If I Join ROTC, Does That Mean I Am Joining The Military?
No. If you got a four-year scholarship from high school, then the first year of college is paid for, and you can quit at the end of your freshman year with no obligation. If you got a three-year scholarship from high school or college then you are not committed to the Air Force until you accept your scholarship (usually in the fall of your sophomore year). If you did not get any scholarship, then you are not committed to joining the Air Force until you start your junior year of college.
Do I Have To Join ROTC As A Freshman?
No. Any undergraduate student with three or more years remaining should be eligible. So if you are a second-semester freshman, a sophomore or otherwise and have at least three years remaining in your undergraduate studies, you are likely able to join the ROTC program.
Isn't ROTC just for people who want to be pilots or engineers?
No! The Air Force needs officers in every career field, including flying and engineering, but also medical, communications, legal, personnel, airport operations, finance, security, space operations, cyberspace, aircraft maintenance, etc.
Don't you need to have an ROTC scholarship to enter the program?
No! Anyone can enter the Air Force ROTC program. Most cadets do not enter the program with a scholarship, but there are plenty of opportunities to earn 3- and 2- year scholarships along the way.
Scholarships
I didn't participate in Junior ROTC in high school, can I still join?
Absolutely! In fact, the majority of college ROTC students have never been involved in the JROTC program.
Do I need to be able to meet strict physical fitness requirements before I can enter ROTC?
No! You must meet fitness requirements before advancing in the program, but not from day one. You will be given every opportunity to get yourself in the best shape of your life.
Are there any restrictions on academic major?
None at all. Although there is a major requirement to apply for an ROTC scholarship, we encourage students to study a curriculum in which they're interested and have a capability to do well in. Our main concern is that you be able to maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA and graduate in the time period planned.
How long is the service obligation once I commission?
For officers in most careers, a service length of four years is required. For pilots, ten years of service is required after pilot training.
Air Force ROTC
Do I have to cut my hair?
Cadets must keep their hair in accordance with Air Force dress and appearance guidelines when in uniform.
Do I have to wear a uniform to class every day?
Uniforms are only required to be worn once per week, for the entire day.
How much time does ROTC take up each week?
The only required time is during your Air Force ROTC classes, physical training, and leadership laboratory. This equates to about 6 hours for freshmen and sophomores, and eight hours for juniors and seniors. Furthermore, various extracurricular meetings are held throughout the week for different activities and groups - but academics take priority.
