Program Structure

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is a premier leadership development program designed to train and prepare future officers for the U.S. Air and Space Force. This rigorous and competitive program focuses on academics, leadership skills, physical fitness, and moral character.

The AFROTC program typically spans four years and is divided into two phases:

General Military Course (GMC)

The GMC includes freshman and sophomore cadets. Participation in this phase does not require a military commitment unless the cadet accepts an AFROTC scholarship. Upon successful completion all GMC requirements, cadets compete for selection into the next phase: the Professional Officer Course (POC).

Professional Officer Course (POC)

POC cadets, typically juniors and seniors, take on leadership roles and manage training programs within the Cadet Wing. Before entering the POC, selected cadets must complete Field Training (FT)—a multi-week capstone course designed to evaluate leadership potential. 

Selection for the POC is competitive and based on:

  • Medical qualification for military service
  • Cumulative GPA
  • Physical fitness scores
  • Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) results
  • Completion of Field Training
  • Recommendation from the Professor of Aerospace Studies (PAS)

AFROTC Curriculum

Freshman Year (AS100)

  • MAS 110/111 – Department of the Air Force Professionalism/Competition & Security (1 credit hour per term)
  • MAS 115/116 – Leadership Lab & Physical Training (3 credit hours per term)

Sophomore Year (AS200)

  • MAS 210/211 – Team and Leadership Fundamentals (1 credit hour per term)
  • MAS 215/216 – Leadership Lab & Physical Training (3 credit hours per term)

Field Training (FT)

A mandatory summer training course between sophomore and junior years. FT assesses military leadership, discipline, and cadet performance against peers nationwide. Successful completion is required for POC entry.

Junior Year (AS300)

  • MAS 310/311 – Leading People & Effective Communication (3 credit hours per term)
  • MAS 315/316 – Leadership Lab & Physical Training (3 credit hours per term)

Senior Year (AS400)

  • MAS 410/411 – National Security Affairs & Preparation for Active Duty (3 credit hours per term)
  • MAS 415/416 – Leadership Lab & Physical Training (3 credit hours per term)

Leadership Laboratory

The Leadership Lab (Lead Lab) is a weekly, hands-on training experience within a structured Cadet Wing, designed to simulate an active-duty Air Force environment. Cadets develop leadership, teamwork, and military skills through activities such as:

  • Air Force customs and courtesies
  • Drill and ceremonies
  • Career presentations
  • Tactical exercises

This immersive experience prepares cadets for the responsibilities of an Air Force officer, ensuring they are ready to serve with excellence.

 

AFROTC Cadet instructing during LLAB

AFROTC Color Guard at AF Ball

Physical Training (PT)

Physical fitness is a key component of AFROTC, promoting both readiness and a healthy lifestyle. At Detachment 450, cadets participate in a structured Physical Training (PT) program designed to maintain peak physical condition.

Cadets are required to attend at least two morning PT sessions per week, where they engage in a variety of exercises to build strength, endurance, and overall fitness. The program also includes a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA), which mirrors the active-duty Air Force fitness test. The assessment consists of:

  • Push-ups (1-minute max)
  • Sit-ups (1-minute max)
  • 1.5-mile timed run

This training ensures cadets meet Air Force fitness standards while building the discipline and resilience needed for future leadership roles.

 

    Cadet PT       9/11 Stair Climb with Army ROTC

Last updated February 2025