Lt. Col. Greenfield, Department Chair
AFROTC is a nationwide program that allows students to pursue commissions (become officers) in the United Stated Air Force (USAF) while simultaneously attending college. AFROTC classes are held on college campuses throughout the United States and Puerto Rico; students can register through normal course registration processes. AFROTC consists of four years of Aerospace Studies classes (Foundations of the USAF, Evolution of USAF and Space Power, Air Force Leadership Studies, and National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty), and a corresponding Leadership Laboratory for each year (where students apply leadership skills, demonstrate command and effective communication, develop physical fitness, and practice military customs and courtesies). College students enrolled in the AFROTC program (known as “cadets”) who successfully complete both AFROTC training and college degree requirements will graduate and simultaneously commission as Second Lieutenants in the Active Duty Air Force.
The AFROTC program is currently offered at WILKES UNIVERSITY, but they have a crosstown agreement that allows our students to enroll in AFROTC and become full-fledged cadet participants. For more information on AFROTC course descriptions, please review http://wilkes.edu/campus-life/clubs-organizations/air-force-rotc.aspx
For more information on the AFROTC program, please contact ROTCDL@wilkes.edu .
General Military Course (GMC)
The first two years of the four-year program constitute the General Military Course. GMC courses are open to any University student. Students enrolling in these courses do not incur any military service obligation. (Exception: Air Force scholarship recipients incur a commitment at the beginning of their sophomore year.) The GMC curriculum consists of four 1-credit Air and Space Studies courses; a non-credit leadership laboratory each semester, which introduces students to U.S. Air Force history and environment, customs, courtesies, drill and ceremonies, and leadership skills; and Physical Training (PT) twice weekly.
Field Training
Field Training consists of a four-week, 3-credit Air and Space Studies course at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. It provides students an opportunity to observe Air Force units and people at work; to participate in marksmanship, survival, athletics, and leadership training activities; to experience aircraft orientation flights; and to work with contemporaries from other colleges and universities. Transportation from the legal residence of the cadet to the field training base and return, food, lodging, and medical and dental care are provided by the Air Force.
Professional Officer Course (POC)
The final two years of the four-year program comprise the Professional Officer Course (POC). It consists of four 3-credit Air and Space Studies courses, a non-credit leadership laboratory each semester, and Physical Fitness Training sessions throughout the week. To be accepted into the POC, students must pass a physical examination and an Air Force Officer Qualification Test (AFOQT), a physical fitness test, and meet certain academic standards. Additionally, four-year cadets must complete a four-week field training program before POC entry.
Professional Development Program (optional)
The program allows both GMC and POC members to visit a USAF base for up to three weeks during the summer (cadets attending Field Training are not eligible.) PD allows the cadet to “shadow” an active duty officer working in the student’s career interest area. Transportation from the legal residence of the cadet to the PD base (and return), food, lodging, and medical and dental care during the visit are provided by the Air Force. The participating cadet is also provided a nominal stipend during the program.
Scholarships
AFROTC offers full- and partial-tuition scholarships for which qualified students may compete if they enroll in AFROTC. All scholarship awards are based on individual merit, regardless of financial need, with most scholarship recipients determined by central selection boards. Since scholarship applicants must meet certain academic, physical fitness and medical requirement to be considered by the scholarship boards, students should contact the Air and Space Studies Department early in the fall semester. High school students wishing to compete for AFROTC college scholarships must complete and submit an application early in the fall term of their senior year. Contracted cadets also receive a monthly stipend and book allowance.
Commissioning
Students who satisfactorily complete the POC curriculum requirements are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force and will serve on active duty in a career specialty they have chosen, consistent with USAF needs.
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