Aerospace Studies (Air Force ROTC)

The United States Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) provides women and men at The University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Christian University, Texas Wesleyan University, Dallas Baptist University, Weatherford College and Tarrant County College the education and training necessary to develop the management and leadership skills vital to professional Air Force officers.

Enrollment in the General Military Course (first two years) is voluntary for eligible students and does not obligate non Air Force ROTC students for further military service. The Professional Officer Course (last two years) is also voluntary but competitive. Because the POC leads to a commission in the United States Air Force, those selected to continue training may incur a military obligation.

Aerospace studies courses are taken concurrently with other degree programs. No degree is offered in aerospace studies, but up to 24 semester hours may be earned in aerospace studies over the four-year period. Some of the classes may be used to meet major elective requirements. See your academic advisor for confirmation. Students who enroll in aerospace studies classes must attend both classroom and leadership laboratory classes at Texas Christian University, 2800 W. Lowden St., Fort Worth, Texas. The laboratory classes give students first hand experience in leadership and organizational skill while preparing them for enrollment in the Professional Officer Course.

Programs Available

Four Year Program (AS 100 - AS 400)

This program enables students to take advantage of four years of aerospace studies courses. Each semester, for the first two years, cadets take a one-credit hour academic class and a one-credit hour pass/no credit Leadership Laboratory (LLab). The first two years collectively are referred to as the General Military Course (GMC). Upon successful completion of the GMC and an ensuing four-week Air Force paid field training course, qualified and selected students may elect to enroll in the Professional Officer Course (POC). Each semester in the POC, students will take a three-credit hour academic class and a one-credit hour pass/no credit LLab. AFROTC uniforms and textbooks are issued by the unit at no charge.

Two Year Program (AS 300 - AS 400)

This program enables transfer students and other students who were unable to enroll or did not complete the GMC to obtain a commission in the United States Air Force. Prior to being selected for and enrolling in the Professional Officer Course (POC), students are required to attend and complete a five-week field training course. Undergraduate and graduate students meeting criteria are eligible to enroll in this program.

Students electing this option must apply to the Professor of Aerospace Studies early in their sophomore year, pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, and pass a physical examination prior to attending the five-week field training course. Two-year students enrolled in the POC receive similar benefits and advantages to those enrolled in the four-year program, including the opportunity to apply
for various Air Force ROTC college scholarships. Students selected for the POC receive a $150 per month subsistence allowance. In addition, POC students are awarded a $1,725 per semester incentive scholarship provided they meet certain requirements.

Upon successful completion of the AFROTC program and baccalaureate degree, a student will be commissioned a second lieutenant in the U. S. Air Force. Newly commissioned officers can normally expect to be called into active service within 60 days from the date of their commissioning. In certain instances, active service can be delayed by students continuing in post-baccalaureate degree programs.

General Qualifications

A student enrolling in AFROTC must:

1. Be a full-time student (12 semester hours or more; 9 hours for post-graduate students)

2. Be a United States citizen (upon entering the POC)

3. Be in good physical condition

4. Have good moral character

5. Be no older than 29 years old (up to 34 years old with waivers) upon commissioning

Scholarships

Air Force ROTC offers 4, 3, 2, and 1 year (in some situations) scholarships. Most scholarships pay all or most costs for tuition, textbooks, and fees plus $150 (non-taxable stipend) per month during the school year. Scholarships are offered in various majors. In addition to meeting the general qualifications mentioned above, scholarship applicants must be at least 17 years of age when the scholarship is activated and must be under 27 years of age as of June 30 of their commissioning year. Individuals with previous military experience may obtain a year extension of the maximum age restriction for each year of prior service, up to age 29. Requirements for each scholarship category may vary; therefore, applicants should contact the department at (817) 257-7461 for specific details.

Applications for a four-year scholarship must be submitted by Dec. 1 of the high school senior year. Applications for other scholarships are made through the Aerospace Studies Department. Scholarship applicants are selected using the "whole person" concept which includes objective factors (i.e. grade point average, physical fitness test and 1 1/2 mile run) and subjective factors (i.e. personal evaluations). Students who are enrolled in Air Force ROTC generally improve their scholarship selection opportunity. AFROTC College Scholarship Program (CSP) winners with an SAT of 1230 or ACT of 27, who attend TCU, may be offered a TCU Room and Board subsidy. Three-year CSP winners with the above scores can apply to receive an additional semester of tuition paid from TCU also.

Program Benefits

As Air Force ROTC cadets, students are entitled to selective benefits. Social and co-curricular activities, together with leadership and academic training, are all part of Air Force ROTC. Students receive a non-taxable subsistence allowance of $150 each month during the school year if they are in the Professional Officer Course or are a College Scholarship Program recipient. The detachment sponsors a Civil Air Patrol where cadets can obtain front-seat and back-seat flying time in Cessna aircraft for a small fee. Drill team, honor guard, Arnold Air Honor Society, Silver Wings Service Organization, and Officer Christian Fellowship are just a few social outlets for the cadets. Summer opportunities for cadets can include a paid visit to a military installation for 10 days, Freefall Parachuting and Soaring at the United States Air Force Academy, Flight Nurse shadowing, and cadet training assistant duty at field training.

Course Substitution

Aerospace Studies (AFROTC) courses may be taken for credit toward completion of a college degree. AS 1000/2000-level courses may be taken with or in lieu of exercise and sport activities (EXSA) or marching band. Upper level courses (AS 3000/4000 level) may be applied toward elective requirements. Credit will vary depending upon major.

Additional Information

More detailed information about the Air Force ROTC program is available through the Department of Aerospace Studies. The department is located at 2800 W. Lowden Street on the Texas Christian University campus. The telephone number is (817) 257-7461 or call 1-800-TCU-FROG and ask for Air Force ROTC.

Aerospace Studies Faculty

Chair

Adjunct Assistant Professors

Aerospace Studies (AS)

General Military Courses (GMC)

Foundation of the U.S. Air Force (AS 1121 in the fall and 1122 in the spring) (1-0) 1 hour credit. AS100 is a survey course designed to introduce students to the U.S. Air Force and Air Force ROTC. Featured topics include: mission and organization of the Air Force, officership and professionalism, military customs and courtesies, Air Force officer opportunities, group leadership problems, and an introduction to communication skills. Leadership Laboratory 1001 complements this course by providing cadets with followership experiences.

The Evolution of U.S. Air and Space Power (AS 2121 in the fall and 2122 in the spring) (1-0) 1 hour credit. AS200 is a survey course designed to examine general aspects of air and space power through a historical perspective. Utilizing this perspective, the course covers a time period from the first balloons and dirigibles to
the space-age global positioning systems of the Persian Gulf War. Historical examples are provided to extrapolate the development of Air Force capabilities (competencies), and missions (functions) to demonstrate the evolution of what has become today's USAF air and space power. Furthermore, the course examines several fundamental truths associated with war in the third dimension: e.g. Principles of War and Tenets of Air and Space Power. As a whole, this course provides the student with a knowledge level understanding for the general element and employment of air and space power, from an institutional, doctrinal, and historical perspective. In addition, the students will continue to discuss the importance of the Air Force Core Values with the use of operational examples and historical Air Force leaders and will continue to develop their communication skills. In addition, Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for Air Force ROTC cadets (not special students), and it complements this course by providing cadets with followership experiences.

Professional Officer Courses (POC)

Leadership Studies (AEST 3113 in the fall and 3123 in the spring). AS300 is a study of leadership, management fundamentals, professional knowledge, Air Force personnel and evaluation systems, leadership ethics, and communication skills required for an Air Force junior officer. Case studies are used to examine Air Force leadership and management situations as a means of demonstrating and exercising practical application of the concepts being studied. A mandatory Leadership Laboratory complements this course by providing advanced leadership experiences in officer-type activities, giving students the opportunity to apply leadership and management principles of this course.

National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty (AEST 4113 in the fall and 4123 in the spring). AS 400 examines the national security process, regional studies, advanced leadership ethics, and Air Force doctrine. Special topics of interest focus on the military as a profession, officership, military justice, civilian control of the military, preparation for active duty, and current issues affecting military professionalism. Within this structure, continued emphasis is given to refining communication skills. An additional Leadership Laboratory complements this course by providing advanced leadership experiences, giving students the opportunity to apply the leadership and management principles of this course.

1001 Leadership Laboratory (LLab). (Every semester). The AS100 and AS200 LLabs include a study of Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, and military commands. The LLab also includes studying the environment of an Air Force officer and learning about areas of opportunity available to commissioned officers. The AS300 and AS400 LLabs consist of activities classified as leadership and management experiences. They involve the planning and controlling of military activities of the cadet corps; and the preparation and presentation of briefings and other oral and written communications. LLabs also include interviews, guidance, and information which will increase the understanding, motivation, and performance of other cadets.