Program Overview
There are three aspects to the AFROTC program: air class, lead lab and physical training. These three aspects occur throughout the four-year program with upper-class and under-class cadets playing varying roles in those aspects.
General Military Course (GMC)
The first two years of the AFROTC program cadets are GMC members. Their main role is to participate and learn as much as possible. The time commitment for a GMC cadet is: one credit hour class, two hours leadership laboratory and two hours of physical training each week. One officer development training (ODT) must be completed during the first two years. Examples include: base visits, incentive flights, Air Force Academy summer programs and much more.
Field Training (FT)
AFROTC cadets from across the nation compete to attend Field Training at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama during the summer between their sophomore and junior years. Field Training is advanced military training where cadets transition from the General Military Course to the Professional Officer Course. It is a unique and transformational experience aimed at evaluating and preparing cadets to lead at their AFROTC detachments. Field Training curriculum includes physical conditioning, fire arms training and survival skills. Completion is required to continue in the program and selection to attend is based on GPA, physical fitness score, class ranking and the detachment commander's recommendation.
Professional Officer Course (POC)
The final two years of the AFROTC program cadets are POC members. Their main role is to organize and plan the leadership lab and physical training each week. The minimum time commitment for POC cadets is: three credit hours class, two hours leadership laboratory and two hours of physical training each week. The time commitment increases with the class moving from one hour to three hours and the amount of time required to plan the labs and physical training. Another ODT must be completed during the POC years. Cadets do not have to be on a scholarship to enter the POC and become an officer in the USAF or USSF.
Graduation and Commissioning
Every cadet that graduates from the program (scholarship or not) becomes a commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the USAF or USSF. Cadets incur a minimum 4-year Active Duty service commitment after graduation. Some specialty career fields require longer commitments based on training and education.
Current as of: Summer 2024.