Air Force Aerospace Studies

LT COL LEE FISCHER, DEPARTMENT HEAD

PROFESSOR: Lt Col Lee Fischer

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS: Capt Justin Baker, Capt Jacob Fillinger

INSTRUCTOR: TSgt DeAndre Tipton

AFROTC Mission

The mission of AFROTC is to develop Air and Space Force leaders of character whom we expect to fight and win our nation’s wars. Successful graduates of the AFROTC program receive a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force or Space Force.

Air Force Mission: Fly, fight and win...airpower anytime, anywhere.

Space Force Mission: Secure our nation’s interests in, from, and to space.

AFROTC Programs

There are two traditional pathways to an Air Force commission through AFROTC. Entering students may enroll in the Air Force Four-Year Program. Students who have at least three academic years remaining in college may apply for the Accelerated Program.

Four- or Five-Year Program

The preferred option is the traditional Four-Year Program. To enroll, simply register for Air Force Aerospace Studies during the fall term of your freshman year, just as you would for other college courses. There is no military obligationfor the first two years of AFROTC unless you hold an AFROTC scholarship.

Standard Progression:

General Military Course (GMC): The first two years are known as the GMC. Classes meet one hour per week and are required for freshmen and sophomores.
Field Training: Qualified Officer Candidates will attend the four-week AFROTC Field Training program, typically between their sophomore and junior years.
Professional Officers Course (POC): Individuals who successfully complete the GMC compete nationwide for entry into the POC. POC classes meet three hours per week and are required for all juniors and seniors. Officer Candidates enrolled in the POC who are on scholarship receive a nontaxable subsistence allowance of up to $500 per month.

Accelerated Program

For students who do not enroll in AFROTC during their first year of college, it is possible to condense the two years of GMC membership into a single year, provided the student has at least three years of college remaining.

Other Aspects of the AFROTC Program

Leadership Laboratory

AFROTC Officer Candidates participate in a Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) where leadership skills and management theories acquired in the classroom are put into practice. The LLAB meets once a week for approximately two hours.

Formal military training within the LLAB is directed by junior and senior officer candidates. Freshmen and sophomores develop foundational skills in problem-solving, leadership, team building, drill, customs and courtesies, and career preparation. Meanwhile, juniors and seniors advance their experience by organizing wing activities and leading the Leadership Laboratory itself.

Field Training

This summer program is designed to develop military leadership and discipline while evaluating performance. Simultaneously, the Air Force evaluates each student’s potential as an officer. Field Training includes expeditionary operations, Air Force professional development, marksmanship training, physical fitness, and survival training.

Base Visits

AFROTC Officer Candidates may have the opportunity to visit Air Force bases to observe the operating Air Force firsthand.

Additional Information

Beyond formal activities, the cadet wing plans and organizes a full schedule of social events throughout the academic year. These include a Dining-In, Military Ball, Field Day, and intramural sports activities.

Professional Development Training Programs may also be available to selected volunteer Officer Candidates during the summer. Opportunities include advanced training, internships with government agencies, combatives training, and global cultural language and immersion training. Opportunities vary by year. Students may also participate in organizations such as the Arnold Air Society, Drill Team, and Civil Air Patrol.

Educational Objectives

Students who successfully complete the AFROTC program will develop:

An understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of Airpower and Spacepower.
A basic understanding of associated professional knowledge.
A strong sense of personal integrity, honor, and individual responsibility.
An appreciation of the requirements for national security.

Air Force Aerospace Studies

Classes

AS 1001: Heritage and Values I (General Military Course)

Program/Department