The Air Force ROTC program provides pre-professional preparation for future Air Force officers. Through a cross-registration program between Southern University and Louisiana State University, Southern students are eligible to enroll in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). Courses are conducted at Louisiana State University and course work credited at Southern University. Consult the LSU General Catalog for course listings and descriptions. Call (225) 578- 4407 or visit HYPERLINK “http://www.afrotc.lsu.edu” on the world wide web for more information.
AFROTC offers a four-year and a two-year program leading to an Air Force officer’s commission. When a cadet graduates from Southern University and has completed Air Force ROTC course work and requirements, the cadet will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Students incur no obligation while participating during the freshman and sophomore years, unless on an Air Force scholarship. AFROTC scholarships are available to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and aptitude for commissioned service. The AFROTC scholarships cover tuition and fees, pays $250 to $400 per month stipend during the fall and spring semesters, and provides $600 per year to purchase books.
Program of Study
The General Military Course (GMC) taken during the freshman and sophomore years, focuses on three main themes—the military officer’s role, the development of aerospace power, and the organization of today’s Air Force. Enrollees will study the missions, doctrines, and strategies of aerospace power from balloons to contemporary use of space vehicles. GMC cadets are required to attend the Leadership Laboratory, where they are introduced to principles in applied leadership in drill and ceremonies, military protocol, and physical fitness.
The Professional Officer Course (POC) is available primarily to junior college transfer students, military veterans, and highly qualified sophomore students. Students in this program are expected to have at least four semesters remaining in school—which may be undergraduate, graduate, or a combination of the two. This program is highly competitive, so it is important to apply early during the sophomore year. Professional Officer Course students start their program with an in-depth look at the theories of management and their application. In Aerospace Studies (ASST-3001 and ASST-3002) courses, cadets will examine the general concepts of leadership and relate the concepts to real Air Force situations. They will participate through group discussions, case studies, and individual and group problem solving. ASST-3001, ASST-3002, ASST-4001, and ASST-4002 classes normally meet three hours per week. In ASST-4001 and ASST-4002 classes, cadets will analyze the role of the Armed Forces in contemporary American society. Also, they will examine a broad range of American domestic and international military relationships and the environmental context in which American national security policy is formulated and implemented. Successful completion of the POC leads to a commission as an Air Force Officer.
Leadership Laboratory, a cadet-planned and directed activity, provides leadership training experiences to improve a cadet’s ability to perform as an Air Force officer. The freshman and sophomore Leadership Laboratory introduces Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, wearing the uniform, career opportunities in the Air Force, education and training benefits, and the life and work of an Air Force officer; and includes opportunities for field trips to Air Force installations. Initial experiences include preparing the cadet for individual flight, squadron movements in drill and ceremonies, and for the Field Training assignment prior to the junior year.
The junior and senior Leadership Laboratory involves cadets in advanced leadership experiences to prepare for active duty. Cadet responsibilities include planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling the activities of the cadet group; preparing briefings and written communications; and providing interviews, guidance, information, and other services which will increase the performance and motivation of all cadets.
Field Training
Field Training is hosted each summer by several active Air Force installations. It is designed to stimulate the development of military leadership among students through aircraft, aircrew, career, and survival orientation; junior officer training, physical training, small arms training, supplemental training and human relations education; and equal opportunity training. Students will receive pay and allowances authorized by current Air Force directives while in Field Training.
Advanced Training
Selected cadets may have the opportunity to go to active duty Air Force bases for a two-week or three- week period during the summers following the freshman and junior years. Advanced training cadets will receive specialized career orientation and an opportunity to experience leadership, human relations, and management challenges encountered by Air Force junior officers. Also, they will become familiar with the Air Force “way of life.” Cadets receive pay and allowances authorized by current Air Force directives at the time of Advanced Training attendance.
Admissions Requirements
In order to qualify for entry into the General Military Course, the student must be full-time at Southern University; a United States citizen (for contract status); in good physical condition, and have good moral character. Students are required to complete all commissioning requirements prior to age 30 (may be waived for prior service up to age 35 providing the individual can be brought on active duty prior to reaching age 35, if a non-flying officer candidate). They must be at least 14 years old to be admitted and at least 17 years old to receive a scholarship appointment.
Qualifications for entry into the Professional Officer Course are more stringent. In addition to the requirements of the General Military Course, the cadet must: have two academic years remaining (undergraduate, or a combination), must qualify on the Air Force Physical Examination and the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT), must be selected by a board of Air Force officers, and must successfully complete field training.
Enrollment Procedures
There is no application procedure for the four-year program. Students should register for AFROTC in the same manner and at the same time they cross-register for other college courses under the Southern - LSU cooperative degree program. For more information concerning the Air Force ROTC program, call the Department of Aerospace Studies at (225) 578-4407. The department is located in 105 Military Science-Aerospace Studies Building, South Stadium Drive, Louisiana State University. Or write to Air Force ROTC, Detachment 310, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-0100.
Aerospace Studies
Freshman Year
First Semester
| ASST-1001 | | 1 |
| ASST-1011 | | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 2 |
Second Semester
| ASST-1002 | | 1 |
| ASST-1012 | | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 2 |
Sophomore Year
First Semester
| ASST-2001 | | 1 |
| ASST-2011 | | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 2 |
Second Semester
| ASST-2002 | | 1 |
| ASST-2012 | | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 2 |
Junior Year
First Semester
| ASST-3001 | | 3 |
| ASST-3011 | | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4 |
Second Semester
| ASST-3002 | | 3 |
| ASST-3012 | | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4 |
Note: Student must have satisfactorily completed ASST-2002, completed Field Training, or have permission of the Professor of Aerospace Studies to enroll.