Aerospace Studies

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

Requirements

Physical Fitness and Medical

All students must meet the physical fitness and medical standards for general military service.

Age Limitations

Pilot and navigator category applicants must enter undergraduate flying training prior to age 30. AFROTC pilot and navigator candidates must be scheduled for commissioning before reaching 29 years of age. Other applicants must receive an enrollment allocation before reaching age 30. The maximum age restriction may be waived for individuals scheduled for commissioning after age 34, but prior to age 35. Public Law 88-647 prohibits commissioning or active duty entrance after age 35. By law, scholarship recipients must be under age 31, 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

A veteran may apply for the Air Force ROTC program if he or she can complete the program prior to reaching age 30, with a year for year waiver up to age 35 for each year of active duty service. (The waiver does not apply to the maximum age at graduation to enter flight training of 29.) The general military course (first two years) may be waived for prior military service. However, veterans must successfully complete AS 3400  prior to entering the two-year program.

Commitment

Most officers have a four-year commitment. However, pilots have a commitment of ten years after pilot training, and combat systems operators and remotely piloted aircraft pilots have a commitment of six years after their training. Air battle managers have a six-year commitment as well.

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 major requirement sheet, which can be obtained from the department.

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: http://www.afrotc.com. This website contains information regarding eligibility requirements and application procedures, as well as an online application. Generally, students must use the online application. If this is not possible, HQ AFROTC/DOR will work out an alternative application plan on a case-by-case basis. Students must apply by December 1 of their senior year in high school. Once a scholarship has been awarded, students must maintain a 2.5 GPA in order to avoid loss of scholarship entitlements.

In College Scholarship Program (ICSP) (2.5 GPA): The ICSP is open to college freshmen and sophomores in any major. The program is divided into two selection phases and awards Type 2 (tuition capped at $18,000 per year), Type 3 (tuition capped at $9,000 per year), or Type 6 (tuition capped at $3,000 per year) scholarships for two or three years.

This is open to students enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program. Eligible applicants are nominated for this scholarship by the detachment commander. Nominees are rank-ordered based on their leadership abilities, grades, fitness, and overall participation in the Air Force ROTC program.   Freshman nominees are awarded a three-year scholarship, and sophomores receive a two-year scholarship. All scholarships are activated for the following fall semester.

In-College Commander’s Leadership Scholarship (ICLS): In addition to awarding the competitive scholarships, detachment commanders may award one noncompetitive scholarship to a fully qualified first-year student following the fall semester. This scholarship may be activated for the spring semester. Depending on funding, commanders may award additional ICLS scholarships.

All students on contract (either on an Air Force ROTC scholarship or contracted in the Professional Officer Course) receive a tax-free stipend of $300-500 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.

Aerospace Studies Faculty

Professor
Lt Colonel Karilynne Wallace

Assistant Professors
Captain Mitcheal A. Cooksey, Jr., Unit Admissions Officer

NCOIC, Knowledge Ops Mgmt
Technical Sergeant Chad V. Villanueva

NCOIC, Personnel
Technical Sergeant Allan L. Arcia