What Is Air Force ROTC?
The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is an educational program designed to give students the opportunity to become Air Force officers while completing their degrees. The Air Force ROTC program is designed to prepare you to assume positions of increasing responsibility and importance in the modern Air Force and Space Force.
Four-Year Program
Air Force ROTC consists of four years of military education. The first two years of the program, taken during your freshman and sophomore years, are called the General Military Course (GMC). As a GMC cadet, you can try out Air Force ROTC for up to two years without incurring any obligations unless you are on an Air Force ROTC scholarship. As you attend class, you'll learn more about the Air Force and the historical development of air power. The last two years are called the Professional Officer Course. These junior- and senior-level classes cover leadership skills and national defense policies and are intended to prepare you to serve as an officer in the Air and Space Forces of the Department of the Air Force.
Detachment 157
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 157 is located at Daytona Beach, Florida. Detachment 157, hosted at ²ÝÝ®ÊÓÆµ, is one of the largest detachments in the country and produces the most officers of any AFROTC unit. It is comprised of five campuses:
- ²ÝÝ®ÊÓÆµ
- Bethune-Cookman University
- Daytona State College
- Stetson University
- University of Central Florida, Daytona Beach Campus
Learn more about the .
Air Force ROTC is hosting virtual information sessions on select Mondays from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. .
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Air Force ROTC: Your Path to Leadership
See how Air Force ROTC turns college students into confident leaders through hands-on training, mentorship and real responsibility. Watch what it takes to earn a commission — and graduate with both a degree and a clear path forward.
Learn More About Air Force ROTC
We are located at the corner of Clyde Morris Boulevard and Richard Petty Boulevard in Daytona Beach, Florida, on the first floor of the Brigadier General William W. Spruance ROTC Center on the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓÆµ Daytona Beach Campus.
Air Force ROTC briefings are held on campus at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, and you can .
To ensure a smooth enrollment process, you will need to attend our (NSOP) prior to the start of the fall semester. NSOP is an excellent opportunity to get to know your fellow new cadets in a relaxed environment. There is limited parking around our facility, so we recommend allowing plenty of time for transit and parking. Attire will be business casual.
Before beginning AFROTC (and prior to NSOP), interested students should set up an online WINGS account and submit their AFROTC application and submit their documents through their WINGS account.
- Create your account.
- Create an AFROTC profile.
- Log in to WINGS with your new ID and password.
- You must complete the entire to-do list.
- Upload your documents from the Fillable Forms packet (use the example forms to complete the fillable forms).
- Official college transcripts (as applicable)
- Completed AFROTC Form 28, Pre-Participatory Sports Physical (completed no earlier than 30 days prior to the term start date).
Note: The AFROTC Form 28 is one of the most critical items. You cannot participate in leadership lab or physical fitness training without it being completed/turned in.
As a first-term freshman, you enroll in AFAS 101 and AFAS 101L (Lab) in the fall, and AFAS 102 and AFAS 102L (Lab) during the spring. If you are a sophomore joining the program and have at least three years left in school, enroll in AFAS 101, AFAS F201 and AFAS 201L.
If you are attending Det 157 from a different university, please email afrotcdb@erau.edu to let us know that you plan to join the detachment in the fall.
If you have any questions about the process or program in general, please email afrotcdb@erau.edu.
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AFROTC offers scholarships for qualified individuals. More information on AFROTC scholarships and to apply for AFROTC scholarships can be found at .
Scholarship Types
- High school scholarships: Three- or four-year scholarships for high school graduates.
- In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP): This program is for cadets after they start college. This scholarship is available on a year-by-year basis from the Air Force ROTC headquarters. It is highly competitive and the distribution of this type of scholarship is based on the following factors: grade point average (GPA), Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA), academic major and class ranking.
Scholarship Information
- All scholarships include a $900 annual book allowance.
- All scholarships include a monthly stipend of $300 to $500.
- All academic majors are eligible to compete. Nearly 80% of scholarships are awarded to technical majors.
- The following offered at Embry-Riddle are eligible to compete for AFROTC scholarships:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Meteorology
- Software Engineering
- Research Meteorology
- Engineering Physics
- Electrical Engineering
- Space Physics
Embry-Riddle Scholarships
If you enter Embry-Riddle on an Air Force ROTC three-year scholarship, Embry-Riddle may provide you with "assurance" money, including scholarships, need-based grants and awards. University funding, in combination with funding from ROTC, cannot exceed the cost of education.
This "assurance" is offered at the discretion of the university's financial aid department, not AFROTC.
Scholarships via Intercollegiate Athletics
ROTC programs enjoy a great partnership with the . With parallel goals of recruiting top students, fostering a spirit of serving others, and developing leaders of tomorrow, there is no question that AFROTC and Eagle Athletics value working together and frequently share student members.
In fact, ROTC students have a strong record of being top-quality players and team leaders. Several members of AFROTC Det 157 are also intercollegiate athletes.
Many of the university's sports programs are ranked among the top 25 teams in the nation and are consistently in the running for conference, regional and even national championships.
The university offers 17 intercollegiate sports programs at the Daytona Beach Campus. These include the following men's teams: baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis and both indoor and outdoor track and field. For women, the programs include basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field and volleyball. Additionally, there is a co-ed cheerleading team.
All students, including AFROTC cadets, may compete for a position on a varsity team. Athletic scholarships are also available.
If you have been a member of a competitive (not recreational) sports team in high school, you may be able to continue your sports career in Embry-Riddle’s top-quality athletics program.
For more information regarding Embry-Riddle Athletics, please contact the Embry-Riddle Intercollegiate Athletic Department at 386-323-5000. Be prepared to provide your athletic and academic information to the coach of your sport.
Get more information in the .
Requirements
- Be enrolled in an accredited college that hosts or has a crosstown agreement with an Air Force ROTC detachment.
- Be a United States citizen (if on scholarship or contracted as a POC — dual citizenship not allowed at that point).
- Be in good physical condition (cadets must pass the Physical Fitness Assessment — see below for more information on the PFA).
- Be of good moral character.
- Attend both the Aerospace Studies class and Leadership Lab each semester.
Fitness Assessment (FA)
The FA is taken each fall and spring term while a cadet is enrolled in Air Force ROTC. All cadets must pass the test each fall and spring term.
The FA is composed of three events in the following order:
- Sit-ups
- Push-ups
- 1.5-mile run
All events must be completed. There is a short rest period between each event. There is a minimum score of 75 points, and all minimums must be met.
As a future leader and warrior in the United States Air Force, you must excel academically, maintain your physical fitness and gain leadership experience. It is essential for you to become a well-rounded individual who understands the history, principles and future of the world's premier Air Force.
Each semester, you will deepen your knowledge of the Air Force and prepare yourself for the challenges ahead. In addition to your required academic classes, you must participate in the Leadership Laboratory (Lead Lab).
Lead Lab provides you with the opportunity to apply what you learn in the classroom. You will develop your skills as an effective follower during the General Military Course (GMC) and transform into an effective leader in the Professional Officer Course (POC).
Freshman Year: Air Force Organization
Your freshman year focuses on providing you with a solid understanding of the Air and Space Force's organization, officership and professionalism, military customs and courtesies and officer career opportunities.
- As a freshman, you must take AF 101 and AF101L, along with AF 102 and AF 102L.
Sophomore Year: Air and Space History
Your sophomore year Air Force classes provide you with the necessary background in air and space history. This historical understanding is provided within the framework of continued emphasis on the Air Force's core values and officership.
- As a sophomore, you must take AF 201 and AF 201L and AF 202 and AF 202L.
Junior Year: Leadership & Management
Your junior year focuses on leadership and management traits essential to serving the nation as Air Force officers. Third-year cadets returning from field training are assigned leadership positions within the Cadet Wing, and the corresponding Air Force academic classes serve to better prepare cadets for the challenges awaiting them.
- As juniors, cadets must take AF 301 and AF 301L and AF 302 and AF302L.
Senior Year: Officer Preparation
Your senior year Air Force classes focus on preparing you to enter active duty as a newly commissioned officer. Topics include regional studies to better prepare you for the diverse locations they may deploy you to during your career. Additional subject matter covered in your senior year includes Air Force doctrine and military justice.
- As seniors, cadets must take AF 401 and AF 401L and AF 402 and AF 402L.
Leadership Laboratory (LLAB)
Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) is a course designed to give you "on-the-job" experience in the areas of Air Force leadership, teamwork and management. LLAB is a practical preparation for Air Force active duty as a second lieutenant.
LLAB, a class like any college laboratory, is graded on a pass/fail basis and consists of Physical Training (PT) and the laboratory. At Det 157, LLAB meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 0700-0900 hours. A typical LLAB week consists of two PT days and one LLAB training day.
All LLABs are planned, organized and conducted by cadets with oversight by the AFROTC staff.
Air Force ROTC Activities
Base Visits
The base visit program is designed to motivate you as an applicant to join AFROTC and to encourage you, as a member of the GMC, to transition into the POC.
Through this program, you will become acquainted with the specific duties performed by Air Force officers, helping you select a career field. You will also have the opportunity to observe Air Force operations and experience life in the Air Force.
Lead Lab Incentive Program (LLIP)
Every year, AFROTC provides funding to detachments across the nation to execute fun, leadership-oriented events under the Lead Lab Incentive Program. LLIP provides another dimension to training by emphasizing teamwork and leadership through hands-on events.
Detachment 157 has hosted the following exciting LLIP events: a NASA trip, night kayaking, paintball, indoor skydiving, rock climbing and a trip to the Florida Air National Guard in Jacksonville, Florida.
LLIP enables cadets to get away from the rigors of school a few times a semester, make stronger friendships and gain a better appreciation for AFROTC training.
Additional Activities
Paintball
Organized by cadets every semester, paintball scenarios help train you to perform while under stress and pressure from oncoming paintballs. The POC cadets organizing the event will give members of the GMC class a mission that they must complete, allowing the GMC cadets to refine their leadership and followership skills.
Commander's Cup
Every semester, Detachment 157 is presented with the challenge of winning the title of Commander's Cup Champion. Commander's Cup is an interservice competition between the Air Force, Navy and Army, taking place once a semester.
Winning the cup is a source of pride carried by the champions until the next semester's showdown. The services are called into fierce competition during an Embry-Riddle soccer game (fall semester) or basketball game (spring semester).
The services compete in events such as tug-of-war, pull-ups, trivia knowledge, attendance and warrior spirit.
Dining In and Dining Out
Detachment 157 hosts a dining-in event each fall term for the POC cadets and a dining-out for all cadets and guests in the spring term. These events give cadets the opportunity to meet socially and create bonds of friendship and a better working relationship in an atmosphere of fellowship and camaraderie.
Socials
Detachment 157 cadets understand that a balance between ROTC and their social life is essential for them to be successful in the program. Cadets at Detachment 157 unwind through social activities, such as beach bashes, tailgate parties, camping and hanging out during non-official Air Force events. These events give cadets a bigger picture of what the Air Force family is all about — working together to accomplish the mission. Some of these events can be seen on our Instagram page, , and our .
Clubs
Embry-Riddle has over 250 student clubs and organizations, which give cadets the opportunity to implement and enhance skills learned from official AFROTC. Below are some standard organizations/clubs that our cadets are a part of:
Silver Wings
Silver Wings is a national, co-ed, professional organization dedicated to creating proactive, knowledgeable and effective civic leaders through community service and education about national defense.
Arnold Air Society
Arnold Air Society is a professional, honorary service organization advocating the support of aerospace power. It provides professional development and community service opportunities, allowing cadets to travel and network with peers from the U.S. Air Force Academy, the senior military colleges and AFROTC detachments nationwide.
- The organization’s objectives are to:
- Foster more efficient relationships among Air Force officer candidates, particularly within the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.
- Offer additional opportunities for officer candidates to exercise leadership, management, organizational and public relations skills.
- Provide opportunities for officer candidates to participate in campus and community service activities, demonstrating the close relationship between civilian and military institutions.
Rated (Flying) Career Fields
Competition for rated slots is based on merit and is very competitive. The Air Force seeks the highest-qualified applicants for , , and career fields. A selection board at AFROTC Headquarters — not at local detachments — determines rated positions.
- Please go to the to learn about these exciting career fields.
Order of Merit Criteria
Selection for a rated position is based on a cadet's Order of Merit, which is determined by the following criteria:
- Cumulative GPA
- Fitness Assessment (FA) Results: Based on a 100-point scale and consists of sit-ups, push-ups and a 1.5-mile run.
- Pilot Candidate Scoring Method (PCSM) Results — The PCSM results are comprised of:
- Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) Pilot Score: A standardized, multiple-choice test similar to the SAT in format. AFOQTs are administered several times during the school year. Cadets may take the AFOQT twice (six months apart), with the most recent score being used toward the PCSM score.
- Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS) Score: A test that includes five subtests measuring psychomotor skills, cognitive aptitude and personality traits.
- Total Flying Hours: While flying hours contribute to the overall PCSM score, they constitute only a small percentage of the total. Flight hours are helpful but not required to receive a rated position.
- Field Training (FT) Results: Cadets train and are selected for FT. This is a mandatory program designed to develop leadership, discipline and potential for entry into the Professional Officer Course. FT typically occurs between the sophomore and junior years.
- Commander's Ranking: The Detachment Commander evaluates cadets based on the "whole person" concept, ranking them in relation to their peers. The overall officership potential is based on factors such as maturity, judgment and overall performance within the cadet corps.
Note: Academic major is not a factor for rated selection. Contrary to popular belief, a cadet majoring in fields like Aeronautical Science or Aerospace Engineering is not given higher consideration over a cadet majoring in Human Factors Psychology.
Non-Rated (Non-Flying) Career Fields
After earning your college degree and completing the Air Force ROTC program, you’ll be ready for an exciting career as an Air Force officer, applying your education and leadership skills on behalf of your country. This responsibility comes with a high level of honor and respect every time you put on the uniform. The selection of Air Force career occurs during a cadet’s junior year and is based on the following criteria:
- Classes Completed (for example, the Air Force will not assign you as an engineer if you have never taken engineering classes).
- Cumulative GPA
- Fitness Assessment (FA) Results: The FA is based on a 100-point scale consisting of sit-ups, push-ups and a 1.5-mile run.
- Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT): A standardized, multiple-choice test similar to the SAT in format. AFOQTs are administered several times during the school year.
- Field Training (FT) Results: Cadets train and are selected for FT. This is a mandatory program designed to develop leadership, discipline and potential for entry into the Professional Officer Course. FT typically occurs between the sophomore and junior years.
- Commander’s Ranking: As the Detachment Commander, you evaluate cadets using the “whole person” concept and rank them in relation to their peers. The ranking is based on maturity, judgment and performance within the cadet corps.
The United States Space Force recruits the brightest minds in technology, aerospace and engineering. Our Guardians reach for new heights beyond the atmosphere as they protect our freedoms, imagine the impossible and put it into orbit.
Selection for a Space Force career occurs during the cadet’s junior year based on the following criteria:
- Cumulative GPA
- Fitness Assessment (FA) Results: Based on a 100-point scale consisting of sit-ups, push-ups and a 1.5-mile run.
- Interview Assessment: Prospective Guardians should review the Chief of Space Operations Planning Guidance, Space Doctrine, Space Power Disciplines and Guardian Ideal as they consider their personal and professional aspirations. Familiarity with the Guardian Commitment (contained in the Guardian Ideal) ensures candidates are a good fit for the U.S. Space Force (USSF).
- Space-Centric Extracurricular Activities: Cadets are encouraged to deepen their understanding of the space domain and the necessary competencies for building high-performing teams. Some examples include but are not limited to the Rocket Club, STEM tutoring, Astronomy Club, space-related internships and more.
- Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT): A standardized, multiple-choice test similar to the SAT in format. AFOQTs are administered several times during the school year.
- Field Training (FT) Results: Cadets train and are selected for FT. This is a mandatory program designed to develop leadership, discipline and potential for entry into the Professional Officer Course. FT typically occurs between the sophomore and junior years.
- Commander's Ranking: The Detachment Commander evaluates cadets based on the "whole person" concept and ranks them in relation to their peers. This ranking is based on maturity, judgment and overall performance within the cadet corps.
Use the links below to gather more information on your future Space Force career field.
Related Resources
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