Aerospace Studies

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Department Head: Lieutenant Colonel Richard J. Reed
Location: Military Science Building, Room 107
Phone: (435) 797-8723
FAX: (435) 797-8733
E-mail: afrotc.det860@usu.edu
Website: afrotc.usu.edu

Undergraduate Programs

Objectives

Air Force ROTC provides educational experiences that develop skills and attitudes vital to the career of an Air Force officer. The purpose of the courses within AFROTC is to give an understanding of the mission and the global responsibilities of the United States Air Force. The academic phase develops background in national and international affairs to help understand and evaluate world events.

In addition, the curriculum includes experiences designed to stimulate and develop an interest in the Air Force (e.g., orientation flights and visits to Air Force bases); opportunities to apply the principles of leadership, human relations, management, and staff work in practical situations; and other related experiences.

Upon completion of an undergraduate degree of the student’s choosing and the Air Force ROTC program, the cadet will commission as an officer into the Air Force or Space Force.

Requirements

GPA Requirements

All previous coursework attempted will be used to calculate the ROTC institution GPA.  Cadets must have an institution GPA of 2.0 or greater to remain as an active cadet in Air Force ROTC.  In order to be nominated for scholarship, to compete for an enrollment allocation or to contract, institution GPA must be above a 2.5.

Physical Fitness and Medical

All students must meet the physical fitness standards provided by the Air Force and medical standards for general military service through the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board before being selected for Field Training.

Age Limitations

Pilot and navigator category applicants must enter undergraduate flying training prior to age 32. Other applicants must receive an enrollment allocation before reaching age 39. The maximum age restriction may be waived for individuals scheduled for commissioning after age 39, but prior to age 42. By law, scholarship recipients must be under age 30, as of December 31 of the calendar year during which commissioning is scheduled. Title 10, United States Code, Section 2107 does not provide for waivers.

Veterans

Veterans may apply for the Air Force ROTC program if they meet the academic, physical, medical and age qualifications.

Commitment

Most officers have a four-year commitment. However, pilots have a commitment of ten years after pilot training, and combat systems operators, air battle managers and remotely piloted aircraft pilots have a commitment of six years after their training. Cadets are not committed to joining the Air Force unless they have finished Field Training (Summer after Sophomore year) or receive an AFROTC scholarship.

Future Educational Benefits

During their senior year, a cadet may request a delay to active duty to continue studies toward a graduate degree. The length of the delay depends upon the student’s request and the Air Force needs.

Through a variety of Air Force programs, officers may continue their education after going on active duty. Most bases have extensive on base graduate college programs. ROTC graduates may be eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill®*, the post 9/11 GI Bill®* and/or the Tuition Assistance Program to pursue a graduate degree.

The Air Force Institute of Technology provides full-time graduate study for selected officers. Some classes are taught in residence at the institute’s campus at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, and others are taught at civilian universities.

Many officers make the Armed Forces their career, but some use the skills and training obtained in military service for civilian jobs. Most private businesses and government agencies require the same basic skills that are needed for jobs in military service. Air Force training and experience provide excellent leadership skills and can be a valuable asset in obtaining civilian employment.

Additional Information

For additional details about requirements for the Aerospace Studies program, see the official AFROTC Detachment 860 webpage at usu.edu/aerospace/

Scholarships and Financial Opportunities

Air Force ROTC scholarships are available on a competitive basis in four-, three-, and two-year awards. These scholarships provide up to full tuition, laboratory and incidental fees, plus a $900-per-year allowance for textbooks. The High School Scholarship Program (HSSP) for high school students is announced annually through the Air Force ROTC website at: afrotc.com. This website contains information regarding eligibility requirements and application procedures, as well as an online application.

In College Scholarship Program (ICSP) (2.5 GPA): The ICSP is open to college freshmen and sophomores. This is open to students enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program. The detachment commander nominates eligible applicants for this scholarship. Nominees are rank-ordered based on their leadership abilities, grades, fitness, and overall participation in the Air Force ROTC program.

All students on contract (either on an Air Force ROTC scholarship or contracted in the Professional Officer Course) receive a tax-free stipend of $250-$500 for each month during the school year.

Uniforms and Texts

All Air Force ROTC texts and uniforms are furnished at no expense to the student.

Miscellaneous Information

Career Opportunities

To meet the challenges, keep up with technological advancements, and explore the opportunities of the ever-broadening horizons in the aerospace age, officers possessing a variety of skills are required by the Air Force. Interested students should contact the Aerospace Studies Department for information on the Air Force career opportunities related to their academic major.  

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at benefits.va.gov/gibill.

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