AFROTC is a four-year program designed to commission men and women into the Air Force and Space Force. It can be shorter in special cases, but please contact us if this applies to you so we can take a look at your specific situation.
The first two years of AFROTC are classified as the General Military Course (GMC). The purpose of the GMC is to introduce cadets to the Air Force and Space Force. Cadets are expected to develop strong followership, critical thinking, communication, and emotional intelligence. Cadets also spend their first two years exploring career fields of interest. During their sophomore year, all cadets will compete for an enrollment allocation. If an enrollment allocation is granted, the cadet must successfully complete Field Training (boot camp for ROTC cadets) the summer after their sophomore year and commit to a contract with the Air Force.
By junior year, cadets have passed the major milestone of Field Training and are contracted. Once contracted, cadets incur a minimum service commitment of four years on active duty. Juniors and seniors are classified as Professional Officer Course (POC) cadets and practice their leadership style and techniques by managing the cadet wing. Throughout junior year, cadets apply for their desired career fields. Upon successful completion of the program and college graduation, cadets take the oath of office, and are sworn in as Second Lieutenants in the United States Air Force or Space Force.
Spring 2025 Term Schedule
- Jan 15: New Student Orientation (See "How to Join / Contact Us" page for details)
- Jan 21-24: Week 1
- Jan 27-31: Week 2
- Feb 3-7: Week 3
- Feb 10-14: Week 4
- Feb 18-21: Week 5
- Feb 24-28: Week 6
- Mar 3-7: Week 7
- Mar 10-14: Week 8
- Mar 15-30: SPRING BREAK
- Mar 31-Apr 4: Week 9
- Apr 7-10: Week 10
- Apr 14-18: Week 11
- Apr 21-25: Week 12
- Apr 28-May 2: Week 13
Air Force Aerospace Studies Course Information
Aerospace Studies Course Descriptions (for Semesters)
Aerospace Studies Course Descriptions (for Quarters)
Spring 2025 Weekly Schedule
Monday
- 0600-0650: Physical Training (PT) Pod @ Lewis University (provides western suburb students opportunity to complete 1st of 2 required weekly hours of unit PT closer to home)
- 0700-0750: PT Pod @ Northwestern (provides north side students opportunity to complete 1st of 2 required weekly hours of unit PT closer to home)
Tuesday
- 0630-0930: AS301 (Junior) & AS401 (Senior) classes @ UChicago
- 0945-1045: PT Pod @ UChicago (1st of 2 required weekly hours of PT for students who did not opt to attend Monday PT Pod)
Wednesday
- No planned cadet commitments
Thursday (normally held at UChicago, but rotates a few weeks through different crosstown university locations)
- 0600-0650: AS101 (Freshmen) & AS201 (Sophomore) classes
- 0700-0930: Leadership Laboratory (all cadets)
- 1000-1100: PT (all cadets)
Friday
- No planned cadet commitments