Reserve Officers Training Corps - Air Force

The Program

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program provides education and training to prepare men and women to become Air Force officers while completing their college degree. To accomplish this, the Air Force, with the approval of the University of Kansas, has established a curriculum that allows a student to commission as an officer in either 3- or 4- years. Students with previous college credit require a 2.0 GPA to enroll.

The Program

The 3- and 4-year Air Force ROTC programs are divided into the General Military Course (GMC) and Professional Officer Course (POC). Each cadet must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to be in the program.

General Military Course (GMC)

The GMC is offered during the first two years of college and constitutes an introduction to the present day Air Force. The emphasis is on the role of military forces in world affairs, customs and courtesies, being an officer, professionalism, the mission and organization of the Air Force, and the history of air power. All necessary textbooks, classroom material, uniforms, and other equipment are furnished at no cost. Students who have completed the GMC, have met academic, physical and medical standards, and have successfully completed 4 weeks of Field Training may enter the Professional Officer Course (POC).

The GMC is composed of a total of 4 courses. A student may enter the GMC at one of three points (if eligible).

1. Entering First Semester – First Year Students (Freshmen Year)

First Semester:
AIR 100 - Leadership Laboratory - 0 credits
AIR 144 - Foundations of the USAF - 1 credit

Second Semester:
AIR 100 - Leadership Laboratory - 0 credits
AIR 148 - Foundations of the USAF - 1 credit

Third Semester:
AIR 100 - Leadership Laboratory - 0 credits
AIR 284 - Airpower History- 1 credit

Fourth Semester:
AIR 100 - Leadership Laboratory - 0 credits
AIR 288 - Airpower History - 1 credit

2. Entering Second Semester – First Year Students (Freshmen Year)

First Semester:
AIR 100 - Leadership Laboratory - 0 credits
AIR 148 - Foundations of the USAF - 1 credit

Second Semester:
AIR 100 - Leadership Laboratory - 0 credits
AIR 144 - Foundations of the USAF - 1 credit
AIR 284 - Airpower History - 1 credit

Third Semester:
AIR 100 - Leadership Laboratory - 0 credits
AIR 288 - Airpower History - 1 credit

3. Entering Third Semester – Second Year Students (Sophomore Year)

Students with previous college credit require a 2.0 GPA to enroll.

First Semester:
AIR 100 - Leadership Laboratory - 0 credits
AIR 148 - Foundations of the USAF - 1 credit
AIR 284 - Airpower History - 1 credit

Second Semester:
AIR 100 - Leadership Laboratory - 0 credits
AIR 144 - Foundations of the USAF - 1 credit
AIR 288 - Airpower History - 1 credit

Professional Officer Course (POC)

The POC normally is taken during the final 2 years of college. The emphasis is on leadership and management, organizational patterns, technologies, military policies and procedures and provides in-depth study of national security affairs. Cadets also learn and practice communication, leadership and management skills. POC cadets receive a non-taxable subsistence allowance. All necessary textbooks, classroom material, uniforms, and other equipment are furnished at no cost.

The POC is composed of a total of 4 courses.

First Year (Junior Year)

First Semester:
AIR 100 - Leadership Laboratory - 0 credits
AIR 344 - Leadership Studies - 3 credits

Second Semester:
AIR 100 - Leadership Laboratory - 0 credits
AIR 348 - Leadership Studies - 3 credits

Second Year (Senior Year)

First Semester:
AIR 100 - Leadership Laboratory - 0 credits
AIR 404 - National Security Affairs - 3 credits

Second Semester:
AIR 100 - Leadership Laboratory - 0 credits
AIR 408 - National Security Affairs - 3 credits

Scholarships

High school seniors may apply for Air Force ROTC scholarships covering the 4-year college period. Some technical majors, such as engineering, are regularly approved for five-year scholarship support. Students should apply no later than December 1 of the senior year of high school. Online applications are available beginning 1 June of the junior year.

Qualified college students can compete for 2- and 3- year scholarship opportunities. These are awarded competitively and students automatically qualify to compete if they meet designated standards.

Scholarships generally cover tuition, laboratory and incidental fees, $600 a year for books, and the non-taxable subsistence allowance. Visit the afrotc.com for more information and to apply online for a high school scholarship.

Courses

AIR 100. Leadership Laboratory. 0 Credits.

The AS 100 and AS 200 Leadership Laboratory courses (LLABs) include a study of Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, and military commands. The LLAB also includes studying the environment of an Air Force officer and learning about areas of opportunity available to commissioned officers. The AS 300 and AS 400 LLABs consist of activities classified as leadership and management experiences. They involve the planning and controlling of military activities of the cadet corps and the preparation and presentation of briefings and other oral and written communications. LLABs also include interviews, guidance, and information which will increase the understanding, motivation, and performance of other cadets. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

AIR 144. Heritage and Values of the United States Air Force I. 1 Credits.

Survey course designed to introduce students to the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Featured topics include: Air Force Leadership, opportunities and benefits in the Air Force, our heritage and values, Air Force operations, principles of war, and an introduction to communication skills. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC cadets and complements this course by providing cadets with followership experiences.

AIR 148. Heritage and Values of the United States Air Force II. 1 Credits.

AIR 284. Team and Leadership Fundamentals I. 1 Credits.

A course designed to provide a fundamental understanding of both leadership and team building. It examines many layers to leadership, including aspects that don't always jump to mind such as listening, understanding, being a good follower and problem solving efficiently. The students will apply these leadership perspectives when completing team building activities and discussing things like conflict management, motivation, standards and accountability, and stress management. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC cadets and complements this course by providing cadets with followership experiences.

AIR 288. Team and Leadership Fundamentals II. 1 Credits.

AIR 344. Leading People and Effective Communication I. 3 Credits.

This course designed to build on the leadership fundamentals taught in AIR 284 and 288. The goal is for students to have a more in-depth understanding of how to effectively lead people, and provide them with the tools to use in leadership roles. The class is centered on leadership and ethics, and is mostly guided discussion with the intent of helping students think about leadership through their own lens. Additionally, students will hone their writing and briefing skills, and this class is designed to get them used to public speaking. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC cadets and complements this course by providing advanced leadership experiences in officer-type activities, giving students the opportunity to apply the leadership principles taught in this course.

AIR 348. Leading People and Effective Communication II. 3 Credits.

AIR 404. National Security/Leadership Responsibilities and Commissioning Preparation I. 3 Credits.

This course will teach students to comprehend the basic elements of national security policy and process. The student should know basic air force domain operations as well as understand selected roles of the military in society and current domestic and international issues affecting the military profession. Students should understand the responsibility, authority, and functions of an Air Force commander and selected provisions of the military justice system. The final portion of this course is designed to prepare AFROTC cadets for life as a second lieutenant, and prepare them to transition from civilian life to military life. Leadership Laboratory complements this course by providing advanced leadership experiences giving students the opportunity to apply leadership principles in a dynamic setting.

AIR 408. National Security/Leadership Responsibilities and Commissioning Preparation II. 3 Credits.

2025-26 Academic Catalog

Reserve Officers Training Corps - Air Force

The Program

The Program

General Military Course (GMC)

Professional Officer Course (POC)

First Year (Junior Year)

First Semester:
AIR 100 - Leadership Laboratory - 0 credits
AIR 344 - Leadership Studies - 3 credits

Second Year (Senior Year)

Scholarships

Courses

Contact Info

Air Force: Department of Air & Space Studies

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