Program Overview

AFROTC is a leadership development course designed to train the best officers possible to lead the Air and Space Force into the future. It is a demanding, competitive program that places an emphasis on academics, fundamental leadership skills, physical fitness, and moral character.

The standard AFROTC program is four years in length, and is broken down into two sequential phases:

1. The General Military Course (GMC).  The General Military Course consists of freshman and sophomore level cadets. Participation in the General Military Course does not incur a military obligation, unless the cadet accepts an AFROTC scholarship. After successfully completing all General Military Course requirements, cadets compete for placement into the Professional Officer Course.
2. The Professional Officer Course (POC).  Upon selection, but before entering the Professional Officer Course, cadets must successfully complete their General Military Course capstone exercise known as Field Training. Professional Officer Course cadets are rising juniors and seniors who are actively engaged in developing and executing training programs within the cadet wing.
   • Selection into the Professional Officer Course is competitive and is dependent upon:
     • Being medically cleared to serve in the armed forces
     • Cumulative GPA
     • Physical Fitness scores
     • Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) Scores
     • Completion of Field Training
     • Recommendation of the Professor of Aerospace Studies

Freshman (AS100) Curriculum:

• MAS 110/111 - Heritage and Values of the USAF (1 credit hr each term)
• MAS 115/116 - Leadership Lab and Physical Training (3 credit hrs each term)

Sophomore (AS200) Curriculum:

• MAS 210/211 - Team and Leadership Fundamentals (1 credit hr each term)
• MAS 215/216 - Leadership Lab and Physical Training (3 credit hrs each term)

Field Training

Qualified cadets selected for entry into the POC must attend Field Training (FT). This is a paid, multi-week capstone course that typically takes place between their sophomore and junior years. FT is a mandatory program for all individuals pursuing a commission as an officer through AFROTC. This summer course is designed to assess military leadership and discipline, evaluate potential for continuation into the POC, and stratify cadets against their peers from around the nation.

Junior (AS300) Curriculum:

• MAS 310/311 - Leading People and Effective Communication (3 credit hrs each term)
• MAS 315/316 - Leadership Lab and Physical Training (3 credit hrs each term)

Senior (AS400) Curriculum:

• MAS 410/411 - National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty (3 credit hrs each term)
• MAS 415/416 - Leadership Lab and Physical Training (3 credit hrs each term)

Leadership Laboratory

Lead Lab instruction is conducted within the framework of an organized Cadet Wing that mirrors the structure of an Active Duty Air Force organization. Lead Lab is a weekly, cadet-runlaboratory designed to have a progression of experiences to develop each student’s leadership and and teamwork fundamentals. The goal of this laboratory is to provide cadets with hands-on military training experiences that will help them be successful officers in today’s Department of the Air Force. Events include a study of Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, presentations on Air Force career opportunities, and more.

Physical Training

Physical fitness is of paramount importance! The PT program at Detachment 450 is designed to keep our cadets in excellent physical condition while instilling the values of a healthy lifestyle. Cadets are required to attend at least two morning PT sessions per week. Our PT program includes a Physical Fitness Assessment which mirrors the current active duty Air Force fitness test, and includes the following components: one minute of push-ups, one minute of sit-ups, and a timed 1.5 mile run. 

Last updated July 2024