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Aerospace Studies (Air Force ROTC)

The Aerospace Studies Program administers the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) at The University of Iowa. AFROTC educates highly qualified students who are working toward a degree and a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force.

AFROTC is voluntary, with courses open to all undergraduate and graduate students. The amount of AFROTC academic credit that may be applied toward a degree varies from college to college at the University. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, for example, accepts a maximum of 20 s.h.

In order to receive a commission, AFROTC cadets must complete all University of Iowa requirements for a degree as well as courses specified by the U.S. Air Force.

Programs

AFROTC offers programs lasting two years, three years, and four years. Joining early gives students the opportunity to try AFROTC without obligation. It also can give them an advantage in the scholarship selection process.

The AFROTC program's three main components are the general military course, the professional officer course, and field training.

General Military Course

The general military course (GMC) consists of one AFROTC course (1 s.h.) and a leadership laboratory taken each semester for two years. Any student who meets AFROTC qualifications and is in good academic standing is eligible to participate in the GMC. Students normally apply for the GMC up to the time they earn 60 s.h. Students who have earned more than 60 s.h. may enroll in the GMC if they are willing to extend their academic plan by a semester or more.

Professional Officer Course

The professional officer course (POC) consists of one AFROTC course (3 s.h.) and a leadership laboratory taken each semester for two years. Students accepted into the POC make a commitment to serve a minimum of four years as U.S. Air Force officers. To enter the POC, students must be selected to attend and must successfully complete field training. Students generally take the POC during their last 60 s.h. 

Field Training

All POC applicants must successfully complete field training at a U.S. Air Force base. Field training is an intensive, four-week program completed the summer after the sophomore year. It provides a first-hand look at the active duty Air Force and develops military leadership and discipline. Students participate in aircraft and aircrew orientation, junior officer education, marksmanship, survival training, and physical fitness training. When they complete the program, they are ready to return to school and assume a leadership position in the AFROTC program.

Students receive authorized pay and allowances when they attend field training.

Activities

Students have the option to compete for acceptance to a variety of optional AFROTC summer training programs. They can shadow a junior officer in a career field of interest, or they can compete to attend the Air Force Academy's free-fall parachute, glider, or combat survival schools. Students can return to field training as cadet training assistants, go to the Pentagon to see how the Air Force operates, or travel to a foreign country for a cultural immersion program. The Air Force provides transportation, meals, lodging, and a daily expense allowance for all summer programs.

Throughout the year, students may learn more about the Air Force by choosing to participate in base visits, aircraft orientation rides, a Dining Out (a formal ball in Air Force tradition), and other activities.

The AFROTC Cadet Corps also sponsors many social events, including informal parties, formal dinners, and intramural athletics.

Education Delay

Cadets may request an education delay to postpone entry to active duty until after completion of an advanced degree or professional training program.

Financial Aid

Merit scholarships are available for one, two, and three years of study. They provide tuition, fees, a $900 stipend for books, and a tax-free subsistence allowance of $300-500 per month. Applicants are selected based on objective and subjective factors. Students should apply directly to the head of aerospace studies. Students majoring in certain high-demand disciplines may be eligible for an express scholarship upon acceptance to AFROTC.

All cadets in the last two years of AFROTC are eligible for some financial assistance. They receive a tax-free subsistence allowance of $450-500 per month. Uniforms are furnished as well as all books for AFROTC classes.