Air Force Officer Training Corps

The Department of Air Force Aerospace Studies was established in September 1946 to select and prepare students through a permanent program of instruction to serve as active duty officers in the United States Air Force. The curriculum emphasizes the uniformly high level of military understanding and knowledge required of Air Force officers.

AFROTC training is divided into two phases: the first two years constitute the General Military Course (GMC), the last two the Professional Officer Course (POC). AFROTC is designed to be a four-year program, but can be completed in as little as two years. Upon completion cadets are commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

The four-year program requires completion of the GMC, a four-week field training course and the POC. Students with prior active military service or previous training at military schools may on the basis of their experience receive a waiver for portions of the GMC. Anything less than the four-year program requires completion of a five-week field training course at an Air Force base prior to formal enrollment in the POC.

Junior college and other non-ROTC transfer students with no previous ROTC training who qualify academically are eligible for the two-year program, as are UF students with two academic years remaining (after a summer field training).

AFROTC training provides free uniforms and textbooks. POC cadets receive $300 per month for juniors and $350 per month for seniors during the academic year and a scholarship for tuition and books. Application for post-commissioning flying training is available to men and women.

General Military Course

The General Military Course, a two-year survey level course, examines the role of U.S. military forces in the contemporary world, with particular attention to the United States Air Force, its organization and mission. The functions of strategic offensive and defensive forces, general purpose and aerospace support forces are covered. The development of air power over the last 200 years is examined by tracing the various concepts of employment of air power and by focusing on factors that prompted research and technological change. The history of air power is stressed, with significant examples of the impact of air power on strategic thought.

Professional Officer Course

Enrollment in the Professional Officer Course (POC) is open to applicants who demonstrate a high officer potential. Applicants must:

• fulfill all requirements for a commission prior to the 34th (29 years for flying applicant) birthday (waivers possible to the 35th birthday)
• have two years of academic enrollment remaining to obtain degree
• sign a written contract agreeing to complete the course
• be a citizen of the United States
• pass the Air Force officer qualifying test
• pass the officer physical examination
• pass the physical fitness test
• terminate membership (if member) of any reserve component
• enlist in the Air Force Reserve (obligated reserve section), and
• have an academic average of 2.0 or higher.

Veterans entering the university who desire a commission through AFROTC should contact the professor of aerospace studies before registering.

All POC cadets receive up to $350 per month for up to 20 months. This is in addition to the pay received for the four (or five)-week field training, which normally is accomplished between the sophomore and junior years. Cadets also receive compensation for travel expenses and are furnished food, housing, uniforms and medical care while attending field training, which is conducted at an Air Force base.

POC academics stress the development of the leadership, management and communication skills that are vital to an officer's effectiveness. Classroom time also is spent developing the cadet's professional awareness and understanding the international environment as it affects the national security of the United States.

When the student successfully completes the POC and graduates from the university, he/she is commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force and is given an assignment commensurate with his or her academic major, the needs of the Air Force and his or her personal desires. The active duty requirement for officers who enter and complete navigator training or pilot training satisfactorily is 6 and 10 years, respectively, from the end of flight training. For others, the requirement is four years after entering active duty.

Air Force ROTC Course Requirements

In addition to the course curriculum assigned by each respective college, all students will complete the course requirements directed below to be eligible for a commission in the Air Force. Six hours of math and six hours English composition are also required, but these may be satisfied by completing the general education requirements and the Writing and Math Requirement.