How do I join?
AFROTC is not a large time commitment, with only 6 hours of active participation required each week. In addition to registering for their Aerospace Studies (AS) class, all cadets will also sign up for AIRF 1011 "AFROTC Leadership Laboratory I" and AIRF 3011 "AFROTC Physical Training I" in the fall semester, and AIRF 1021 "AFROTC Leadership Laboratory II" and AIRF 3021 "AFROTC Physical Training II" in the spring semester.
Leadership Lab (LLAB) is a dynamic and integrated series of leadership development activities designed to meet the needs and expectations of prospective Department of the Air Force Second Lieutenants while complementing the AFROTC academic program. It is a student-planned, organized, and executed practicum conducted under the supervision of the Detachment Commander and Operations Officer. AFROTC Physical Training (PT) and LLAB are required for all cadets to commission upon graduation.
Freshman Year
The first year in AFROTC is one of the most important. This is where your foundation as a cadet is formed. You'll learn the basics of the Air Force, how to adjust to AFROTC, and build unbreakable bonds with your classmates.
In addition to the LLAB and PT courses, you'll sign up for your AS class: AIRF 1010 "Heritage and Values I" in the fall semester and AIRF 1020 "Heritage and Values II" in the spring semester. This survey course, like any other college class, is designed to introduce students to the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and provides an overview of the basic characteristics, missions, communications, and organization of the Air and Space Forces.
Sophomore Year
Your second year in AFROTC is spent preparing for field training. You will develop your leadership style, improve your military aptitude and discipline, take on wing jobs within the detachment, and lead the General Military Course (GMC) cadets, which includes freshmen and sophomores.
In addition to the LLAB and PT courses, you'll sign up for your AS class: AIRF 2010 "Team and Leadership Fundamentals I" in the fall semester and AIRF 2020 "Team and Leadership Fundamentals II" in the spring semester. This course provides a fundamental understanding of both leadership and team building. The lessons and course structure are designed to prepare students for field training and leadership positions within the detachment.
Field Training
Field Training is AFROTC's version of "boot camp" with a strong focus on leadership. Students will be placed under stress, have their military discipline tested, and challenge their developing leadership abilities. The duration varies year to year but typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, AL.
Junior Year
Your third year in AFROTC is the first year you take on a leadership role within the detachment as a Professional Officer Candidate (POC), which includes junior and senior cadets. You will refine your leadership style, lead the GMC cadets through training, operational, and support roles, and serve as mentors to the GMC cadets.
In addition to the LLAB and PT courses, you'll sign up for your AS class: AIRF 3010 "Leading People and Effective Communication I" in the fall semester and AIRF 3020 "Leading People and Effective Communication II" in the spring semester. This course builds on students’ field training experience to take a deeper look at leadership, with special emphasis on enhancing communication skills and understanding their importance as a leader. Students have the opportunity to apply leadership and management techniques in a supervised environment as juniors and seniors.
Senior Year
Your fourth year in AFROTC is your last chance to leave your impact on the cadet wing and prepare to commission as a Second Lieutenant into the Air Force or Space Force following graduation. As a senior cadet, you will lead the cadet wing in weekly operations, mentor all levels of cadets, and continue to refine your leadership style.
In addition to the LLAB and PT courses, you'll sign up for your AS class: AIRF 4010 "National Security and Preparation for Active-Duty I" in the fall semester and AIRF 4020 "National Security and Preparation for Active-Duty II" in the spring semester. This course is designed for college seniors and provides a foundation for understanding their role as military officers and its direct connection to our National Security Strategy. It offers an overview of the complex social and political issues facing the military profession and requires a level of sophistication commensurate with the senior college level.
