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Department of Aerospace Studies

Common Questions for High School Students

Do I need a Scholarship to join?
No! While many Air Force ROTC cadets are offered scholarships during their senior year in high school. Many students do not initially receive monetary subsistence. Having or not having a scholarship has NO impact on your opportunity to be in Air Force ROTC.

Do I have to major in ROTC?
No! You can choose ANY major ASU has to offer. In fact, ROTC is NOT a recognized major. However, at ASU, ROTC classes can count as HALF a minor in degrees that require a minor. Generally 18 hours of classes constitute a minor, so 9 semester credit hours of your POC (junior and senior level) classes can count as half of a minor! Also, ROTC classes can be electives to your major!

Do I have to buy my uniform or books?
No. We will provide all your uniform items and ROTC books at no cost to you while in our program. Once commissioned, you may purchase uniforms at half price.

Are there scholarships and how can I qualify?
YES! We explain all scholarship opportunities during your ROTC classes. You can apply on-line (be sure to fill out both the application and have 2 people fill out evaluations), or call 325-942-2036 and we will be happy to mail one to you! Once you are signed up for ROTC classes, we will automatically consider you for scholarships each semester.

Are there special AFROTC activities?
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. There is something in our program and at the University to interest everyone. Just a few are:

Arnold Air Society / Silverwings Civil Air Patrol
Color Guard and Drill Team Base Visits
Dinners Paintball

When do I have to wear my uniform?
You will be expected to wear it for your Aerospace Studies class & on Wednesday for Leadership Lab.

How much time do I have to spend with AFROTC each week?
Cadets average 5-6 hours a week. The required time is during your Air Force ROTC class, physical fitness and Leadership Lab. However, we encourage everyone to become involved in the detachment to practice leadership skills. Beyond that, you are a typical college student.

What is Field Training?
Field Training offers you a firsthand look at the Air Force environment. At Field Training, you will receive career orientation, junior officer training, aircraft and aircrew indoctrination, survival training, weapons familiarization, physical training, and an introduction to the organization and function of a working Air Force base.

What exactly is Lead Lab?
The cadet wing is organized into a hierarchical rank structure, just like the actual Air Force. Each Wednesday from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm., the cadets are responsible for organizing and administering a lab for the entire detachment. It is two hours of learning and fun, enjoying such activities as drill and ceremonies, group leadership projects, sports, team building, physical fitness, & guest speakers.

What kind of military commitment do I have after commissioning?
All cadets have a four year Active Duty Service Commitment upon commissioning. Those cadets who enter pilot training have a ten-year commitment to the Air Force after graduating pilot training. Those who enter navigator training will have an six-year commitment upon completion of navigator training.

Do I have to live in barracks?
No. While in college, cadets can live either on campus or if requirements are met with the Angelo State University housing regulations, they may live off campus. After graduation, most officers can live off base in an apartment or house if they wish.

Can I fly?
Possibly. You must qualify by passing a physical exam, passing a Physical Fitness Test and earning certain scores on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT). Also, pilot and navigator spots are increasing in numbers over the coming years. Opportunities to fly have never been better.

Do I have to fly?
No. The vast majority of Air Force jobs are in non-flying specialties.

Don't I need perfect vision to fly in the Air Force?
No, but there are certain requirements. Some of the requirements include: normal color vision, distance vision uncorrected to 20/50 but correctable to 20/20, meet refraction accommodation, meet astigmatism requirements, and have had no corrective eye surgery.

What do I need to do to sign up?
All you do is sign up for the appropriate Aerospace Studies course like any other college class. Contact us regarding currently available courses.