Becoming a Pilot Through AFROTC

The Basics

Who can apply?

Second-, third- and fourth-year cadets

When should I apply?

Begin paperwork in the fall of your AS300 (junior) year.
Packages are usually due to headquarters by the second week of February.

When will I be notified if selected?

March or April of your AS300 (junior) year

Are pilots required to serve longer?

Yes, for 10 years after earning their wings.
Pilot training takes about one year.

Will I get paid more than regular officers?

Yes, you will receive flight pay.
Flight pay increases as years in service increase.

Order of Merit Score

• The Order of Merit (OM) score helps determine your successful completion of SUPT (pilot training). This is what it is all about:
• The pilot selection board takes all the OM scores and lists them first through last. Then, they look at how many pilots are needed for that fiscal year and choose the top scoring pilots to fill those positions.
• You can calculate your ballpark OM score by using the formula below. To help you out, use this OM Calculator.
• The Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PCSM) score counts for 15 percent of your OM score.
• The PCSM is made up of your pilot score on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT), your T-Bass Test and your number of flight hours in aircraft.
• The board is only concerned with your overall PCSM score (on a scale of 0-100 points). They do not look at the sub-scores. Headquarters has a special formula that calculates your score once you’ve completed all of the sub-categories for the PCSM. You can check your PCSM score by using this PCSM Login.
• Your performance at field training (FT) counts for 10 percent. Here is the breakdown of points that you can score at FT:
• Distinguished Graduate = 10 points
• Superior Performance = 9 points
• Top Third (not SP or DG) = 7 points
• Middle Third = 6 points
• Bottom Third = 5 points

• Your Physical Fitness Test (PFT) score counts for 10 percent.
• Your cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) counts for 15 percent.
• Finally, your Relative Standing Score (RSS) counts for 50 percent of your OM score.
• The RSS is your ranking in your class year.
• It is based on a whole-person concept.
• Your ROTC commander is responsible for determining your ranking. If you are ranked No. 3 and your class size is 22, then you are number 20 in your class. Using that example, view this RSS calculating formula: (20/22)*50 = 45.45 points.