Program Overview
The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is a college-based program designed to prepare students to become commissioned officers in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) or U.S. Space Force (USSF). It combines academic education, leadership training, and military instruction to develop future leaders for the armed forces.
Overview
AFROTC students, called cadets, attend regular college courses while also participating in AFROTC classes, leadership laboratories, and physical training sessions. The program is typically divided into two main phases:
- General Military Course (GMC): The first two years, focusing on Air Force heritage, leadership fundamentals, and basic military skills.
- Professional Officer Course (POC): The final two years, emphasizing leadership roles, management, and advanced officer preparation.
During the summer between these phases, cadets attend Field Training, an intensive program that tests leadership, discipline, and teamwork. Upon graduation and successful completion of AFROTC requirements, cadets are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Air Force or Space Force. AFROTC offers scholarships, career opportunities, and leadership experience, making it a pathway for students who want to serve as military officers while earning a college degree.
| Year | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 - Freshman (GMC) | Enrollment / Start Initial Quals |
Continue Initial Quals | Continue Initial Quals |
| 200 - Sophomore (GMC) | Complete Initial Quals | POC Selection Process | Field Training |
| 300 - Junior (POC) | Contract (“Enlist”) |
Assignment Boards | Professional Development Training |
| 400 - Senior (POC) | Assignment Quals | Commission | Enter Active Duty |
What You’ll Gain
- Scholarships & Tuition Assistance – Tuition scholarships available to both underclassmen (by application) and upperclassmen (by eligibility), and in-state tuition rates, plus a monthly stipend for contracted students.
- Leadership Development– Hands-on training that builds decision-making, team leadership, and operational skills well beyond the typical classroom experience.
- Career Advantage – Commission as an officer upon graduation and step directly into operations or management—no entry-level waiting line.
- Mentorship & Professional Network – Learn alongside experienced officers and connect with peers who share your drive.
- Specialized Training Opportunities – Access to flight, language, and expeditionary training, special tactics orientation, and Department of Defense internships.
- Balanced Commitments – ROTC requirements are structured to align with your academics, including UND’s aerospace programs.
Launch Your Career with Confidence
Graduating through Air Force ROTC means more than a diploma—it means a defined career path. As an officer in the U.S. Air Force, you’ll earn:
- Competitive starting salary with regular raises and promotion opportunities
- 30 days of paid vacation each year
- Full medical and dental coverage at no cost
- Retirement eligibility after 20 years of service
- As an added bonus, you can travel on military transport aircraft for little to no cost on a space-available basis while on vacation
With assignments across the United States and around the world, you’ll gain leadership experience most professionals don’t see in a lifetime.