Air Force Studies

2000 - 2001 Bulletin Information

DEPARTMENT OF AIR FORCE STUDIES (AFROTC)

Chair: Lt Col James N. Tucker (460-7211)
Professor: Tucker
Assistant Professors: Vrooman, Watson, Marus

Air Force ROTC offers students a course of study leading to a commission as a second lieutenant. Designed to complement individual academic majors, AFROTC courses can be applied toward minor requirements. Cadets enrolled in the program represent a broad cross section of the student body. The student/cadet has an opportunity to explore and evaluate Air Force career opportunities while earning a college degree. Completion of the AFROTC curriculum is the initial step in the education of the professional officer and provides a firm understanding of basic aerospace doctrine and the Air Force missions, organization, and operation.

The Air Force ROTC program consists of two phases: the General Military Course (GMC) and the Professional Officer Course (POC). Each phase requires four (4) semesters of study.

GENERAL MILITARY COURSE (THE BASIC COURSE)
Men and women who are full-time university students may enroll in the General Military Course with no military obligation. The GMC courses deal primarily with the various Air Force organizations and their missions, as well as the history of the Air Force. Communication skills are also emphasized. The Professor of Air Force Studies may grant credit or partial credit for completion of the GMC for students who have served on active duty, for junior or senior level ROTC participation in a program of any service, or for Civil Air Patrol work.

PROFESSIONAL OFFICER COURSE (THE ADVANCED COURSE)
Enrollment in the POC is limited to those students who have applied and been accepted for the course. Selection is based on interest in the Air Force together with academic records, observed leadership abilities, physical fitness, and the results of the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test. Application is normally made while a member of the GMC or (for students not enrolled in the GMC) early in the academic year prior to the year of desired entry. Individuals entering the POC must have two academic years remaining in college as full-time students at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. Upon completion, all POC students are obligated to accept a commission and enter the active-duty Air Force.

Junior-year materials emphasize student involvement in learning and practicing management and leadership techniques. Leadership and management skills as they apply to a junior officer in the Air Force are emphasized, and communication skills are stressed throughout the entire AFROTC curriculum. The senior-year course deals extensively with the political, economics, and social factors relating to the formulation and implementation of national security policy.

Cadets receive a non-taxable allowance of $150 per month while on contract (normally during the two academic years in the POC). This stipend is in addition to any other scholarship benefits.

FIELD TRAINING COURSE
All students must complete one field training course, conducted at an active Air Force base during the summer months. Two types of courses are available, depending upon which program the student anticipates entering (two-or four-year). The two-year program requires a five-week field training course prior to entering the POC. The four-year program requires a four-week course to be completed, normally, between the sophomore and junior years.

When attending either field training course, a student is furnished transportation or payment for travel plus pay at the current rate of approximately $600 per month. Uniforms and free medical care are furnished while at field training. Students attending a five-week field training course receive academic credit for the full two years of courses in the GMC.

AFROTC COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Professor of Air Force Studies (PAS) can nominate qualified freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to compete for three and two-year scholarships. The scholarship entitlement pays full tuition and fees at USA, a textbook allotment, and the monthly $150 allowance mentioned above. Scholarship consideration is predicated on student ability, performance, and potential needs of the Air Force. Interested students need to contact the Department of Air Force Studies.

Three and four-year scholarships are also available to high school students. High school students interested in applying should call the Department of Air Force Studies at (334)460-7211 or write the Department of Air Force Studies (AFROTC), University of South Alabama, SRH 156, Mobile, AL 36688-0002.

AIR FORCE ROTC UNIFORMS
Students in Air Force ROTC will be issued uniforms to wear to class and leadership laboratory. They must be turned in upon completion of the year or when the cadet drops or is dropped from the program.

COURSES OF INSTRUCTION
The GMC course is normally completed during the freshman and sophomore years. This basic course consists of four semesters of study with one hour of classroom work and two hours of leadership laboratory per week.

The POC consists of four semesters of study, and this advanced course leads to a commission in the United States Air Force. Three classroom hours and two hours of Leadership Laboratory are required weekly. Students interested in this program should contact the Professor of the Air Force Studies.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR
Completion of the 16 hours of Arts and Sciences course work included in the GMC (Basic Course) and the POC (Advanced Course) are required for a minor in Air Force Studies. In addition, students must complete all commissioning requirements.

Descriptions of all Air Force Studies (AS) courses

College of Arts and Sciences