Enlisted Airmen

 

New Jersey National Guard Tuition Program (NJNGTP)

New Jersey Guardsmen are eligible for the New Jersey National Guard Tuition Program (NJNGTP), which provides a 100% tuition waiver for up to 16 credit hours per semester at state colleges and universities. This benefit includes master’s and professional degrees and applies to Rutgers University or any affiliated crosstown schools.

Guardsmen can simultaneously serve in the Guard and participate in their college's Air Force ROTC program. They maintain tuition waivers and health care benefits while enrolled in Air Force ROTC, up until 30 days before commissioning. Upon commissioning as an Air Force officer, members will transition to active duty unless they have pre-arranged an officer billet with the Guard.

If you are interested in joining the New Jersey Air National Guard, please visit: https://www.airforce.com/ways-to-serve/air-national-guard/new-jersey.

For more information on how to apply for a tuition waiver at Rutgers, please visit: https://scarlethub.rutgers.edu/financial-services/national-guard-tuition-waivers/

Air Force ROTC offers a number of scholarship programs that offers highly-qualified active duty enlisted Airmen the opportunity to pursue their college degree and commission as an officer.

High School Scholarship Program (HSSP)

Active-duty military members without any full-time college experience may apply for the HSSP if they have an established date of separation and meet the eligibility requirements outlined in HSSP Scholarship Applicant Guide. 

If the member intends to separate early from the military, the member must apply through one of the below Enlisted Commissioning Programs. Guard and Reserve members may apply, but must obtain a signed DD Form 368, Request for Conditional Release, from their component to contract with AFROTC by the scholarship’s activation deadline.

For more information, visit https://www.afrotc.com/apply/ and https://afrotc.rutgers.edu/scholarships-highschoolseniors.
 

Airman Scholarship & Commissioning Program (ASCP)

ASCP offers RegAF enlisted personnel the opportunity to earn a commission while completing their bachelor’s degree as an AFROTC cadet. Scholarships range from two (2) to four (4) years in length. Participants receive payment for tuition and scholarship fees, an annual textbook allowance, and a monthly stipend when the scholarship is activated. AFROTC scholarships do not pay for room and board costs.

Eligibility:

  • At least 1 year Time on Station (TOS) and 1 year Time in Service (TIS)
  • Must have achieved a 5-skill level
  • 12–36 college credits from an accredited college (not including CCAF)
  • Passing AFOQT scores
  • Passing PT scores, no PT/morale waivers or profiles
  • No more than 36 college credits; otherwise, apply for POC-ERP

Application Timeline:

  • Package preparation begins in October
  • Application window: 01 Nov – 03 Feb each year
  • Submit completed packages to afrotc.rrue@us.af.mil by 03 Feb
  • Selections announced in mid-March via PSDM
  • Separation date: ~1 month before school starts
    ​

Scholarships For Outstanding Airmen And Guardians To ROTC (SOAR)

SOAR allocates scholarship quotas to MAJCOMs, FLDCOMS, field operating agencies, SF Elements, and direct-reporting units for outstanding Airmen and Guardians. If qualified and selected by the AFROTC board, Airmen and Guardians receive scholarships to a college or university offering AFROTC for a period ranging from three (3) to four (4) years. Commanders are encouraged to seek out their strongest performers with exceptional potential, motivating them to complete college degrees and be commissioned through AFROTC. RegAF and SF personnel are discharged from active duty and enlisted in the AFR-Obligated Reserve Section to accept the scholarships and enroll in AFROTC.

SOAR follows the same requirements as ASCP, but requires a MAJCOM/CC endorsement and must be submitted to AFROTC/RRUE by the MAJCOM.

  • Follows same eligibility requirements as ASCP
  • Packages must be submitted by MAJCOM A1s to afrotc.rrue@us.af.mil by 03 Feb
  • MAJCOMs may set earlier internal deadlines—expect guidance around November/December
     

Professional Officer Course-Early Release Program (POC-ERP)

The POC-ERP offers RegAF Airmen with no more than two years of college remaining an opportunity to separate early from active duty and finish their bachelor’s degree while participating in AFROTC. The goal is to earn a commission within a 2-year window.

Unlike ASCP and SOAR, POC-ERP requires applicants to already hold an associate’s degree (not including CCAF) but must not have a completed bachelor’s degree. Earning a bachelor's degree at any point disqualifies applicants from ASCP, SOAR, and POC-ERP.

No tuition scholarship is provided, but cadets may still receive the AFROTC monthly stipend and textbook allowance.

  • Follows same eligibility requirements as ASCP
  • Application window: 01 Nov – 03 Feb each year
  • Submit completed packages to afrotc.rrue@us.af.mil by 03 Feb
  • Selections announced in mid-March via PSDM
  • Separation date: ~1 month before school starts
     

Tips for a Successful Enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP) Application

  • Start Early on Required Forms: Many documents require squadron or commander signatures, which can take time to route. Begin gathering and completing forms well before the application deadline to avoid last-minute delays.
  • Secure College Admission Early: You must be accepted to a university with an AFROTC detachment or a crosstown affiliate to be eligible for ASCP, SOAR, or POC-ERP. If your primary school cannot admit you in time, consider schools listed under Detachment 485’s crosstown agreements, which allow you to attend their institution while participating in AFROTC at Rutgers.
  • Prepare Thoroughly for the AFOQT: The AFOQT is a critical part of your application and may only be taken up to three times in your lifetime. There is a 6-month waiting period between attempts, and the third attempt requires Wing/CC approval. Use quality study resources such as Quizlet or reputable prep books available online.
  • Obtain a Strong Letter of Recommendation: While a letter from your SQ/CC is required, a second recommendation—particularly from a senior leader who knows your potential—can add significant strength to your package.
  • Engage with Your Leadership: Your AF Form 56 acts as a performance interview. Proactively building rapport with your chain of command can positively influence the endorsement and rating you receive. Visibility and professionalism matter—make every interaction count.

For help with any enlisted commissioning program, applicants should contact the HQ AFROTC Enlisted Commissioning Programs Office and request access to the “AFROTC Enlisted Commissioning Programs” channel on DAF Teams.

This channel contains all required forms, instructions, and guidance. Once added:

  • Navigate to your specific program tab (ASCP, SOAR, or POC-ERP)
  • Open the "Files" section
  • Click on “ECP Documents” to find everything you need, including:
    • Step-by-step guidance for completing the AF Form 56
    • Required documents and forms for your application package
    • The official AFROTC ECP Checklist

This checklist outlines all eligibility requirements and ensures your package is complete before submission.

HQ AFROTC Enlisted Commissioning Programs
60 West Maxwell Blvd
Montgomery, AL 36112-6501
☎COMM:  334-953-5122
☎DSN:  (94) 493-5122
afrotc.rrue@us.af.mil