College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)
Search Close Search
Give
Toggle Menu

Cadet Life

What freshman year through graduation will look like.

Freshman Year: Air/Space Force Heritage and Values

Freshman year focuses on providing cadets with a solid understanding of the Air and Space Force’s organization, officership and professionalism, military customs and courtesies, and officer career opportunities.

  • As freshmen, cadets must take AFAS 1410/1420 and AFAS 1030.

Sophomore Year: Team and Leadership Fundamentals in the Air/Space Force

Sophomore year Air Force classes provide cadets with the necessary background in teamwork and leadership. This understanding is provided within the framework of continued emphasis on the Air Force core values and officership.

  • As sophomores, cadets must take AFAS 2510/2520 and AFAS 2030.

Field Training (between Sophomore and Junior Year)

One of the staples of AFROTC is Field Training, a 2-week long mandatory training and evaluation that all cadets are required to attend during their time in AFROTC. Usually taking place during the summer in between cadets’ sophomore and junior years, Field Training is a “Boot-Camp” style experience that is meant to both mimic Air Force Basic Training as well as serve as an evaluation of a cadet’s knowledge of the Air Force and Space Force curriculum thus far. While challenging, Field Training is a rite of passage in the pathway to becoming an officer.

While at Field Training, cadets will have the opportunity to develop themselves by learning about many other Air Force related skills, such as the proper handling of a handgun during the Combat Arms course; the use of a compass, map, and military protractor during land navigation training; as well as the many particular aspects of small unit tactics and their importance. Additionally, cadets will be expected to show their knowledge and ability to demonstrate the skills they have learned at their detachment in the 2 years leading up to their experience. These skills include subjects such as drill and ceremony and warrior knowledge.

Junior Year: Leading People and Effective Communication in the Air and Space Force.

Junior year focuses on leadership and management traits essential to serving the nation as Air Force officers. Third-year cadets returning from field training are assigned leadership positions within the Cadet Wing, and the corresponding Air Force academic classes serve to better prepare cadets for the challenges awaiting them.

  • As juniors, cadets must take AFAS 3410/3420 and AFAS 3030.

Senior Year: National Security/Leadership Responsibilities/ Commissioning Preparation

Senior year Air Force classes focus on preparing cadets to enter active duty as newly commissioned officers. Topics include national and regional studies to better prepare cadets for the diverse locations they may deploy to in the course of their careers. Additional subject matter covered in senior year includes Air Force doctrine and military justice.

  • As seniors, cadets must take AFAS 4410/4420 and AFAS 4030

Practical Military Training

Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) 

Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) is a course designed to give you “on-the-job” experience in the areas of Air Force leadership, teamwork, and management. LLAB is a practical preparation for Air Force active duty as a Second Lieutenant.

LLAB is a class like any college laboratory and is graded on a pass/fail basis. LLAB consists of Physical Training (PT) and the Laboratory. At Det 250, LLAB meets Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and some Thursdays from 0600-0745 hours. A typical LLAB week consists of two Physical Training (PT) days and one LLAB training day with a potential second day on Thursday.

All LLABs are planned, organized, and conducted by POC cadets, with oversight by the Cadre staff.

Physical Training (PT)

You are required to work on your physical fitness to meet Air Force and Space Force fitness standards. An Air Force and Space Force-wide initiative of being “Fit-to-Fight” applies here in AFROTC. You will have to push and motivate yourself to be physically and mentally fit. Activities range from traditional workouts to warrior runs, supervised weight training, and competitive sports. Each semester’s worth of PT culminates in a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA), which you must pass. Visit this website link for Air Force and Space Force fitness standards.

College Course Explanation

Air Force Aerospace Studies Class (AFAS)

This academic class will be taught by a member of Cadre and cover relevant topics to support your growth as an officer candidate. You will take these classes with your fellow cadets and be presented with knowledge to prepare you as an officer. Assignments can include writing, reading, or class presentations, focusing on providing you with communication and leadership skills to be a successful Air Force or Space Force leader.