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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a scholarship required to be a member of Air Force ROTC? Accordion Closed
No. In fact only 25% of our cadets are currently on scholarship (as of May 2013). Current members are in AFROTC because the program’s benefits (an emphasis on discipline, academics, physical fitness and most importantly leadership development) and the fact that completion and a degree warrant a commission in the world’s greatest air, space and cyberspace force.
3. From where do your cadets originate? Accordion Closed
Only ~38% of the Cadet Wing are from Arizona. California represents the next majority with ~30% followed by Colorado with ~6%. The remaining cadets come as far as The Netherlands and the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin (as of May 2013).
5. What does it mean to be “on contract” in AFROTC? Accordion Closed
Before any entitlements can be paid or prior to entry into the Professional Office Course (Juniors/Seniors), you must enter into a contract with the Air Force. The contract states you’ll receive a commission upon graduation and fulfillment of AFROTC program requirements.
6. Are uniforms provided? Accordion Closed
Yes, upon acceptance of your application (various forms and validation of personal information) and enrollment in respective Aerospace Studies courses. When you sign up for AS classes and Leadership Laboratory, your books will be online and uniforms are issued at no cost to you from the Military Personnel Custodian (MPC) at the Detachment once you have passed your Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA). All “cadets” that meet height and weight requirements will be required to wear the appropriate uniform in accordance with weekly routine orders (e.g., Physical Training Uniform for Physical Training–AS 250, Air Force Blues for Academic class–AS 101, etc.). All “civilians” will wear appropriate and respectable attire (e.g., collared shirt/pants for AS 101, etc.).
7. Are there other AFROTC-related activities which I can participate in? Accordion Closed
Air Force ROTC strives to provide you with a wide variety of professional and social activities. But your first and most immediate concern is attending classes and maintaining good grades. The program and university offer many activities for any student’s particular interests. Here are just a few:
- Arnold Air Society
- Silver Wings
- Military Dining Events (formal and informal) and Picnics
- Civil Air Patrol
- Color Guard, Drill Team, Sabre Team
- Intramurals
- Base Visits (with potential incentive flights)
- Project Go–summer foreign language immersion program
8. When do I have to wear my uniform? Accordion Closed
All “cadets” that meet height and weight requirements will be required to wear appropriate uniform in accordance with weekly routine orders (e.g. Physical Training Uniform for Physical Training–AS 250, Air Force Blues for Academic class–AS 101, etc.).
All “civilians” will wear appropriate and respectable attire (e.g., collared shirt/pants for AS 101, etc.)
9. What is Field Training? Accordion Closed
Field Training is basic training for officers with leadership development at the core. You’ll be tested on your leadership and followership skills on a daily basis in a stressful but encouraging environment. Field Training is a pre-requisite for the Professional Officer Course (the last two years in the program) during the summer at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Most cadets will tell you it is the most challenging and rewarding experience in the Air Force ROTC program.
10. What exactly is Leadership Lab? Accordion Closed
The Cadet Wing is organized into a hierarchical rank structure, as in the operational Air Force. The POC (Professional Officer Course) cadets are responsible for organizing and administering a lab for the entire wing. It is usually two hours of learning and fun, enjoying such activities as drill and ceremonies, group leadership projects, sports, team building, physical fitness and exceptional guest speakers.
11. Do I have to live in a specific dorm? Accordion Closed
No. ROTC cadets have no preferred or recommended campus housing locations. Your living arrangements are your choice. In fact nearly half of our current cadets live off-campus. However, we do recommend living on-campus at least your Freshmen year. You’ll find NAU’s dormitories quite nice and we have several cadets go on to become RA’s–it is a great way to live rent free near your classes and the detachment (you won’t have to battle the dreaded “Parking Cops”!).
12. If I take AFROTC classes, do I have to join the Air Force? Accordion Closed
Absolutely not! There is no obligation. Any NAU admitted student can take Aerospace Studies academic courses (but not the Physical Training or Leadership Lab courses).
13. Is this a “guy” only thing? Accordion Closed
No. We have women fighter pilots! Leadership is not gender based. ~40% of our Cadet Wing is female.
14. Do Air Force ROTC courses count for credit? Accordion Closed
Yes, as general electives for most majors at NAU. We also offer a minor in Aerospace Studies.
15. What if I want to be in a fraternity/sorority or play college sports? Accordion Closed
Please do! We highly encourage cadets to be involved in campus life. Those gained experiences make better leaders.
16. What is in it for me? Accordion Closed
Considerable: the chance to develop your leadership and followership skills; the potential to serve your country as an officer and leader in the best air, space and cyberspace force in the world! We can also assist you pay for your college education. We have many different scholarships based on merit that help pay tuition and books. If on scholarship, tuition is covered and you receive a monthly stipend. We also offer you a chance to be part of one of the best organizations on campus where you’ll make friends that will last a lifetime. And maybe most importantly, we will guarantee you a job within thirty days of graduation! –Did you know that an April 2012 study showed 53.6% of all college graduates are either unemployed or underemployed. And the experience you get in the Air Force translates well to the civilian community if you decide not to make it a career (retire after 20 years). YOU CANNOT LOSE!
For additional FAQs, please visit the National Air Force ROTC website.