Curriculum and Scholarships | University Studies

Air Force ROTC Detachment 538
17 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, NY 14623

ROS-A250
585-475-5197
afrotc@rit.edu

Curriculum

Overview

The Reserve Officer Training Corps program consists of two main phases that span a cadet's academic career. These phases are separated by Field Training, which occurs during the summer following a cadet's sophomore year. Each phase is also broken down by year level with specific required classes designed to teach and prepare cadets to become an Air Force or Space Force Officer. Cadets will receive a Minor in Military Studies and Leadership upon graduation.

Note that the above is just a guide for how the program could work out for you. There are options to complete the required material in both 3 years (by truncating the GMC sequence), or in 5 years (by expanding the POC sequence). For more information, visit afrotc.com.

AFROTC Typical Course Sequence

First Year

AERO-101

Heritage and Values I

Credits 1

This course and its follow-on provide the student with an introductory survey of the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). In the first semester, the course begins with an introduction to ROTC as well as the customs and courtesies and dress and appearance standards expected of Air Force officers. It continues with a discussion on team building, military communication skills and interpersonal communications. The organization of the Air Force and how the Air Force contributes to the accomplishment of our national security objectives is also covered. The course concludes with an overview of Air Force career opportunities and benefits. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC contract/pursuing cadets and complements this course by providing cadets with followership experiences.

AERO-102

Heritage and Values II

Credits 1

This course covers an introduction to Air Force core values and offers the student an opportunity to learn about leadership, its principles, and its effective traits. The course demonstrates knowledge of Air Force heritage and legacy. Students are also introduced to basic oral and written communication skills. The course continues by exploring war, its basic principles, and motivation. The course concludes with an understanding of the Air Force oath of office and how human relations can affect them as an Air Force Officers. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC contract/pursuing cadets and complements this course by providing cadets with followership experiences.

Second Year

AERO-201

Team and Leadership Fundamentals I

Credits 1

This course examines the development of military air and space power from the first balloons to the on-going conflicts in Afghanistan and other parts of the world, introduces fundamental principles associated with war in the third dimension, and employs historical examples to explain the evolution of U.S. Air Force air and space power. The full course covers two academic terms. This term focuses on examples from the earliest days of flight through the Cuban Missile Crisis. This course also seeks to develop students’ communication skills through class participation, short writing and briefing assignments. AFROTC Leadership Laboratory (WMIL-006) and AFROTC Physical Training (WMIL-001) complements this course by providing applied followership and leadership experience and is mandatory for all AFROTC cadets. Other interested undergraduate students (non-cadets) will be considered for registration but must have the detachment commander’s approval for this course and any required co-requisites (if desired).

AERO-202

Team and Leadership Fundamentals II

Credits 1

This course examines the development of military air and space power from the first balloons to the on-going conflicts in Afghanistan and other parts of the world, introduces fundamental principles associated with war in the third dimension, and employs historical examples to explain the evolution of U.S. Air Force air and space power. The full course covers two academic terms. This term focuses on examples from the Vietnam War to the “Global War on Terror.” This course also seeks to develop students’ communication skills through class participation, short writing and briefing assignments AFROTC Leadership Laboratory (WMIL-006) and AFROTC Physical Training (WMIL-001) complements this course by providing applied followership and leadership experience and is mandatory for all AFROTC cadets. Other interested undergraduate students (non-cadets) will be considered for registration but must have the detachment commander’s approval for this course and any required co-requisites (if desired).

Third Year

Fourth Year

AERO-401

National Security/Leadership Responsibilities & Commissioning Preparation I

Credits 3

This course examines national security policy and process, regional issues, advanced leadership, air and space power functions and competencies. It is the first in a two-course sequence during which you will study roles of the military in society; military justice and law; current issues affecting the military profession; and regional cultural, politics and history. You will also study air and space power functions and competencies and the responsibilities of officership. Finally, this course also seeks to develop students’ communication skills through class participation, short writing and briefing assignments. AFROTC Leadership Laboratory (WMIL-006) and AFROTC Physical Training (WMIL-001) complements this course by providing applied followership and leadership experience and is mandatory for all AFROTC cadets. Other interested undergraduate students (non-cadets) will be considered for registration but must have the detachment commander’s approval for this course and any required co-requisites (if desired).

AERO-402

National Security/Leadership Responsibilities & Commissioning Preparation II

Credits 3

This course examines national security policy and process, regional issues, advanced leadership, air and space power functions and competencies. It is the second in a two-course sequence during which you will study roles of the military in society; military justice and law; current issues affecting the military profession; and regional cultural, politics and history. You will also study air and space power functions and competencies and the responsibilities of officership. Finally, this course also seeks to develop students’ communication skills through class participation, short writing and briefing assignments. AFROTC Leadership Laboratory (WMIL-006) and AFROTC Physical Training (WMIL-001) complements this course by providing applied followership and leadership experience and is mandatory for all AFROTC cadets. Other interested undergraduate students (non-cadets) will be considered for registration but must have the detachment commander’s approval for this course and any required co-requisites (if desired).

Additional Courses

WMIL-001

Air Force ROTC Physical Training

Credits 0

This course is designed to help the individual establish a physical readiness program. "Physical Readiness" are those factors that determine one's ability to perform heavy, physical work and those that help maintain good health and appearance. Factors/components of readiness: muscular strength, muscular endurance and cardio-respiratory endurance. Major goals of the course: To physically challenge students and help students develop self-confidence, discipline and spirit. Students will work to develop physical readiness to a degree that will enable them to achieve or exceed the physical readiness standard established by the U.S. Air Force. *Note: Must be enrolled in RIT ROTC Air Force.*

WMIL-006

Air Force Leadership Lab

Credits 0

This ROTC course is an Air Force Leadership Lab. Formerly Air Force Physical Training II, this revised course is designed to provide the students with a foundational understanding of the benefits, privileges and opportunities as well as responsibilities associated with an Air Force commission. Students will also be introduced to Air Force customs, courtesies, environment, drill, flight movement and ceremonies. *Note: Must be enrolled in the RIT ROTC Air Force Program.*

Field Training

Field Training is a required training exercise taking place between a cadet’s sophomore (GMC) and junior (POC) years. It is required to enter the Professional Officer Course, and give the opportunity to develop skills as a leader and team member. The training includes physical conditioning, marksmanship training, survival training, Air Force specialty orientation, confidence courses, aircraft orientation, human relations, drill and ceremonies, leadership study, and group and expeditionary leadership activities.

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships are available to prospective high school seniors; those already enrolled in college, and enlisted Airmen. Please visit Scholarships for more information.

RIT Room and Board Grant

RIT offers a Room and Board Grant to all AFROTC High School Scholarship recipients.

High School Scholarships

All High School Scholarship recipients will receive a monthly living expense stipend and an annual book stipend. Applications open during the summer before the student's high school senior year. Recipients receive 100% tuition covered at the school of their choosing. More information is available at the Air Force ROTC website.

In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP)

If you’re already in college, you can still experience the benefits of joining Air Force ROTC. In addition to detachment-specific scholarship opportunities, freshman and sophomore students may be eligible for the In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP). The program awards scholarships based on merit during two selection phases (fall and spring semesters).

Charles McGee Leadership Award (CMLA)

After completion of field training, all cadets continuing in Air Force ROTC not already on an Air Force scholarship will be eligible for the Charles McGee Leadership Award. This scholarship awards cadets $18,000 a year for the final two years of college.