The nationwide Air Force ROTC program is the major source of Air Force officer production. The purpose of AFROTC Detachment 019 is to offer educational experiences that will develop an appreciation for democracy and responsible citizenship and which will prepare and train students for officership, leadership and management in the U.S. Air Force. To accomplish this purpose, the Division of Aerospace Studies offers two-year and four-year programs leading to a commission in the U.S. Air Force. Through a cross-town enrollment agreement, this program is available to students at Faulkner University.
THE FOUR-YEAR PROGRAM
Men and women students desiring to participate in the four-year program should enroll at the same time and in the same manner as they would for other courses offered at Faulkner University. There is no military obligation connected with enrolling in freshman and sophomore years of the four-year program. Upon completion of the first two years (General Military Course/GMC) of the four-year program, a student may be selected for enrollment in the Professional Officer Course (POC). Selection into the Professional Officer Course is based upon satisfactory performance on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT), passing an Air Force medical evaluation and completion of a four-week summer field training session. For most students, the field training will take place during the summer between the sophomore and junior years. All summer field training costs are paid by the Air Force; and, in addition, the student will receive a salary. Other basic requirements for the four-year program are that the student must be a citizen of the United States or must obtain citizenship prior to POC entry and must possess sound moral character. If a cadet desires to be a pilot or navigator designee, he or she must be able to complete commissioning requirements prior to age 29. All other cadets must be able to complete all commissioning requirements by age 31. Cadets who are admitted to the Professional Officer Course receive $350 to $400 a month nontaxable allowance. Cadets enrolled in the POC may also travel free on a military aircraft on a space-available basis. All AFROTC uniforms and course materials are provided by the Air Force at no cost to students. A cadet who enrolls in the Professional Officer Course agrees to accept a commission as a second lieutenant and to serve for a period of four years on active duty.
THE TWO-YEAR PROGRAM
Students desiring entry into the two-year program must have two academic years remaining in full-time student status, either at the undergraduate or graduate level, or a combination of both. Other requirements are satisfactory performance on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, passing the Air Force medical examination, a minimum GPA of 2.5, on a 4.0 scale and successful completion of an AFROTC six week summer field training session. Application for the two-year program can be made by contacting the AFROTC Unit Admissions Officer at 229-4305. Students accepted for the two-year program must also be citizens of the United States and meet the same age requirements stipulated for the four-year program. After completing the six-week summer field training course, applicants meeting all the requirements may then be enrolled in the Professional Officer Course. All other benefits, requirements and obligations are the same as the four-year program.
THE AFROTC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Scholarships are available to qualified cadets participating in either the four-year or two-year program. In terms of time, scholarships are categorized as three-year, three and one-half year, and two-year. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, and an applicant’s academic major and potential active-duty career field are taken into consideration during the screening process. AFROTC scholarships cover full tuition, laboratory and incidental fees and provide an allowance for books. Scholarship cadets also receive a nontaxable allowance each month, starting in their sophomore year.