What is AFROTC?

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) at Montana State University is a leadership development program that allows you to become an Air Force or Space Force officer while earning your degree. AFROTC prepares you for leadership roles in the Department of the Air Force after graduation while helping you develop essential skills in leadership, time management, and organization—valuable in college, the military, and beyond.

For more details, visit the AFROTC website.

Scholarships & Commitment

Can I get a scholarship?

Yes! AFROTC offers high school and in-college scholarships. Learn more at the AFROTC Scholarships page.

Do I have to be on scholarship to join AFROTC?

No! You can participate in AFROTC and earn a commission as an officer without a scholarship.

Does joining AFROTC mean I’m joining the military?

No. Joining AFROTC does not mean you have committed to military service. If you are not on a scholarship or receiving a stipend as a contracted cadet, you have not officially committed to joining the military.

What’s the difference between enlisting and commissioning?

  • Enlisted personnel make up the backbone of the military. They typically enter service by signing a contract for a specific period (often 4–6 years) and complete basic training before moving into specialized job training for their assigned career field.
  • Commissioned officers are leaders and managers responsible for directing enlisted personnel, developing strategy, and overseeing military operations. Officers must hold a bachelor's degree before commissioning and continue serving until they resign their commission or reach mandatory retirement age.

What is my Active Duty Service Commitment (ADSC) after graduation?

  • Most AFROTC cadets serve a minimum of 4 years upon entering Active Duty.
  • Scholarship cadets who extend their scholarship beyond the original period incur one additional month of service per extra month of scholarship.
  • Cadets pursuing flying careers typically commit to 6–10 years after completing training.

Are contracted cadets considered military members?

Contracted cadets (those in the Professional Officer Course or on scholarship) are enlisted in the Obligated Reserve Section (ORS) of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). They are not active-duty military members and are not subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Eligibility & Enrollment

Can I enroll in AFROTC as a...

  • Freshman? Yes! You’re a great candidate for the 4- or 5-year commissioning program, depending on your major.
  • Sophomore? Yes! You can complete the 4-year program or, in some cases, a 3-year accelerated track. Contact our cadre team to discuss your options.
  • Junior? Maybe. The 3-year program may be an option, but AFROTC primarily recruits first-time undergraduate students. Consider Officer Training School (OTS) as an alternative.
  • Senior? Unlikely, unless you plan to attend law or medical school. Otherwise, OTS is a better fit.
  • Graduate Student? Maybe. While AFROTC primarily focuses on undergraduate students, some graduate students may qualify. Contact our cadre team for details.
  • Transfer Student? It depends. If you have at least 3 years left in your degree and have not previously been a cadet, you may qualify. Prior AFROTC cadets should consult our cadre team.
  • Prior-Service Member? Yes, if you have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. Your previous experience may allow for course credit. Contact our cadre team for details.

How do I join?

Contact our detachment cadre team:
📧 [email protected]
📞 (406) 994-4022
📍 Hamilton Hall, Room 325

We’ll walk you through the process to start your journey as a Bobcat Student Cadet!

What are the enrollment requirements?

To join AFROTC, you must:

✅ Be a full-time student at Montana State University
✅ Submit required information in WINGS (AFROTC’s database)
✅ Present original identification documents
✅ Complete in-processing paperwork during orientation or an individual appointment
✅ Provide a sports physical (AFROTC Form 28) or a DoDMERB Medical Exam
✅ Enroll in and participate in:

    • Military Aerospace Studies (MAS) courses
    • Leadership Laboratory (Lead Lab)
    • Physical Training (PT)

Age Requirements

Requirement: Minimum Age       Maximum Age      Waiverable Maximum Age
AFROTC Program Entry 14 N/A N/A
Enlistment 17 N/A N/A
Scholarship 17 31 (by Dec 31) N/A
Commissioning (General) 18 39 42
Rated Careers (Pilots, etc.)      18 29 42 (RPA)
Non-Rated Careers 18 39 42
Pre-Health Careers 18 47 49

Academic & Medical Qualifications

What GPA do I need to be in the program?

  • Non-scholarship cadets must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
  • Scholarship cadets must maintain a 2.5 term GPA. Multiple terms below 2.5 may result in scholarship suspension.

What’s the best major for AFROTC?

AFROTC does not require a specific major. However, cadets are classified as Technical or Non-Technical based on their field of study.

  • Technical majors (such as STEM fields and Nursing) may receive priority consideration for scholarships.
  • For a list of in-demand degrees, visit the AFROTC Desired Majors page.

What is DoDMERB?

The Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) is responsible for evaluating and determining whether applicants meet the medical qualifications for military service. This medical screening ensures that all prospective officers are physically and medically capable of fulfilling the demands of military duty.

During your first semester in AFROTC, you will undergo a comprehensive medical examination at a contracted medical facility. This exam assesses your overall health and identifies any pre-existing conditions that may impact your eligibility for commissioning.

I have a physical or mental health condition. Can I still join?

DoDMERB will evaluate your medical history and determine if your condition is disqualifying for military service.

Program Size & Career Opportunities

How large is Detachment 450?

Detachment 450 is a mid-sized AFROTC unit with 90–110 cadets.

What career fields are available?

As a commissioned officer in the Air Force or Space Force, you will take on a leadership role in your designated career field, guiding enlisted personnel, managing operations, and ensuring mission success. The military offers a wide range of career opportunities in technical, operational, and support roles, allowing you to apply your education and skills in a dynamic environment. Learn more about Air Force and Space Force careers at the AFROTC Careers page.

Have more questions?

📍 Visit us in Hamilton Hall, Room 325 (see campus map)
📞 Call us at (406) 994-4022
🌎 Learn more at AFROTC.com

 

Last updated February 2025