Military Science Air Force

Faculty:  LTCOL L. Arnold, CPT M. Marus, CPT B. Watson, CPT R. Vrooman

Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) offers students a course of study leading to a commission as a second lieutenant in the active duty U.S. Air Force. The student/cadet has an opportunity to explore and evaluate Air Force career opportunities while earning a college degree. Completion of the AFROTC curriculum is the initial step in the education of the professional officer and provides a firm understanding of the Air Force mission, organization, and operation.

The AFROTC program consists of two phases: the General Military Course (GMC) and the Professional Officer Course (POC). Each phase consists of two academic years.

AFROTC courses for UWF students are offered at the University of South Alabama (USA). AFROTC courses may be offered on the UWF main campus should there be a sufficient number of students. Registration is accomplished through normal procedures at UWF.

General Military Course (GMC) - The Basic Course
Men and women who are full time university students may enroll in this phase with no military obligation. The GMC courses deal primarily with Air Force organizations and their missions, as well as the history of the Air Force. The Professor of Air Force Studies may grant credit or partial credit for completion of the GMC for students who have served on active duty, for junior or senior level ROTC participation in a program of any service, or for Civil Air Patrol work.

Professional Officer Course (POC) - The Advanced Course
Enrollment in the POC is limited to those students who have applied and been accepted for the course. Selection is based on interest in the Air Force together with academic records, leadership abilities, results of the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, and medical qualification. Application is normally made while a member of the GMC or (for students not enrolled in the GMC) early in the sophomore year. Individuals entering the POC must have two academic years remaining in college as full-time students at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. Upon completion, all POC students are obligated to accept a commission and enter the active duty Air Force.

3000 level AFR courses emphasize student involvement in learning and practicing leadership and management techniques. The 4000 level AFR courses deal extensively with the political, economic, and social factors relating to the formulation and implementation of national security policy. Leadership and management skills, as they apply to a junior officer in the Air Force are emphasized, and communicative skills are stressed throughout the entire AFROTC curriculum.

Cadets receive a nontaxable allowance of $200 per month while on contract (normally during the two academic years in POC) during the school year. This allowance is in addition to any other scholarship benefits.

Field Training Course
All students accepted for entry into the POC must complete the field training course, conducted at an active Air Force base during the summer months. Two types of courses are available for students entering a two- or four-year program. The two year program requires a five-week field training course prior to entering the POC, and the four-year program requires a four-week course. Normally, students attend field training between the sophomore and junior years. Two year program cadets are those applying too late to complete all GMC classes.

When attending the field training course, a student is furnished transportation or travel pay, in addition to approximately $600 per month. Uniforms and medical care are furnished while at field training.

AFROTC College Scholarship Program
The Air Force Studies Department nominates qualified freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to compete for two- and three-year scholarships. The scholarship pays up to full tuition and fees, a textbook allotment, and the monthly $200 allowance mentioned above. Scholarship consideration is predicated on student ability, performance, potential, and specific academic majors needed in the Air Force.

Scholarships are also offered for the last two or three years for pre-med students. Interested students should contact the Department of Air Force Studies.

Four-year scholarships are available to high school students. Application should be made during the junior year or prior to November of the senior year. Requests for application information should be directed to: Air Force ROTC Det 14, South Residence Hall 156, Mobile, Alabama 36688-0022 https//:web1.maxwell.af.mil/afoats/.

Air Force ROTC Uniforms
Students in Air Force ROTC will be issued uniforms to wear to class and leadership laboratory. Uniforms must be returned upon completion of the course or if the cadet drops or is dropped from the program.

Courses of Instruction
The GMC course, consisting of four semesters of study, is normally completed during the freshman and sophomore years. 

The POC course consists of four semesters of study, leading to a commission in the U.S. Air Force. Students interested in this program should contact the Professor of Air Force Studies prior to registration.