ROTC: Air Force Aerospace Studies
AFROTC Detachment 195
950 East 61st St.
Chicago, IL 60637
https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/afrotc
Overview
The Illinois Institute of Technology has a crosstown agreement with Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) and the University of Chicago. Students may enroll in the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Chicago. Air Force ROTC is a four-year program that can be consolidated into a shorter period of time and allows qualified men and women the opportunity to earn commissions as Second Lieutenants in the United States Air Force or the United States Space Force upon graduation and completion of Air Force ROTC. Students may apply for AFROTC scholarships (see Financial Aid below). The Air Force ROTC courses are taught on the University of Chicago campus. Many graduates who enter the Department of the Air Force through this program are assigned to positions consistent with their academic majors, however the needs of the Air Force come first. Highly qualified, interested graduates may compete for selection as pilots, combat systems officers, remotely piloted aircraft pilots, and navigators, usually in their AS 300 year.
Air Force ROTC students gain an understanding of air and space fundamental concepts and principles, and a basic understanding of associated professional knowledge. Students develop a strong sense of personal integrity, honor, and individual responsibility, and an appreciation of the requirements for national security.
For more information on Air Force ROTC, email: airforcerotc@uchicago.edu or visit the website at: https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/afrotc.
Financial Aid
The Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship Program (HSSP) offers four-year and three-year scholarships for highly qualified high school graduates interested in an Air Force career. Additionally, the In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP) offers a variety of scholarships to qualified students already enrolled in college. For students selected to become upperclassmen, the Charles McGee Leadership Award is a scholarship for eligible cadets. Interested students can learn more about scholarship opportunities at the Air Force ROTC website, or may contact Detachment 195 at airforcerotc@uchicago.edu.
Minors
Students may select a minor in Air Force Aerospace Studies. For course requirements, see the Program Requirements section.
Four-Year Program
The four-year program consists of a two-year General Military Course (GMC) and a two-year Professional Officer Course (POC). Students normally start this program in their freshman year. Qualified students with previous service or at least three years Air Force JROTC may start as sophomores and enroll directly in the AS 201 course. Any student who is not on an AFROTC scholarship may withdraw from the GMC at any time. Students selected for POC must complete an AFROTC sponsored field training encampment at an Air Force base before being awarded POC status and stipends (pay). This requirement is normally fulfilled the summer after completing the sophomore year and before beginning the junior year. The major areas of study during field training include junior officer training, career orientation, base functions, and the Air Force environment.
Three-Year Program
The three-year program consists of a one-year condensed GMC and a two year POC. Participants in this program are selected from qualified volunteer applicants. The program is designed for students with fewer than four, but at least three years remaining. The major areas of study are the same as those in the four-year program with the condensed GMC academic curriculum.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AS 101 | The Foundations of the USAF I | 1 |
| AS 102 | The Foundations of the USAF II | 1 |
| AS 201 | The Evolution of USAF Air and Space Power I | 1 |
| AS 202 | The Evolution of USAF Air and Space Power II | 1 |
| AS 301 | Air Force Leadership Studies I | 3 |
| AS 302 | Air Force Leadership Studies II | 3 |
| AS 401 | National Security Studies | 3 |
| AS 402 | Preparation for Active Duty | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | |
ROTC Air Force Aerospace Studies Curriculum
| Year 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Credit Hours | Semester 2 | Credit Hours |
| AS 101 | 1 | AS 102 | 1 |
| 1 | 1 | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | Credit Hours | Semester 2 | Credit Hours |
| AS 201 | 1 | AS 202 | 1 |
| 1 | 1 | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | Credit Hours | Semester 2 | Credit Hours |
| AS 301 | 3 | AS 302 | 3 |
| 3 | 3 | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | Credit Hours | Semester 2 | Credit Hours |
| AS 401 | 3 | AS 402 | 3 |
| 3 | 3 | ||
| Total Credit Hours: 16 | |||
Courses
The General Military Course (AS 101, AS 102, AS 201, AS 202) examines the role of U.S. military forces in the contemporary world, with particular attention to the United States Air Force and its organization and mission.
The Professional Officer Course (AS 301, AS 302, AS 401, AS 402) provides an examination of the broad range of U.S. civil-military relations, the environmental context in which U.S. defense policy is formulated and implemented, and the principles and practices of leadership as they relate to the U.S. Air Force.
Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for each course and complements the program by providing fellowship and leadership experiences.
A student may take any course without entering the AFROTC program.
This survey course is designed to introduce students to the United States Air Force and provides an overview of the basic characteristics, missions, and organization of the Air Force. This is the first course of a two-course sequence that continues with AS 102 Heritage and Values of the United States Air Force II.
This survey course is designed to introduce students to the United States Air Force and provides an overview of the basic characteristics, missions, and organization of the Air Force. This is the second course of a two-course sequence that begins with AS 101 Heritage and Values of the United States Air Force I.
This course focuses on laying the foundation for teams and leadership. The topics include skills that will allow cadets to improve their leadership on a personal level and within a team. The courses will prepare cadets for their field training experience where they will be able to put the concepts learned into practice. The purpose is to instill a leadership mindset and to motivate sophomore students to transition from AFROTC cadet to AFROTC officer candidate. This is the first course of a two-course sequence that continues with AS 202 Team and Leadership Fundamentals II.
This course focuses on laying the foundation for teams and leadership. The topics include skills that will allow cadets to improve their leadership on a personal level and within a team. The courses will prepare cadets for their field training experience where they will be able to put the concepts learned into practice. The purpose is to instill a leadership mindset and to motivate sophomore students to transition from AFROTC cadet to AFROTC officer candidate. This is the second course of a two-course sequence that begins with AS 201 Team and Leadership Fundamentals I.
This course teaches cadets advanced skills and knowledge in management and leadership. Special emphasis is placed on enhancing leadership skills and communication. Cadets have an opportunity to try out these leadership and management techniques in a supervised environment as juniors and seniors. This is the first course of a two-course sequence that continues with AS 302 Leading People and Effective Communication II.
This course teaches cadets advanced skills and knowledge in management and leadership. Special emphasis is placed on enhancing leadership skills and communication. Cadets have an opportunity to try out these leadership and management techniques in a supervised environment as juniors and seniors. This is the second course of a two-course sequence that begins with AS 301 Leading People and Effective Communication I.
This course is designed for college seniors and gives them the foundation to understand their role as military officers in American society. It is an overview of the complex social and political issues facing the military profession and requires a measure of sophistication commensurate with the senior college level. This is the first course of a two-course sequence that continues with AS 402 National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty II.
This course is designed for college seniors and gives them the foundation to understand their role as military officers in American society. It is an overview of the complex social and political issues facing the military profession and requires a measure of sophistication commensurate with the senior college level. This is the second course of a two-course sequence that begins with AS 401 National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty I.
Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) is a dynamic and integrated grouping of leadership developmental activities designed to meet the needs and expectations of prospective Air Force second lieutenants and complement the AFROTC academic program. Most of the LLAB lesson objectives are cadet planned, organized, and executed under the supervision of the Detachment Commander and Operations Flight Commander. LLAB is required every Fall and Spring semester for Air Force cadets.
