Military Aerospace Studies--Air Force ROTC

The preparation of future Air Force officers is provided through the Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) program. AFROTC is a voluntary elective which offers a four-year, a three-year, and a two-year program. All credits offered by the department may be counted as general electives toward completion of the requirements in other curricula. Students completing the full four years of the program attend a four-week summer camp between their sophomore and junior years. Individuals who have completed part or all of their college education before enrolling may be eligible for the three-year or two-year option, which requires additional academics at summer camp vs. the traditional four-week camp. Students not pursuing a commission in the Air Force may still enroll in any of the academic classes. These students do not wear the uniform or attend leadership lab. However, textbooks are still provided at no cost.

There are three basic units to the Air Force ROTC program.

1. The two-year or one-year General Military Course (GMC) consists of one hour per week of classroom instruction and two hours per week of leadership lab. For non-scholarship students, there is no obligation during the GMC. For scholarship students, there is no obligation during the first year of the GMC. All students are furnished textbooks, uniforms, and equipment. The GMC is open to any student. Registration is the same as for other courses. Aptitude tests, physical fitness tests, and physical exams are given during the fall semester of the freshman year for those who wish to compete for the Professional Officer Course or for a scholarship.

2. The two-year and one-year Professional Officer Course or POC (the advanced program) is designed to qualify designated cadets for a commission in the United States Air Force. The primary purpose of the Professional Officer Course is to provide education which will develop a knowledge of the Air Force, as well as skills and attitudes vital to the professional Air Force officer. Cadets practice communicative techniques through cadet-led and cadet-centered seminars. The course consists of three hours of classroom instruction per week and two hours per week of leadership lab. Cadets who are not already on scholarship can compete for a scholarship worth up to full tuition, $510/year for books, and $400/month non-taxable subsistence allowance. Uniforms and textbooks are furnished.

3. Field Training, or summer camp, is scheduled during the summer months, normally between the sophomore and junior years. Cadets in the four-year program will attend a four-week camp on an active Air Force base. An applicant for the one-year, two-year, or three-year program will attend a seven-, six-, or five week camp. Cadets attend field training at government expense and are paid for each day of attendance. Transportation to and from camp, meals and quarters are furnished.

Air Force ROTC College Scholarships

      Four-year, three-year, and two-year scholarships are awarded to qualified, selected cadets. All scholarships cover full tuition, fees, and $510/year for books. Scholarship recipients also receive $250-$400 each month as a non-taxable subsistence allowance that increases each year starting at $250 for Freshmen and going up to $400 for Seniors. Numerous majors are recognized as five-year programs and eligible for extended scholarship benefits. Prospective applications are encouraged to contact the Department of Military Aerospace Studies anytime to discuss options available. Information is also available at www.montana.edu/wwwair

In College Scholarship Program

     The ICSP offers 2-year and 3-year scholarships to qualified college freshmen and sophomores in any major. Apply through your Air Force ROTC detachment. Selections take place in April for students enrolled in Air Force ROTC and in July for students not enrolled in Air Force ROTC. Awards are for $15,000 and $9,000 scholarships.

Express Scholarships

     Qualified students majoring in Electrical Engineering, Nursing, Engineering or certain other science/technical fields may be eligible for a $15,000 "Express" Scholarship. No selection board...these scholarships are awarded right here at Montana State University!

Active Duty Obligation

     Applying for an Air Force ROTC scholarship doesn't obligate you in any way. Four-year scholarship recipients do not incur any obligation until the start of the sophomore year in college. There is no active duty obligation for enrolling in either the freshman or sophomore AFROTC courses. Students who complete the Air Force ROTC program and receive a commission, incur a four-year active duty commitment. Flying officers serve additional commitments from the time they complete pilot training.

Typical Four Year Course Progression