The Air Force ROTC program educates and trains students to serve as officers in the active duty US Air Force and U.S. Space Force. Air Force ROTC has three- and four-year programs that culminate in a commission as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. The academic curriculum includes studies in leadership and management, national security affairs, and the development of air and space power. The Leadership Laboratory consists of practical military training, physical fitness, leadership exercises and immersion with the local Air Force installation. Air Force ROTC is not a degree- or certificate-granting program. Academic courses (except AIRS A150) are open to all UAA students. Students who have joined the Cadet Wing and do not have a medical condition that would preclude service in the Armed Forces may participate in the Leadership Laboratory AIRS A150.
To become an officer through Air Force ROTC, a student must, at a minimum, complete the three-year program, a summer field training encampment, and earn a baccalaureate degree in any major from UAA. Upon graduation and commissioning, new lieutenants must serve a minimum of four years in the Air Force. Those who successfully complete Air Force pilot training must serve 10 years after training.
In order to receive a minor in National Defense, Strategic Studies and Leadership: Air Force Emphasis, students must complete the declaration of a minor form on the UAA website.
Two hours of mandatory physical training (PT) are required each week. Times and location of PT sessions will be announced each term.
Three-Year Program
Available to UAA students with three years remaining until graduation. Cadets must take the courses listed below and attend a summer field training encampment prior to starting the 300-level courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AIRS A101 | Heritage and Values of the Department of the Air Force I | 1 |
| AIRS A102 | Heritage and Values of the Department of the Air Force II | 1 |
| AIRS A150 | US Air Force Leadership Laboratory 1 | 6 |
| AIRS A201 | Team and Leadership Fundamentals I | 1 |
| AIRS A202 | Team and Leadership Fundamentals II | 1 |
| AIRS A301 | Leading People and Effective Communication I | 3 |
| AIRS A302 | Leading People and Effective Communication II | 3 |
| AIRS A401 | National Security, Leadership Responsibilities, and Commissioning Preparation I | 3 |
| AIRS A402 | National Security, Leadership Responsibilities, and Commissioning Preparation II | 3 |
Four-Year Program
Available to UAA students with four or more years remaining until graduation. Cadets must take the courses listed below and attend a summer field training encampment prior to starting the 300-level courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AIRS A101 | Heritage and Values of the Department of the Air Force I | 1 |
| AIRS A102 | Heritage and Values of the Department of the Air Force II | 1 |
| AIRS A150 | US Air Force Leadership Laboratory 1 | 8 |
| AIRS A201 | Team and Leadership Fundamentals I | 1 |
| AIRS A202 | Team and Leadership Fundamentals II | 1 |
| AIRS A301 | Leading People and Effective Communication I | 3 |
| AIRS A302 | Leading People and Effective Communication II | 3 |
| AIRS A401 | National Security, Leadership Responsibilities, and Commissioning Preparation I | 3 |
| AIRS A402 | National Security, Leadership Responsibilities, and Commissioning Preparation II | 3 |
Scholarships and Incentive Payments
Air Force ROTC has numerous scholarship and incentive programs for high school seniors planning to enroll at UAA and for college students currently enrolled or planning to enroll at UAA. All students receiving a scholarship or incentive payment must join the Cadet Wing and be a full-time student (at least 12 semester credits for undergraduate or 9 semester credits for graduate students).
- High school seniors can compete for Air Force ROTC scholarships that pay tuition, fees, and books at any university with an Air Force ROTC program. The scholarship includes a monthly stipend. Students can submit applications to www.afrotc.com. Applications must be started no later than December 31 of a student’s senior year but should be started well in advance to ensure all materials are completed.
- Air Force ROTC at UAA has several scholarship options for college students. These scholarships cover tuition, fees, and books for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Scholarships also include a monthly stipend. Students compete for these scholarships during the academic year prior to activation. For example, a 100-level cadet can compete for a scholarship that would start in the fall of the cadet’s 200-level year.
- All scholarships and incentives are subject to federally mandated age restrictions. Contact Air Force ROTC at UAA for more information.
Commissioning
After completing the AFROTC program, graduating from UAA and passing a commissioning physical, cadets will receive a commission as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force or U.S. Space Force.
- Cadets selected for pilot training will usually begin the training within one year of commissioning. Officers who successfully complete Air Force pilot training must serve 10 years. Cadets compete for pilot training slots in their 300-level year. The pilot selection board considers a variety of factors including GPA, cadet ranking, fitness test scores, previous flight time, and pilot aptitude test scores when assessing candidates. Air Force ROTC at UAA has more information on medical and age requirements for Air Force pilots.
- Cadets not qualified for nor interested in pilot training can compete for slots in other career fields. The Air Force and Space Force have a variety of operations, administrative, engineering and scientific career opportunities. Cadets compete for and receive career assignments during the 400-level year and will serve four years (minimum) in the US Air Force or U.S. Space Force after commissioning.
- Cadets may also compete for medical school appointments with the potential for scholarships. Air Force ROTC at UAA has more information on this highly competitive program.