and travel expenses.

What is Field Training?

Field Training (FT) is a four-or six-week summer encampment between your sophomore and junior year. It is conducted at several active Air Force bases located throughout the United States. This is an intensified training period where you receive additional leadership training, attend numerous career orientations, and learn firsthand about Air Force life. We pay all your transportation costs and provide you with all necessary uniform items. You will also be paid a salary equal to about half the monthly pay of a second lieutenant while you are there. You only attend FT once while you are in the AFROTC program.

What is Operation Air Force?

During the summer after your junior year, you may volunteer to participate in this program. Operation Air Force (OAF) is designed to provide career orientation and leadership opportunities. You will have the opportunity to observe and work in a career field of your choice on an active Air Force base for two to three weeks to learn the challenges of being a junior officer. Transportation is provided to and from all training. You will receive pay and travel allowance while participating in this program. Applications are accepted the fall of your junior year. There is also an OAF overseas, where cadets can observe Air Force operations in various bases around the world, and a five-day orientation program after your freshman year called ASSIST.

Can I continue my education beyond the baccalaureate level?

Yes. The Air Force offers several opportunities to do so. The Air Force encourages their officers to complete their graduate degrees within the first 8-10 years on active duty. Typically, the graduate program is fully funded for tuition and fees.

How do Air Force ROTC graduates compare with Air Force Academy and Officer Training School graduates?

There is no difference. All three programs produce qualified officers. The Air Force achieves better diversity and talent by getting officers from more than one commissioning source. On active duty, the most important factor in promotions is duty performance.

 

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