Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is a college-based program that provides individuals with the opportunity to earn a commission as officers in the Air Force or Space Force within the Department of the Air Force. The program develops leaders of character prepared to serve in today’s technologically advanced Air and Space Forces while completing their undergraduate or graduate degrees. 

Enrollment in Air Force ROTC is not limited to students pursuing a commission. Individuals may choose to take AFROTC courses for academic credit only, earning elective credit applicable to their degree program. 

Reserve Officer Training Corps programs are administered by their respective service branches and operate under the policies and regulations established by those branches. Any qualified student may enroll in Air Force ROTC; contact your local detachment for specific eligibility requirements and additional information. 

Program Structure

General Military Course (AFAS 101, AFAS 102 and AFAS 201, AFAS 202)

The first half of the four-year program is known as the General Military Course (GMC) and is typically completed during a student’s freshman and sophomore years. This phase allows students to explore Air Force ROTC for up to two years without incurring a service obligation, unless they are participating on an AFROTC scholarship. Freshman and sophomore coursework introduces students to the Department of the Air Force, foundational leadership and followership principles, and the fundamentals of military service. 

Students who enter the program as sophomores with three academic years remaining may combine freshman- and sophomore-level coursework to meet both degree and AFROTC requirements within a three-year timeline. 

Professional Officer Course (AFAS 301, AFAS 302 and AFAS 401, AFAS 402)

The final two years of the program are referred to as the Professional Officer Course (POC) and are completed during the junior and senior years. These courses focus on advanced leadership development, national security affairs, and preparation for active-duty service. All required textbooks and reference materials are provided electronically at no cost to students enrolled in Air Force ROTC courses.

Field Training 

All Air Force ROTC cadets must attend field training; Cadets usually attend field training during the summer between their second and third years of college. The purpose of field training is to evaluate military discipline and Air Force leadership potential and to determine readiness for entry into the Professional Officer Course (POC) via leadership, followership, and team-building opportunities.

Scholarships and Financial Benefits

Air Force ROTC offers competitive scholarships that may cover a student’s tuition and authorized fees for two to four years. Scholarships are categorized as Type 1, Type 2, and Type 4. 

  • Type 1 scholarships cover 100% of tuition and authorized fees. 
  • Type 2 scholarships cover up to $18,000 per year in tuition and fees (maximum of $9,000 per semester or $6,000 per quarter). 
  • Type 4 scholarships cover up to $36,000 per academic year. 

In addition to tuition benefits, all scholarship recipients receive an annual book allowance of $900 (typically $450 per academic term) and a tax-free monthly stipend during the academic year ranging from $300 to $500, based on academic classification. 

Beyond Air Force ROTC funding, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University may provide additional financial incentives to incoming high school scholarship recipients. University assistance may include institutional scholarships, need-based grants, and other awards. Combined university and Air Force ROTC funding cannot exceed the total cost of education. All university-funded assistance is determined at the discretion of the university’s Financial Aid Office, not Air Force ROTC. 

High school seniors interested in competing for an Air Force ROTC scholarship should apply early during the annual application window, typically July 1 through December 31 of their senior year. The High School Scholarship Program application is available online at www.afrotc.com. 

Scholarship opportunities may also be available for students already enrolled in Air Force ROTC. Interested students should consult their local detachment for eligibility requirements and additional details. 

All scholarship applicants must meet the following requirements: 

  • Be a U.S. citizen 
  • Be less than 31 years old as of December 31 of the year you will commission 
  • Meet minimum military and physical standards 
  • Meet minimum term and cumulative GPA 
  • The higher the student’s GPA and SAT/ACT scores, the better their chance of being selected as a scholarship recipient. 

Campus Contact Information

Daytona Beach Campus  

AFROTC Detachment 157 
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 
1 Aerospace Boulevard 
Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3900 
1-386-226-6880 
afrotcdb@erau.edu 
https://erau.edu/student-experience/military-and-veterans/rotc/daytona/air-force

Prescott Campus  

AFROTC Detachment 028  
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 
3700 Willow Creek Road 
Prescott, AZ 86301-3720 
1-928-777-3868 
1-800-888-3728 x3868 
https://erau.edu/student-experience/military-and-veterans/rotc/prescott/air-force

**Daytona Beach & Prescott AFROTC program support local ERAU Worldwide students.