Common Questions for High School Students
Scholarships and Cadet Benefits
Do I need a Scholarship to join?NO! While many Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) 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 AFROTC.
Do I have to major in ROTC?
No! As a matter of fact, AFROTC 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 (SCH) of your POC (junior and senior level) classes can count as half of a minor!
Do I have to major in aerospace engineering or something like that?
No! If you are the kind of person who can handle upper level math and science, I'd encourage you to major in something like Physics, Math or Computer Science, but any 4 year degree will put you on the path to becoming an officer in the US Air Force!
Do I have to join AFROTC as a freshman?
Students with at least 4.5 long-semesters remaining should be eligible for one of our programs (5 long semesters is preferable).
What does it mean to be "on contract" in AFROTC?
Before any entitlements can be paid to you, or prior to entry into the Professional Officer Course (Juniors/Seniors), you must enter into a contract with the Air Force.
The contract essentially states that if AFROTC offers you a commission in the Air Force upon graduation that you agree to accept. In order to be contracted, you must pass the PFT, AFOQT, have a good GPA and compete for an enrollment allocation. This is the time when you will stand before the flag and raise your right hand!
What if I want to drop out of AFROTC and give up my scholarship?
If you are on a 4-year Air Force scholarship, you may quit AFROTC without any repayment penalty up to the first day of your sophomore year. If you do not have an AIR FORCE scholarship (not Carr ROTC), you have up to the first day of your junior year to quit without commitment.
Do I have to buy my uniform?
No. We will provide you with all your uniform items.
Are there scholarships and how can I qualify?
YES! We will explain all scholarship opportunities during your AFROTC 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 |
No. Angelo State requires you pay for your tuition, either in full or by using a payment plan. You will be "reimbursed" by the Air Force. Remember though, Air Force ROTC will not pay scholarship bills until after the 45th day of the semester. Also, ROTC scholarships do not pay for room and board.
Do I have to cut my hair?
Maybe. Hair must be kept in accordance with Air Force guidelines when in uniform.
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?
The only required time is during your Air Force ROTC class and Leadership Lab one day each week. However, we encourage everyone to become involved in the detachment. Basically, you can meet the minimum requirement if you need, or you can devote as much time as you want.
Do I have to pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) each semester to be in the program?
No and Yes. For the first year you do not necessarily have to pass the physical fitness test (PFT) to be a cadet in the program. On the other hand, cadets who do not pass the PFT will not be considered for scholarships or for Field Training. Scholarship cadets must pass the PFT before their scholarship entitlements can be activated and then must maintain passing scores to retain their entitlements. Cadets must also remain below their maximum weight/body fat standards.
What is Field Training?
Field Training offers you a firsthand look at the Air Force environment. You will attend Field Training during the summer at selected Air Force bases before you enter the POC. 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 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 enter the Air Force Reserves when I complete the Reserve Officer Training program?
No. Generally, all cadets who successfully complete the AFROTC program are commissioned as 2nd Lieutenants and enter Air Force Active Duty, usually within 60 days after graduation.
When do I find out what job I will get and what base I will be assigned to when I get in the Air Force?
Early in your senior year, you will be asked which job category you desire within the Air Force. Based on your ROTC performance, your academic grades and scores, you will be placed into a job category: Pilot (competitive), Navigator (competitive), or officer candidate. During your senior year you will be asked to submit an Assignment Preference Sheet that indicates bases and specific jobs you desire. The Air Force Personnel Center will take your inputs and match you up with a job vacancy based on your skills, desires, and the needs of the Air Force.
How much do I get paid?
Upon commissioning, you will earn approximately $38,000 per year. By the time you finish your active duty commitment you will be earning close to $60,000 per year. Not only that, you'll enjoy the following benefits:
- 30 days vacation leave with pay each year
- Unlimited sick leave; full pay continues
- Medical and dental care furnished at no cost
- Free Gymnasiums
- Swimming, golfing, bowling, tennis at reduced rates
- Higher education currently pays 100% tuition cost
- Retirement after 20 years at percentage of base pay
- On-base housing available or off-base housing allowance paid
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.
Will I be behind my fellow graduates after I complete my duty?
No. In fact, many companies prefer to hire former officers over new college graduates (even those with masters degrees).
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 need to do is sign up for AS1111 and AS1112 if you are a freshman and will graduate in 4 years. If you plan to graduate in 3 years or less, please contact us regarding currently available programs.