FAQs

What are the requirements to join?

• US Citizen (or permanent resident at most one year away from obtaining citizenship)
• Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
• Full-time college student
• At least 3 years (6 semesters) of college remaining

For more information please visit: AFROTC requirements.

What are the minimum fitness standards?

For cadets under 25 years old, the fitness standards are as follows:

These minimums are not required to join the program but must be met by the time the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) is administered at the end of each semester.

To progress in the program, you must pass all three categories and achieve a total score of 75 by the end of your first semester in ROTC and maintain this score every semester as a cadet. 

What is my weekly schedule?

The weekly time commitment for mandatory training during the academic semester is 5-8 hours. Between your sophomore and junior years, you will attend Field Training for 3-4 weeks during the summer. There is no mandatory training during all other winter, summer, and academic holidays.

We recommend that interested students plan in advance to accommodate the weekly training by avoiding scheduled classes or responsibilities during the times listed below:

• Physical Training (PT): Tuesdays @ 0650-0750 / Fridays @ 0850-0950
• Leadership Lab (LLAB): Fridays, 0650-0850
• Aerospace Studies (AS) Class
  • AS100 (Freshmen) - Fridays, 1225-1320
  • AS200 (Sophomore) - Fridays, 1330-1425
  • AS300/400 (Junior/Senior) - Wednesdays, 0650-0950

(CAO Spring 2025)

What is the curriculum?

Air Force ROTC curriculum is separated into four major areas: Profession of Arms, Communication Skills, Leadership Studies, and Military Studies/International Security Studies. Visit Program Curriculum to learn more. 

What is the commitment for joining?

Joining ROTC initially comes with no commitment until you accept a scholarship or contract, typically at the end of your sophomore year (second year of ROTC). This allows students to explore the program, develop leadership skills, and decide if the military path aligns with their goals before making any long-term commitments.

Once you commission as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, the active duty service commitment varies depending on your career path:

• Non-Rated Officers (e.g., in support, logistics, or administration roles):
  • Standard commitment: 4 years of active duty.
• Rated Officers (e.g., Pilot, Combat Systems Officer, Air Battle Manager, or Remotely Piloted Aircraft Officer):
  • Commitment ranges from 6 to 10 years of active duty after completing specialized training:
    • Pilot: 10 years.
    • Combat Systems Officer (CSO): 6 years.
    • Air Battle Manager (ABM): 6 years.
    • Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Officer: 6 years.

Will I deploy while in Air Force ROTC?

No, you will not deploy while in Air Force ROTC. 

As a cadet, you are a college student, not an active-duty service member, and your focus is on academics, leadership training, and preparing for commissioning. The only extended training you’ll attend is Field Training, a 3-4 week program between your sophomore and junior year, which takes place in a controlled environment—not a deployment setting. Deployment only occurs after you commission as an officer, graduate from college, and begin active duty service.

What type of scholarships does Air Force ROTC offer?

In college scholarships are available to all majors on a case-by-case basis. Click here to learn more about high school scholarships.

What type are jobs are available in the Air Force and Space Force?

Pilot, Navigator, Space, Missiles, Intelligence, Weather, Cyber, Maintenance, Logistics, Nursing, Developmental Engineer, Acquisitions, Security Forces, Contracting, and Finance just to name a few.

Visit Air Force Jobs to learn more. 

Are there more websites for information and videos?

Air Force.com
Space Force.com
Air Force & College
Air Force Daily Video

Couldn't find your answer?

Please visit https://www.afrotc.com/contact/help for more information.