Air Force ROTC
What Is Air Force ROTC?
The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) allows you to enter the Air Force or the United States Space Force as an officer and leader, which means you will be responsible for a management position straight out of college. After completing all Air Force ROTC and academic degree requirements, cadets accept a commission as second lieutenants in the Air Force appointed by the United States president. The length of your initial service commitment depends on your career.
It takes a unique individual to succeed in Air Force ROTC. It takes dedication, drive, and discipline. AFROTC will demand integrity, academic dedication, and a commitment to excellence. You will need to hone your time-management skills, analytical skills, and your physical fitness. However, if you are up for the challenge, the rewards will last a lifetime.
Academics
Academics are of the utmost importance in the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Delaware. To ensure you are on track to graduate and commission, you will meet with your academic advisor and ROTC instructor every semester to review your academic plan. You will be required to maintain a minimum of a 2.0GPA to remain in the program, but a higher GPA will increase your chances for scholarships and special opportunities and training.
We also have an active mentorship program within our cadet wing that matches students with similar interests and majors at different program stages. This is a great way for cadets to foster friendships and camaraderie while prioritizing academics.
Physical Fitness
Physical fitness is an important aspect of the daily life of every Air Force member, including ROTC cadets. Our physical training leaders have put together a challenging yet fun program to help each cadet achieve personal fitness, ultimately leading to passing physical fitness assessment scores. You are required to pass the Air Force Physical Fitness Test each semester successfully.
Leadership
The Air Force ROTC mission is to “develop premier leaders of character for the Air Force.” We will give you the training, tools, and opportunities you need to test and develop your leadership abilities. The weekly Leadership Laboratory is planned, organized, and executed by the cadets with general guidance from the active-duty cadre members. This provides ample opportunity to put your leadership skills into action and learn from your successes and failures while developing your unique leadership style along the way.
Cadets are also assigned positions in the Cadet Wing that allow the students to experience the organization and operations of an active duty Air Force wing. Additionally, upper-class cadets hold leadership positions that further enhance their exposure to the responsibilities of an officer.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Students interested in joining the Air Force ROTC program can get started by contacting the recruiting operations officer or by signing up for the military science class.
| Spring | Fall | |
|---|---|---|
| Freshmen | MLSC101 | MLSC102 |
| Sophomore | MLSC201 | MLSC202 |
Typical Weekly Schedule
Tuesday
- Leadership Lab @ UD: 7:00 - 9:00 AM - AFSC 150 - University of Delaware Course Code
- THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE USAF I @ UD: 9:35 - 10:30 AM - AFSC 110 - University of Delaware Course Code
Wednesday
- Physical Training (PT) @ UD: 6:00 - 7:00 AM
Thursday
- Physical Training (PT) @ UD: 6:00 - 7:00 AM
Each year, before the start of the fall semester, we offer a New Cadet Orientation Program (NCOP). It is an optional 2-day event to introduce you to the basics of the AFROTC program, such as uniforms, customs, drills, and program expectations. When you register for classes, you will receive information about registering for this event. Please sign up here for NCOP - https://afrotc.udel.edu/ncop/.
Field Training
During the summer between your sophomore and junior year, you will attend Field Training at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. Field Training is a 2-week encampment that includes physical conditioning and military training. While at Field Training, you will be evaluated on your leadership potential, personal discipline and military knowledge. Field training is used to determine your potential for entry into the Professional Officer Course. Successful completion of Field Training is required to obtain a commission in the Air Force or Space Force.
Character Development
The U.S. Air Force is looking for Second Lieutenants with the utmost character, and ROTC will help develop that, beginning with the Air Force Honor Code:
“We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does.”
The Air Force Honor Code inspires and guides the development of officers with character and discipline who are better citizens for America. We expect to produce officers with the following core values:
“Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.”
Pay and Allowance
ROTC students contracting for a commission during the junior and senior years receive a subsistence allowance of $420 per academic month. Obligation: Up to three years of active duty (full-time employment) and five years of reserve duty (one weekend per month and an annual two-week encampment), or eight years of reserve duty in the National Guard or Reserve Components, upon receipt of a commission.