Careers FAQ

Most officers have a four-year active-duty service commitment. Those selected to be pilots incur a 10-year commitment upon completion of pilot training, and individuals selected to be Combat Systems Officers or Air Battle Managers incur a six-year commitment after training. For more information on service commitments, see the
service commitment section.

Cadets compete in a selection process that factors in their Air Force Officer Qualification Test (AFOQT) scores, Field Training performance ratings, grade point averages (GPAs), academic major, Physical Fitness Test (PFT) scores, and their Detachment Commander’s rating. They will know their specific Air Force job category approximately six months before they are commissioned.

No. The vast majority of Air Force jobs do not involve flying at all. The Air Force offers a multitude of career options. For more information about the many careers available, check out our Life After ROTC page.

Yes. The Air Force offers several opportunities to do so. In some cases, cadets that are near graduation can request an educational delay to pursue specific graduate degrees, such as medical school or other Department of Defense and Air Force-sponsored programs. In most cases, cadets must apply for these programs as they are not affiliated with Air Force ROTC.

While on active duty, Air Force officers are given many other opportunities to further their education. Between GI Bill benefits and tuition assistance (TA), many officers pursue graduate degrees in fields of their interest. Air Force officers also attend various forms of Professional Military Education (PME) that focus on leadership and advancing their expertise in their respective career fields.

Not necessarily. Check out the Medical Requirements for more information.

No. Academic major plays a minor role in Pilot and Combat Systems Officer selection. Cadets can major in any degree program and compete to receive a Pilot or Combat Systems Officer slot in Air Force ROTC.

No. Cadets are only required to wear their uniforms on the days they have Air Force ROTC commitments, which is typically two to three days a week.

Each week cadets are required to attend Air Force ROTC classes, Leadership Lab and physical fitness training (this equates to approximately five class hours per week for freshmen and sophomores and seven class hours per week for juniors and seniors). In addition, cadets will have individual preparation for these activities, to include homework assignments and uniform preparation. Cadets attending crosstown schools should factor in the time to commute to the host university.

Yes. Air Force ROTC cadets are allowed to participate in intercollegiate sports and other extracurricular activities as long as they are still able to maintain their grades and meet all AFROTC requirements.

Air Force ROTC is offered at over 1,100 institutions throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico. The College Locator on our website details the many different colleges around the country with an AFROTC program.

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