Joining The Air Force ROTC Program

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is one of the three primary sources of commissioned officers for the United States Air Force. The other two are the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) and the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS). The Air Force ROTC is a subordinate command of the Air University, which is the Intellectual and Leadership Center of the Air Force.

The Air Force ROTC is not only the largest but also the oldest source of commissioned officers for the US Air Force. The Air Force ROTC’s stated mission is to produce quality leaders for the US Air Force, and through its core values of integrity, service, and excellence, the Air Force ROTC will fulfill its mission. The Air Force ROTC offers two educational programs to aspiring officers. One is the Air Force Senior ROTC Program, and the other, Air Force Junior ROTC Program.

The Air Force Senior ROTC Program recruits, educates and commissions officer candidates through college campus programs based on requirements given by the Air Force. These units at colleges are called “detachments.”

An active duty US Air Force officer with the rank of colonel or lieutenant colonel typically heads these detachments. The US Air Force officer functions as both the Detachment Commander for USAF purposes and with the nominal title of Professor of Aerospace Studies (PAS) within the institution’s academic community. On the other hand, the Air Force Junior ROTC Program provides citizenship training and an aerospace science program at the high school level.

Air Force ROTC offers more than just military training and more than just a military career in the future. As an officer, trainees train to lead future personnel. Along with the training comes management experience, which can be useful for an Air Force officer or for a manager in a civilian profession. If you think you are up to the challenge of the Air Force ROTC, the rewards of the training will last you a lifetime even if you do not pursue a military career.

Tagged as: AFROTC, Air Force ROTC