Curriculum Components
The Air Force ROTC curriculum has three central components: academic classes, the leadership laboratory (LLab), and physical training (PT). Each semester, cadets are required to register for both an aerospace studies course and the leadership laboratory, and they are also expected to attend physical training.
1 or 3 Credits/Semester
Each semester, cadets take a specified aerospace studies course in conjunction with the leadership laboratory and physical training.
Information on each aerospace course topic follows:
- Year One—Foundations of US Air Force I and II
- Year Two—History of US Air and Space Power I and II
- Year Three—Leadership Studies I and II
- Year Four—National Security Affairs I and II
2 Hours/Week
Leadership Laboratory (LLab) is a weekly two-hour, hands-on portion of training. It is planned and led by Professional Officer Course cadets and actively involves all cadets. Activities include drills and ceremonies, leadership studies, leadership-building exercises, guest speakers, and field trips. Past LLabs done by Detachment 400 include a marching photo scavenger hunt, high ropes course, and paintball exercises.
2–3 Hours/Week
Physical Training (PT) is an hour-long activity held twice a week in the morning. Activities include group cardio, warrior runs, and game days featuring flicker ball or Ultimate Frisbee. Cadets also must complete a Physical Training Assessment each semester during PT, based on performance in push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run.
Cadets may count Air Force PT as a co-curricular activity, but will only receive credit once. There are additional options to receive Michigan Tech co-curricular credit for other offered Air Force courses, such as Elite Forces Workout and Precision Drill Team (these courses do not replace normal PT).
Program Courses and Advancement
While completing course work for your degree at Michigan Tech, you will also complete the Air Force ROTC curriculum requirements below.
Your first two years as an ROTC cadet are spent as a member of the General Military Course (GMC). During these years you will gain basic knowledge and followership skills essential to military life.
GMC Cadets | First Year (AS100) | Second Year (AS200) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | |
Required Courses | AF1001 | AF1002 | AF2001 | AF2002 |
Other Requirements | Physical Training Leadership Lab |
Physical Training Leadership Lab |
||
Optional | Precision Drill Team |
Elite Forces Workout |
Precision Drill Team |
Elite Forces Workout |
Estimated Hours/Week | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
During the first and second years, optional summer programs may be available.
Once you complete your GMC training, you compete for a chance to attend Field Training and proceed into the Professional Officer Course (POC). Field Training is a required, four-week summer course that has a competitive selection process and is located at an assigned Air Force base. Selection rates vary each year according to the needs of the Air Force, and criteria include
- college major;
- GPA;
- test scores (AFOQT/SAT/ACT);
- commander's ranking; and
- physical fitness assessment score.
Professional Officer Course (POC) students receive training focused on leadership, management, and officership and are put into leadership positions within the cadet organization.
POC Cadets | Third Year (AS300) | Fourth Year (AS400) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | |
Required Courses | AF3001 | AF3002 | AF4001 | AF4002 |
Other Requirements | Physical Training Leadership Lab |
Physical Training Leadership Lab |
||
Optional | Precision Drill Team |
Elite Forces Workout |
Precision Drill Team |
Elite Forces Workout |
Estimated Hours/Week | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
During the third and fourth years, optional summer programs may be available.