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Air Force ROTC

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Website: https://airforcrotc.fsu.edu

Professor: Colonel Kevin “Go-“Ogle

The Department of Aerospace Studies provides pre-commissioning education for qualified students who desire to serve on Active Duty as commissioned officers in the United States Air Force or Space Force. The department offers pre-commissioning education programs which vary in length from three to four years. The programs consist of academic courses, leadership laboratories, physical fitness training, and a field training experience which supplement students' primary courses of study. Additionally, students have opportunities to participate in professional development training during the summer at various locations throughout the world. Upon successful completion of the program, students will commission as Second Lieutenants in the United States Air Force or Space Force. The Aerospace Studies curriculum is divided into two phases: (1) the General Military Course (GMC); and (2) the Professional Officer Course (POC). Entry into the POC is done on a competitive basis. To obtain specific information, please e-mail the Department of Aerospace Studies at AFROTC-Cadre@fsu.edu or visit us at Florida State University, 103 Varsity Way, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4270, call (850) 644-3461, or view our website at https://airforcerotc.fsu.edu.

Note: Students not currently enrolled in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program must have the permission of the department chairman prior to enrolling in any AFR course. Class enrollment size is limited, and priority will be given to FSU, FAMU, and TSC students seeking a commission in the Air Force or Space Force. Non-AFROTC program students are not eligible for scholarships, incentive pay, or stipends as a result of enrollment in AFROTC program courses.

General Military Course

This program of instruction is open to any student and consists of the AFR 1101, AFR 1102, AFR 2130, and AFR 2140 courses in the AFROTC program. These courses deal with the Air Force and Space Force structure and the development of air power. They strengthen interest in becoming a professional Air Force officer, develop knowledge of world military forces, and enable the student to understand how the United States Air Force supports national objectives and policies. Class enrollment size is limited, and priority will be given to FSU, FAMU, and TSC students enrolled in the AFROTC program.

Professional Officer Course

Entry into the Professional Officer Course (POC) courses is done on a competitive basis and consists of the AFR 3201, AFR 3202, AFR 4211, and AFR 4212 courses. The criteria for entry/selection into the POC courses are listed below. Completion of the POC is required by all students who seek a commission through AFROTC. These courses are designed to prepare college students to serve as Active-Duty Air Force or Space Force Officers upon graduation and commissioning. The curriculum stresses national security in contemporary American society, leadership, management, and professionalism. Special emphasis is placed on developing the cadet's communication skills. Students not currently enrolled in the AFROTC program must have permission of the department chairperson prior to enrolling in these courses. Class enrollment size is limited, and priority is given to those FSU, FAMU, and TSC students enrolled in the AFROTC program.

Required Criteria for Admission into the Professional Officer Course

  • Pass a military physical examination

  • Pass a physical fitness assessment

  • Pass Body Mass Index standards (using height and weight calculations)

  • Have a 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher for undergraduates, 2.5 term GPA for undergraduates on an AFROTC scholarship, or a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher for graduate students

  • Compete favorably with students enrolled in AFROTC programs throughout the nation

  • Sign a contract obligating the student to military service upon completion of the AFROTC program.

Note: Call the Department of Aerospace Studies (850) 644-3461 for specific requirements.

Oral Communications Competency

Florida State University requires students to demonstrate competency in oral communications prior to graduation. Students who meet the specific criteria below may be awarded the competency through AFR courses.

  • Student must earn a “C–” or better in each of the following courses: AFR 1101, AFR 1102, and AFR 2130.

  • Student must earn a “C–” or better on the verbal presentation portion of the three AFR courses listed above.

  • Apply for oral communications competency credit through the Department of Aerospace Studies. Students must apply for credit prior to completion of the last of the three required courses listed above. Students should be advised that application alone does not guarantee credit toward the completion of the oral communication competency requirement will be awarded. All applications must be reviewed, and if all guidelines have been met, the University will be notified the requirement for competency has been met.

Leadership Laboratory

Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) is a mandatory course for members of the AFROTC program. LLAB is the formalized phase of leadership training conducted by the students. Students in the POC plan and conduct all activities associated with LLAB, providing these students the opportunity to develop fundamental leadership and management skills. For students in the GMC, LLAB focuses on the topics of Air Force customs and courtesies, health and physical fitness, and drill and ceremonies. All uniforms and equipment required for cadet activities are furnished. Leadership Laboratory is graded as a pass/fail course. Students must attend at least 80% of the class sessions in addition to 80% of the Physical Training sessions to receive a passing grade.

Minor

A minor in aerospace studies is offered and may be selected by the student with the approval of the major department and the Department of Aerospace Studies. The requirement for a minor is 12 credit hours in aerospace studies courses, and enrollment and completion of the ROTC program through all four years.

Physical Training

All students enrolled in the AFROTC program will participate in Physical Training (PT) at least two days per week. PT will consist of various forms of exercise, to include running, calisthenics, plyometrics, sports, etc. Practice Physical Fitness Assessments, and Physical Fitness Assessments are conducted at different times through the academic year. A Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) physical or sports physical, given by a qualified medical physician, is required prior to participation.

Monetary Allowances

All students selected for entry into the POC will receive a monthly, tax-exempt stipend ranging from $300.00–$500.00.

AFROTC College Scholarship Programs

The opportunity to earn a scholarship is possible, but not guaranteed. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. Go to https://www.afrotc.com for current information or contact the Department of Aerospace Studies at (850) 644-3461.

Field Training

Students are required to attend a field training course before they can formally enroll in the POC. Field training is designed to evaluate military leadership and discipline, determine students' potential for entry into the POC, and stratify students among their peers. All uniforms and equipment required for field training are furnished.

Special Activities

The Arnold Air Society, a national honorary organization, and Silver Wings, a community service-oriented organization, are open to all students who seek special activities that will further their development of teamwork and esprit-de-corps.

The Department of Aerospace Studies offers the Renegade Flight Simulator Center which provides enhanced training on the Redbird MCX flight simulator. This full motion FAA-certified Advanced Aviation Training Device enables students to learn aircraft performance, experience aerodynamic effects, and perform flight maneuvers immediately and without risk.

Officer Commissions

Upon graduation from the University, students who complete the POC program are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Air or Space Force. As graduates, they incur a minimum active-duty service commitment of four years. Graduates chosen for entry into select Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC) (e.g., pilots, combat systems officers, etc.) will incur additional years of Active-Duty service commitment. For more information on Active-Duty service commitments, contact the Department of Aerospace Studies at (850) 644-3461.

Award Decorations

Award decorations, made available by national organizations, Florida State University, and local/national military organizations, are presented to both GMC and POC cadets each year. These plaques, trophies, medals, and ribbons symbolize superior achievement in AFROTC and other University academic courses and in outstanding campus and cadet corps leadership.

Definition of Prefix

AFR—Aerospace Studies