WHAT IS AIR FORCE ROTC?

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps is a supplemental academic and leadership program designed to prepare University students to serve as leaders in the United States Air Force. The Interservice Transfer program (IST) encompasses a course of study that students take in addition to their degree program at Southeast Missouri State University.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Any full-time student, male or female, in good academic standing at Southeast, who is a U.S. citizen, in good health, and pursuing a bachelor's degree may apply for admission to the General Military Course (GMC) – the first two years of the four-year AFROTC program. Membership in the last two years of the AFROTC program – the Professional Officer Course (POC) – is restricted to those students who are competitively selected from the GMC. Some age restrictions apply. In addition, all students may take the Aerospace Studies academic courses for elective college credit without joining AFROTC or incurring any military service obligation.

WHAT CAREERS ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?

There are many paths open to commissioned Air Force officers. Check out the link below for a list of opportunities that are available to those who qualify. (Note: some specialties require specific degrees)

IS THERE A COMMITMENT OR OBLIGATION?

Unless you are receiving an AFROTC scholarship, there is no military commitment while you are enrolled in the GMC (the first two years of the AFROTC program). Students receiving an AFROTC scholarship and those selected for the final two years of the AFROTC program (the POC) incur a minimum four-year active duty service commitment after graduation and commissioning. Students who volunteer and are selected for certain Air Force career fields (e.g. pilots) incur a longer commitment.

HOW MUCH TIME DOES AIR FORCE ROTC TAKE?

GMC (first 2 years): In addition to the 1 credit-hour academic class, usually no more than five hours per week.

POC (last 2 years): In addition to the 3 credit-hour academic class, usually no more than six hours per week. These hours include a mandatory two hours per week of physical fitness training, and a two-hour per week Leadership Laboratory class held at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL (SIUC); approximately one hour from SEMO. It does not include travel time to and from the SIUC campus. SEMO students are responsible for furnishing their own transportation to attend the weekly lab at SIUC. (NOTE: SEMO students usually arrange a carpool.)

WHAT CAN I EXPECT ONCE I COMPLETE AFROTC?

• Upon graduation, you will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (officer) in the Air Force
• A starting base salary of over $35K (increasing to over $62K after 4 years of active duty)
• Generous housing allowance (based on location) and medical/dental benefits for you and your family
• A defined benefits plan after only 20 years of active service
• Highly marketable skills, experience, and educational benefits during and after your service

AIR FORCE ROTC SCHOLARSHIPS

• Apply online no later than Dec. 1 of your senior year in high school.
• AFROTC also offers some in-college scholarships to well-qualified AFROTC cadets.

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY DORM ROOM ALLOWANCE

Many AFROTC cadets receive a dorm room scholarship of up to $3K. See Residence Life for more details.