Department of Aerospace Studies (Air Force ROTC)

Lt Col Sarah Bergkamp, Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies

Reynolds Coliseum
2411 Dunn Ave.
NC State Box 7380
Raleigh, NC  27695-7380
Phone:  919-515-2417  
Fax:  919-515-4456
Website:  https://airforce.dasa.ncsu.edu/

Our faculty professors are active duty officers from diverse professional backgrounds that enrich the learning environment.

Air Force Reserve Officer Training (AFROTC) Program

The AFROTC program at NC State University is geared toward students who desire to earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. However, any student from NC State, or one of our four crosstown colleges, who wish to learn about the U.S. Air Force can take any Air Force ROTC course with no obligation or commitment. All students who complete the Military Studies: Aerospace Studies academic program of study with a minimum of 15 hours in aerospace studies are eligible to receive an Military Studies: Aerospace Studies minor.

The four-year AFROTC program that leads to a commission as a U.S. Air Force Officer allows freshmen to enroll in Aerospace Studies courses in the same manner as other college courses for the first two years. It is during this time a student may join the program and become an Air Force ROTC cadet. All cadets must be attending college in “full time” status. Aerospace Studies courses are taken as free electives and cadets incur no military obligation unless they are receiving an AFROTC scholarship. The first two years in the AFROTC program are called the General Military Course (GMC) during which cadets learn the basics of military discipline, followership, and begin preparation for field training. The last two years of AFROTC comprise the Professional Officer Course (POC) where cadets lead each other through a time-tested leadership laboratory training environment that instills both character and leadership skills needed in preparation for life as an active duty officer. The pinnacle training event for AFROTC occurs in the summer between the sophomore and junior year when a cadet attends intense field training held at Maxwell AFB, Alabama and Camp Shelby, Mississippi.

For exceptionally qualified cadets, the four-year program can be compressed to as little as two and one half years for those who do not complete all four AS 100 and AS 200-level courses:  The Foundation of the United States Air Force I and The Evolution of USAF Air and Space Power I are offered in the fall semester.  The Foundations of the United States Air Force II and the Evolution of USAF Air and Space Power II are offered in the spring semester while enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program. Interested students must contact the Professor of Aerospace Studies to determine eligibility requirements.

Cadets at every level have numerous opportunities to further their knowledge of the Air Force and develop leadership. Throughout the school year, cadets have opportunities to examine all aspects of life in the Air Force and gain leadership experience through Air Force base visits, flying opportunities, and social activities. Additionally, a variety of summer programs allow cadets to visit bases and participate in programs such as the US Air Force Academy Free Fall program, manned glider training, and worldwide cultural immersion programs. POC cadets have similar opportunities, with focus on programs related to the cadet’s desired active duty career area, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Upon university graduation and satisfactory completion of the Air Force ROTC program, a cadet is commissioned a second lieutenant in the USAF and is obligated to serve a minimum of four years on active duty.

Scholarship Opportunities and Stipend

Cadets enrolled in the AFROTC program are encouraged to apply for Air Force ROTC scholarships. Competitive scholarships are awarded by the Air Force and are based primarily on college academic achievement, displayed leadership capabilities and the needs of the Air Force for specific academic degrees in technical and foreign languages. Additionally, special scholarships are awarded to fill critically needed academic majors within the Air Force as long as eligibility is met. AFROTC scholarships pay for tuition, fees, books, and provide cadets a stipend each month during the academic year for miscellaneous expenses. Stipends for AFROTC scholarship cadets vary according to the cadet’s year of academic enrollment in AFROTC.

For example, scholarship freshmen currently receive $300 per month, sophomores $350 per month, juniors $450 per month, and seniors $500 per month. Additionally, cadets who complete field training and are enrolled in the POC receive a stipend regardless of scholarship status. All scholarships have minimum academic standards that must be maintained.

Eligibility

All full-time freshmen and sophomores with at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and a desire to seek a commission may enroll in the GMC program without obligation to the Air Force through enrollment in the AS 100-level and 200-level  blocks of Aerospace Studies curriculum. To enter the POC, cadets must meet physical, medical and academic requirements, and successfully complete field training (typically between your second and third year). In addition, some age, citizenship and background restrictions apply; contact the department for more details. Students desiring to enter the four-year program simply register for the AS 100-level course.  All students interested should contact the Air Force ROTC office for more information.

Organization

The Air Force ROTC Cadet Corps, nicknamed “Wolfpack Warriors,” is organized as a cadet wing staffed entirely by cadets for leadership development. They are assisted and advised by experienced active duty officers and non-commissioned officers who are assigned as instructors to the detachment. Three collateral organizations, Arnold Air Society, Wolfpack Warrior Booster Club and Honor Guard, support the cadet wing organization as well as the university and community.

Uniforms

Uniforms are provided by the federal government and are worn by cadets on the day of Leadership Laboratory (Wednesday) or as specified by cadet corps leadership.

View the NC State Air Force website

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