AIR FORCE RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS (AFROTC)

Aerospace Studies Department – University of California, Berkeley – (510) 642-3572
176 Hearst Gym, Berkeley CA 94720-3610
E-mail: airforce@berkeley.edu
Websites: http://www.afrotc.com or http://airforcerotc.berkeley.edu

(Current as of July 07)

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. List of crosstown schools affiliated with Det 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. 

Students are eligible to compete for scholarships which cover the costs of tuition, books, and most fees; also a $250 to $400 per month living allowance is paid to each student on the college scholarship. Students interested in applying for a scholarship should contact the department. 

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 during 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 (Freshman and Sophomore year)

Freshman Year (AS 100 cadet)

AS 1 (Fall) - AS 24 (Spring) The U.S. Air Force Today, 1 credit hour each (Wed 5 – 6 PM)

This survey course briefly covers topics relating to the Air Force and defense. It focuses on the structure and missions of Air Force organizations, officership and professionalism. It is also a good introduction into the use of communication skills.

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

This course (to be taken in conjunction with AS 1 and 24) is a weekly laboratory that touches on the topics of Air Force customs and courtesies, health and physical fitness, and drill and ceremonies.

Sophomore Year (AS 200 cadet)

AS 2A (Fall) - AS 2B (Spring) The Development of Air Power, 1 credit hour each (Wed 6 – 7 PM) 

This survey course is concerned with the beginnings of manned flight and the development of aerospace 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.

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

This course (to be taken in conjunction with AS 2A and AS2B) provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate fundamental management skills and prepares you for Field Training.

Field Training

(Summer between Sophomore and Junior Year)

Air Force ROTC cadets and applicants for the Air Force ROTC two-year Professional Officer Course (POC) complete Field-Training encampments during the summer. Field Training is rigorous and will stretch your potential to be an Air Force officer. It involves physical conditioning, weapons training and survival training.  But more than that, Field Training is your opportunity to develop your skills as both a leader and as a team member. 

You'll attend the four or six week Field-Training program between your sophomore and junior year.  Field Training is required for all cadets who seek membership in the Professional Officer Course (POC). Air Force ROTC cadets and two-year program applicants must complete Field Training prior to enrolling in the POC.  Neither the cadet nor the applicant is required to make a commitment until successful completion of Field Training and entry into the POC. But cadets previously selected for an Air Force ROTC scholarship are committed to active duty service (after graduation) at the beginning of their sophomore year of college.

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

Junior Year (AS 300 cadet)

AS 135A (Fall) – AS 135B (Spring) Leadership & Management, 3 credit hours each (Wed 5 – 8 PM)

  This course is a study in the anatomy of leadership, the need for quality and management leadership, the role of discipline in leadership situations and the variables affecting leadership. Case studies are used to examine Air Force leadership and management situations as a means of demonstrating and exercising practical application of the concepts. Deal with actual problems and complete projects associated with planning and managing the Leadership Laboratory.

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

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.

Senior Year (AS 400 cadet)

MS 145A (Fall) – MS 145B (Spring) National Security Affairs and Preparation for Active Duty

3 credit hours each (Wed 5 – 8 PM)

Learn about the role of the professional military leader in a democratic society; societal attitudes toward the armed forces; the requisites for maintaining adequate national defense structure; the impact of technological and international developments on strategic preparedness and the overall policy-making process; and military law. In addition, you will study topics that will prepare you for your first active-duty assignment as an officer in the Air Force.

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

This course (taken in conjunction with AS 145A and 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.