U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachment 085 UC Berkeley

AFROTC is a training program that prepares college students to become officers in the United States Air Force. The program provides educational training in leadership, management, communications, and military proficiency on college and university campuses.

The Department of Aerospace Studies offers students in virtually all academic areas the opportunity to qualify for a commission in the United States Air Force while simultaneously completing university graduate and undergraduate degree requirements. Eligible students must have at least two full academic years remaining in their bachelor’s or graduate degree program. The skills you will acquire will become valuable assets for any career you choose!

Aerospace Studies courses are open to all university students. Students from other institutions may participate in the AFROTC program cost-free through cross-enrollment arrangements. See our list of crosstown schools affiliated with Detachment 085.

You have no obligation to join the Air Force until you accept a scholarship or enter your junior year of the program. Scholarships are available, but not necessary for participation.

The AFROTC program emphasizes student participation and involvement. Classes are conducted as seminars and call for active student discussion. In addition, there is a weekly two-hour leadership laboratory that is mandatory for all AFROTC cadets. In this laboratory, students become involved in the management of their own cadet organization. Students also participate in projects, visits to Air Force bases, and orientation flights.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Completion of the program to earn an Air Force commission requires enrollment each semester in a specified course in Aerospace Studies or Military Affairs. The normal sequence for the four-year program is as follows:

The General Military Course - GMC (First and Second year)

First Year (AS 100 cadet)

Aerospace Studies 1 (AS 1)
AS 1A (Fall) - AS 2B (Spring) Foundations of the U.S. Air Force
1 credit hour (Fri 9 - 10AM)

AS 1 is a survey course designed to introduce cadets to the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program. Featured topics include: mission and organization of the Air Force, officership and professionalism, military customs and courtesies, Air Force officer opportunities, and an introduction to communication skills. Additionally, AFROTC cadets must attend weekly Leadership Lab. Leadership Lab is a weekly laboratory that touches on the topics of Air Force customs and courtesies, health and physical fitness, and drill and ceremonies.

Aerospace Studies 100 (AS 100)
AS 100 Leadership Laboratory (Fall & Spring)
0 credit hours (Fri 2 - 4PM)

This course (to be taken in conjunction with AS 1A and 1B) is a weekly laboratory that touches on the topics of Air Force customs and courtesies, health and physical fitness, and drill and ceremonies.

Second Year (AS 200 cadet)

Aerospace Studies 2 (AS 2)
AS 2A (Fall) - AS 2B (Spring) The Evolution of U.S. Air Force and Space Power
1 credit hour (Fri 10 - 11AM)

AS 2 is a survey course concerned with the beginnings of manned flight and the development of air and space power in the United States, including the employment of air power in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War and the peaceful employment of U.S. air power in civic actions, scientific missions and support of space exploration. Additionally, AFROTC cadets must attend weekly Leadership Lab. Leadership Lab is a weekly laboratory that touches on the topics of Air Force customs and courtesies, health and physical fitness, and drill and ceremonies.

Aerospace Studies 100 (AS 100)
AS 100 Leadership Laboratory (Fall & Spring) - 0 credit hours (Fri 2 - 4PM)

This course (to be taken in conjunction with AS 2A and AS 2B) provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate fundamental management skills and prepares you for Field Training.

Field Training

(Summer between Second and Third Year)

Air Force ROTC cadets compete against all eligible cadets across the nation to attend a Field Training encampment over the summer between their second and third year in the AFROTC program. Field Training is rigorous. While there, cadets not only have to demonstrate the military knowledge and skill gained during their first two years in the AFROTC program, but they also have to prove that they are able to adapt to a highly unpredictable environment. Most importantly, Field Training provides cadets the opportunity to display their skills as both a leader and as a team member.

Selection for, and successful completion of, Field Training is required in order for a cadet to advance to the Professional Officer Course, as well as to eventually commission as an officer in the United States Air Force. Following successful completion of Field Training, cadets will commit to joining the active duty Air Force as a commissioned officer upon graduation with a Bachelor’s degree. (Note: Cadet who were on scholarship prior to attending Field Training will already have committed to joining the Air Force during their second year in the program.)

The Professional Officer Course - POC (Junior and Senior Year)

Third Year (AS 300 cadet)

Aerospace Studies 135 (AS 135)
AS 135A (Fall) - AS 135B (Spring) Air Force Leadership Studies
3 credit hours each (Fri 8 - 11AM)

This course is designed to examine several key aspects of leadership. We will start with a basic overview of leadership and the areas that will be covered in the AS300 cadet year group. After the basic overview is complete we will move into basic skills of leadership to include military writing, military briefings, problem solving, team building, and situational leadership. After the basic skills in leadership are covered, the curriculum explores military relationships, taking an in-depth look at professional and unprofessional relationships. We will then conclude the course by directing our attention to advanced skills in leadership and explore subjects like power and influence.
For AFROTC cadets, a separate mandatory Leadership Laboratory complements this course by providing advanced leadership experiences, giving you the opportunity to apply the leadership and management principles of this course.

AS 100 Leadership Laboratory (Fall & Spring)
0 credit hours (Wed 2 - 4PM)

This course (taken in conjunction with AS 135A and 135B) provides you the opportunity to develop your fundamental management skills while planning and conducting corps activities.

Fourth Year (AS 400 cadet)

Military Affairs 145 (MA 145)
MA 145A (Fall) - MA 145B (Spring) National Security Forces in Contemporary American Society/Preparation for Active Duty
3 credit hours each (Wed 1 - 4PM)

This course is the AFROTC AS400 course National Security Affairs and Preparation for Active Duty. We’ll examine the national security process, international affairs, Air Force doctrine, and other military service departments. Special topics of interest focus on the constitution, civilian control of the military and current issues affecting national security. In the spring semester we’ll focus on officership, military justice, the military as a profession, and preparation for active duty. We will continue to emphasize communication skills in both.

For AFROTC cadets, a separate mandatory Leadership Laboratory complements this course by providing advanced leadership experiences, giving you the opportunity to apply the leadership and management principles of this course.

AS 100 Leadership Laboratory - 0 credit hours (Wed 2 - 4PM)

This course (taken in conjunction with MA 145A and MA 145B) provides you with the opportunity to use your leadership skills in planning and conducting corps activities. It prepares you for commissioning and entry into the active-duty Air Force.