Air Force R.O.T.C Overview

Aerospace Studies Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC)

AFROTC is a nationwide program that allows students to pursue commissions (become officers) in the United States Air Force (USAF) while simultaneously attending college. AFROTC classes are held on college campuses throughout the United States and Puerto Rico; students can register through normal course registration processes.

AFROTC consists of four years of Aerospace Studies classes (Foundations of the USAF, Evolution of USAF and Space Power, Air Force Leadership Studies, and National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty), and a corresponding Leadership Laboratory for each year (where students apply leadership skills, demonstrate command and effective communication, develop physical fitness, and practice military customs and courtesies). College students enrolled in the AFROTC program (known as “cadets”) who successfully complete both AFROTC training and college degree requirements will graduate and simultaneously commission as second lieutenants in the Active Duty Air Force.

On O’ahu, the AFROTC program is currently offered at University of Hawaii at Manoa, AFROTC Detachment 175. Detachment 175 has a crosstown agreement that allows our students to enroll in AFROTC and become full-fledged cadet participants. There are three and four year programs available.

The program is divided into two phases, the general military course (GMC freshman and sophomore years) and the professional officer course (POC junior and senior years). The first two years of the AFROTC program consist of one hour of classroom work and two hours of leadership lab each week. The GMC is an opportunity for students not on ROTC scholarship to try out the program with no obligation. You can only enter the POC once you have successfully completed the GMC and field training. The POC conduct the leadership labs and manage the unit’s cadet corps. Once you are enrolled in the POC you are enlisted in the Air Force Reserve and assigned to the Obligated Reserve Section.