General
Air Force ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) is a college program that prepares students to become commissioned officers in the United States Air Force or Space Force. You take aerospace studies courses alongside your regular degree, attend weekly Leadership Laboratory sessions, and participate in physical training. Upon graduation, you commission as a Second Lieutenant.
No. The first two years of AFROTC (the General Military Course) carry no military obligation. You can participate, explore the program, and decide if it's right for you. A military commitment begins when you enter the Professional Officer Course, typically after completing Field Training between your sophomore and junior year.
Yes. While many cadets start as freshmen, students can join as late as their first sophomore semester. Other options exist for prior service members or those seperating from AD. Contact our cadre to discuss your specific situation and we'll help you figure out the best path.
You must be a U.S. citizen, enrolled full-time at Auburn University, able to meet Air Force fitness standards, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, be able to complete the program before age 39, and pass a Department of Defense medical examination. You do not need prior military experience.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Yes. AFROTC offers scholarships that can cover tuition and fees, provide a book allowance, and include a monthly stipend. Scholarships are available to incoming freshmen through the High School Scholarship Program, and current cadets can compete for in-college scholarships at various points in the program. Most in-college scholarships are awarded after the completion of Field Training.
No. You can participate in AFROTC without a scholarship. Many cadets begin the program without one and compete for scholarships later. The program is open to all eligible students regardless of scholarship status.
Contracted cadets receive a monthly stipend. The amount increases each year: typically $300–$500 per month depending on your year in the program. Scholarship recipients also receive a book allowance each semester.
Yes. AFROTC scholarships can often be combined with other Auburn scholarships and financial aid. However, each situation is different, so it's best to work with both the Auburn financial aid office and our cadre to understand how your specific package works together.
Physical Fitness
Cadets participate in organized physical training (PT) sessions 2 times per week, typically in the early morning. Sessions include running, calisthenics, strength training, and team-based exercises. PT is designed to prepare you for the Air Force fitness assessment and build overall physical readiness.
No. Many cadets come in at different fitness levels and improve over time. The program is designed to build you up. Our PT sessions, cadet-led fitness clubs, and cadre support will help you reach the standard. What matters most is the willingness to put in the work.
The Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment (PFRA) is a standardized test that measures your aerobic fitness and muscular endurance. It currently includes a 2 mile run, push-ups, and sit-ups, each scored based on age and gender. Cadets take the PFA each semester. A passing score is required to remain in good standing and to compete for Field Training and scholarship selection.
Field Training
Field Training is an intensive summer program held at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. It takes place between your sophomore and junior year and typically lasts for about three weeks. It's designed to evaluate your leadership potential, physical fitness, and ability to perform under pressure. Successfully completing Field Training is required to enter the Professional Officer Course.
Detachment 005 prepares you throughout your first two years with physical training, leadership labs, and mentorship from cadre and upper-class cadets. You'll know what to expect well before you ship out. Many cadets also train on their own over the summer beforehand, especially running and calisthenics, to make sure they're physically ready.
Career Fields
The Air Force and Space Force offer over 130 career fields, known as Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs). These range from pilot, combat systems officer, and air battle manager to cyber operations, intelligence, space operations, engineering, acquisitions, and many more. Your degree, performance in the program, and personal preferences all factor into which career field you're matched with.
You submit a preference list and the Air Force matches you based on the needs of the service, your academic major, your ranking in the program, and available slots. While it's not guaranteed, strong performance gives you a better chance of landing your top choice. Our cadre will help you understand the process and position yourself competitively
For some career fields, yes. Technical fields like engineering, cyber, and science-related AFSCs may require or prefer specific degrees. Rated career fields like pilot and CSO are open to all majors. You can study any major at Auburn and still commission; your major just may influence which non-rated career fields are available to you.
Daily Life & Time Commitment
On average, expect about 6 hours per week. This includes your aerospace studies class, Leadership Laboratory, physical training sessions, and any additional training or events. The time commitment is manageable alongside a full course load, and many cadets are also involved in other campus organizations, jobs, and social activities.
Absolutely. Many cadets participate in Greek life, club sports, student government, and other campus organizations. Plenty of cadets also hold part-time jobs. Time management is a skill AFROTC actively helps you develop, and balancing multiple commitments is part of the leadership training.
No. AFROTC cadets live just like any other Auburn student, in dorms, apartments, or wherever you choose. There are no barracks or special housing requirements. You're a regular college student who also happens to be training to become a military officer.
For Parents & Families
Yes. AFROTC is a college-based training program, not basic training. Cadets attend classes, live on or off campus, and participate in supervised physical training and leadership exercises. All activities are conducted with safety as a priority, and cadre (active-duty officers and NCOs) oversee every aspect of the program.
After commissioning, the typical active duty service commitment is four years for most career fields. Pilot and other rated positions have longer commitments. Your student will know their career field and commitment length well before graduation, so there are no surprises.
Absolutely. Families are welcome to visit the detachment and are encouraged to attend sports, tailgates, and other special events throughout the year. We also welcome parents to schedule a tour and meet with our cadre to learn more about the program. Contact us anytime to set up a visit.
