Have a question about Air Force ROTC? Well, you are not alone. And chances are you will find your question listed here. You will find the answers, too.
- What is the commitment to the Air Force upon graduation? »
- When do I know what job I will be doing for the Air Force as an officer? »
- Do I have to become a pilot or combat systems officer? »
- When do I actually receive my commission as an Air Force officer? »
- Must a student go on active duty in the Air Force immediately following graduation and commissioning? »
- Can I continue my education beyond the baccalaureate level? »
- I do not have 20/20 vision. Can I still fly? »
- Do I have to major in Aeronautical Science to become a pilot or combat systems officer? »
- What are the age limits for a cadet to compete for a pilot or combat systems officer position? »
- Will I be behind my fellow nonmilitary graduates after I complete my service obligation and decide to get out? »
- How do Air Force ROTC graduates compare with Air Force Academy and Officer Training School graduates? »
1. What is the commitment to the Air Force upon graduation?
Most officers have a four-year commitment. For pilots it is 10 years after pilot training, and six years for combat systems officers after training. Air Battle Managers have a six-year commitment. See the Service Commitment section ».
2. When do I know what job I will be doing for the Air Force as an officer?
You will compete in a selection process much like the one of an enrollment allocation as an officer candidate. The factors to be used will include your Air Force Officer Qualifying Test
Air Force Officer Qualifying TestA standardized test similar to the SAT and ACT that measures aptitudes, and is used to select applicants for officer commissioning programs or specific training programs. A required test for all cadets and students on scholarship or in the POC. (AFOQTAFOQTAir Force Officer Qualifying Test ) scores, your camp performance rating, your Grade Point Average (GPA), your academic major, your Physical Fitness TestPhysical Fitness TestPFT - an exam composed of three events in the following order: push-ups, crunches, and a 1.5-mile run. The test is used to ensure cadets maintain an acceptable level of fitness. (PFTPFTPhysical Fitness Test ) score and the DetachmentDetachmentThe Air Force ROTC unit at a host university. CommanderCommanderThe officer in charge of running an Air Force unit's day-to-day operations. 's rating. You will know your specific Air Force job category approximately six months before you are commissionedcommissionedAppointed by the President of the United States. .
3. Do I have to become a pilot or combat systems officer?
No. The vast majority of Air Force jobs do not involve flying at all. In the civilian world there are thousands of jobs and careers – doctors, lawyers, law enforcement, engineers, financial careers, food-service management – the list is endless. For almost every civilian out in the workforce, there is an Air Force officer counterpart performing a similar job. For more information about the many careers available, check out our Careers section ».
4. When do I actually receive my commissioncommissionBestowed upon an AFROTC graduate by the President of the United States recognizing them as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. as an Air Force officer?
CadetsCadetsMembers of the student population of AFROTC normally get commissioned in a special ceremony the same day they graduate. You can expect to enter active duty about 30 days after graduation.
5. Must a student go on active duty in the Air Force immediately following graduation and commissioning?
Not necessarily. You may request an educational delay if you desire to attend graduate school at your own expense before going on active duty. If approved, the Air Force will postpone your active-duty tour. Delays are routinely provided if you select to attend dental or medical school. Scholarships also exist for students accepted to medical school.
6. Can I continue my education beyond the baccalaureate level?
Yes. The Air Force offers several opportunities to do so. In many cases you can request an educational delay. This delay between the time of commissioning and reporting for active duty will be of sufficient length to allow you to fulfill the requirements for a professional or masters degree. You will assume all financial obligations. There are also Air Force Institute of Technology programs where the Air Force pays for your graduate school education. These programs are explained in detail in Air Force ROTC.
7. I do not have 20/20 vision. Can I still fly?
It depends. Check out the Flying Requirements » for more information.
8. Do I have to major in Aeronautical Science to become a pilot or combat systems officer?
No. Your academic major plays a minor role in pilot and combat systems officer selection. You can major in any degree program and compete to receive a pilot or combat systems officer slot in Air Force ROTC. You can even be on an Air Force ROTC scholarship in an engineering or science major and compete on an equal basis for a flying position.
9. What are the age limits for a cadet to compete for a pilot or combat systems officer position?
To compete for the pilot or combat systems officer categories, you must be able to complete your bachelors degree and be commissioned through Air Force ROTC before you are 29 years old.
10. Will I be behind my fellow nonmilitary graduates after I complete my service obligation and decide to get out?
No. In fact, many companies prefer to hire former officers over new college graduates (even those with masters degrees). Your Air Force experience, the management skills you have gained on active duty and your active-duty educational benefits can give you the competitive edge you need.
11. How do Air Force ROTC graduates compare with Air Force Academy and Officer Training School graduates?
The Academy, ROTC and Officer Training School all produce qualified Air Force officers. The Air Force achieves better diversity and talent by getting officers from more than one commissioning source. Once on active duty, the most important factor in promotion is job performance.
