Cadet Login

FAQ

Visit the Air Force ROTC website for general information about AFROTC scholarships, officer career opportunities in the USAF, and other aspects of ROTC college life.

Quick Links:
Admissions
Commitments and Obligations
Careers
Cadet & College Life
Common Misconceptions about AFROTC

Admissions
 

If I join Air Force ROTC, am I joining the USAF?
No. If you receive a 4-year scholarship from high school, then the first year of college is paid for and you can drop out at the end of your freshman year with no obligation. If you received a 3-year scholarship from high school or college then you are not committed to the Air Force until you accept your scholarship (usually in the fall of your sophomore year). If you don't get any scholarship, then you are not committed to joining the Air Force until you start your junior year.  With Air Force ROTC, we provide you with many opportunities to see what the Air Force is about before committing.
 

Do I have to join Air Force ROTC as a freshman?
No. Any student (graduate or undergraduate) with more than two years remaining should be eligible for our program. So, if you're a second-semester freshman, a sophomore, or have at least two years remaining in your graduate studies, you can join. We also have a new one-year ROTC program for students with only a year left in undergraduate or graduate degrees for certain technical majors and nursing degrees.
 

Can I join Air Force ROTC without a scholarship?
Yes. Many of our students do not start with a scholarship, but can compete for one eventually.
 

Commitments and Obligations
 

Are cadets with scholarships shown preferential treatment?
No!!  The fact that a cadet may have an Air Force ROTC scholarship has no bearing on an Air Force career. Nor does it make any difference while in the Air Force ROTC program.
 

Are there restrictions as to what students choose as their major?
None at all. In fact, we encourage you to take a curriculum you are interested in and in which you have the capability to do well. Our main academic concern is that you maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) above 2.0 and attain your degree in the time period planned. The GPA requirements are different if you are applying for a scholarship and once you are on scholarship.
 

How often can I take the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)?
The test is given several times during the fall and spring and can be taken a maximum of two times with at least 6 months between tests.
 

What is the commitment to the Air Force upon graduation?
Most officers have a four-year active duty commitment. For pilot, navigator, and ABM (Air Battle Managers) slots, your time commitment can vary.
 

Careers
 

When do I know what job I will be doing for the Air Force as an officer?
You will compete in a selection process much like the one of an enrollment allocation as an officer candidate. The factors to be used will include your AFOQT scores, your field training performance rating, your GPA, your academic major, your physical fitness test (PFT) score, and the Detachment Commander's rating.  A new change to this system will allow cadets to be informed of their jobs in the Spring of their Junior year.
 

Do I have to become a pilot or navigator?
No. The vast majority of Air Force jobs do not involve flying at all. In the civilian world there are thousands of jobs and careers - doctors, lawyers, law enforcement, engineers, financial careers, food-service management - the list is endless. For almost every civilian job, there is an Air Force counterpart performing a similar job.
 

When do I actually receive my commission as an Air Force officer?
Cadets are normally commissioned in a special ceremony the same day they graduate.  You will then enter active duty  30-60 days after graduation.
 

Can I continue my education beyond the baccalaureate level?
Yes. The Air Force offers several opportunities for this particular situation.  You can request an educational delay.  This delay between the time of commissioning and reporting for active duty will be of sufficient length to allow you to fulfill the requirements for a professional or master's degree.  There are also Air Force Institute of Technology programs where the Air Force pays for your graduate school education.  The Air Force will provide 100% tuition assistance for you to pursue an advanced degree in your free time while on active duty.  These programs are explained in detail on the Air Force ROTC website.
 

How much do I get paid?
Upon commissioning, you will earn approximately $39,000 per year, you will receive full medical care, and have 30 days of paid leave (vacation) each year.
 

Cadet & College Life
 

Do I have to cut my hair?
Maybe. Hair must be kept in accordance with Air Force regulations when in uniform.
 

Do I have to live in barracks?
No. Cadets can live wherever they choose. This has a lot to do with the college you attend. Here at U of I, freshmen are required to live in the dorms. After that you can reside in an apartment or remain in the dorms.
 

Do I have to wear a uniform to class every day?
No. You are only required to wear your uniform to your classes one day each week. Also, during occasional special events, you may be required to wear your uniform.
 

Can I participate in other student activities on campus?
Definitely!  This is highly encouraged! Many of our cadets are involved in other student organizations.  However, we stress academics first and foremost.
 

How much time do I have to spend with Air Force ROTC each week?
The only required time is during your Air Force ROTC classes, Leadership Lab, and PT twice a week.
 

How much marching and drilling will I have to do?
Marching is sometimes practiced during Leadership Laboratory. There are drill sessions offered outside of LLAB, however, these events are not mandatory.
 

When will I receive my Air Force ROTC uniform?
Within the first couple of class periods you will be issued all your uniform items at no cost to you and free alterations are also provided. However, you are responsible for keeping the uniform within regulations and serviceable.

Common Misconceptions about AFROTC:
 

FICTION: You have to have a scholarship to be in Air Force ROTC.
FACT: It is not necessary.  In fact, most cadets in Air Force ROTC are not on scholarship.
 

FICTION: The time commitment to ROTC is overwhelming.
FACT: Actually, the minimum time commitment is only a few hours a week for freshmen and sophomores, then increases slightly for juniors and seniors who have a more active leadership responsibility within the corps.
 

FICTION: You have to have perfect vision in order to become a pilot.
FACT: This is not true. View the minimum requirements to become a pilot.
 

FICTION: An engineering major is required for a Scholarship.
FACT: Scholarships are open to all majors.
 

FICTION: The military pays poorly.
FACT: The starting salary for an Air Force Officer is very competitive with other occupations. Learn more about our pay and benefits.