Academics

ROTC Life

What will be the course content of my Air Force ROTC classes?

What is the feeling of the other students on campus about ROTC students?

Feelings and actions toward ROTC cadets at the University of Minnesota are very normal and rarely confrontational. Cadets are asked why they are wearing their uniform; however, this gives cadets a chance to tell them about Air Force ROTC. In general, the attitude toward ROTC cadets is the same as if you were a regular student.

[return to top of page]

How much marching will I have to do?

Not as much as you think. During your freshman and sophomore years you are not �required,� but are highly encouraged to attend a drill session once a week on Sunday evenings. Each Drill and Ceremonies (DNC) practice is one hour; during this time you will be learning how to march and lead others. However, there may be other allotted times during the Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) where you will practice marching maneuver. Marching helps create a sense of unity, attention to detail, and teamwork by creating a single moving unit out of many different people. The remaining time at LLAB is for guest lecturers, joint training sessions, and special projects.

[Return to top of page]

How will I receive my Air Force ROTC uniform?

We try to have a uniform ready for you when you arrive (at no cost to you). If it doesn�t fit, we will arrange for alterations. You will be responsible for keeping the uniform clean and presentable.

[Return to top of page]

When do I wear my Air Force uniform?

Everyone in the cadet wing wears his or her uniform on Wednesday, the day of the leadership laboratory. Occasionally, you will wear your uniform to certain special events held during the year. However, cadets can wear their uniform on days other than Wednesday, but it is not required.

[Return to top of page]

Does the Air Force ROTC program include any extracurricular activities?

Yes, as an Air Force officer you will work more than just at an eight-to-five job, and ROTC is specifically designed to develop the "whole-person" concept. Such activities as Arnold Air Society, Eagles Rifle Drill Team, and Honor Guard offer extra leadership opportunities. You will also become involved with community projects and understand the traditions of the military environment. In addition, there are numerous athletic events and sports nights. Tournaments are arranged in which several AFROTC and other ROTC (Army and Navy) detachments at the university and units in the surrounding states come together to participate in competitive sports. These extra activities are optional; you may participate as your time and schedule allows.

[Return to top of page]

To what degree am I expected to participate in these extracurricular activities?

None at all. Your first and foremost concern is your academics and maintaining your GPA. After all there is no way you can commission as an Air Force officer without a degree. However, after you have met this responsibility, you may want to participate in various activities sponsored both by the University and Air Force ROTC. We certainly like to see our cadets participate in more than just the required class and lab periods. The more you put into the program, the more you will get out of it!

[Return to top of page]

Will I have the opportunity to travel to different Air Force bases while in the AFROTC program?

Yes, each year cadets plan and organize different base visits. Recently a group of 40 cadets traveled down to Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. They began their trip at a local Air Force Reserve Base in Minnesota, and from there took a bus up to the Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. After getting to Grand Forks they traveled on a KC-135 to Nevada. On the trip down there the plane met with a B-2 Bomber, and did an in flight refueling. During their time at Nellis Air Force Base the cadets toured the base and got to see many exciting things. One of the most exciting opportunities they had was to take a tour of the F-22 hangar and see the Raptor close up.

[Return to top of page]

Can I participate in intercollegiate athletics or the band while a member of the Air Force ROTC program?

Yes, for the most part, extracurricular campus activities and AFROTC are perfectly compatible, as long as you do not overload yourself. Many of the cadets are in the university marching band or participate on intramural team at the university.

[Return to top of page]

As a member of the Air Force ROTC program, will I be able to participate in other student organizations or join a fraternity or sorority?

Yes, in fact many of the cadets are active in other student organizations including fraternities or sororities. However, you must keep in mind that your grades should come first where your participation is based on your available time and energy.

[Return to top of page]

What role can a woman play in the Air Force ROTC program?

Whatever role she wants. Nearly a third of the cadets at Det 415 are women, many holding prominent positions. We do more than pay lip service to equal opportunity and we are quite proud of the accomplishments of our women and minority students in AFROTC.

[Return to top of page]

When do I actually receive my commission as an Air Force officer?

At the University of Minnesota, we commission our graduating seniors in a special commissioning ceremony at about the same time as the University's commencement exercises.

[Return to top of page]

What are the qualifications of my Air Force instructors?

ROTC duty is a demanding job. Each instructor has been handpicked by the Air Force. In addition, since they are considered part of the academic faculty, the University has a voice in the selection process. Each officer-instructor must possess as least a Master's degree and have considerable Air Force experience. The instructors represent a variety of Air Force backgrounds.

[Return to top of page]

If I encounter academic or personal problems, where can I turn for help?

You might first try your AFROTC instructor. While he or she may not have a graduate degree in psychology, your instructor has had training in counseling. They may not necessarily have all the answers, but they can certainly direct you to the proper sources. We think of our students as unique individuals, not as mere numbers. Each instructor tries to develop a strong rapport with each cadet, and this personal relationship tends to minimize problems. Additionally, our cadets help each other with academic problems.

[Return to top of page]

What is Field Training, and how often must I attend it?

Field Training (FT) is a four-week summer encampment which you must attend during the summer between your sophomore and junior years. It is conducted at Air Force bases located throughout the United States. It is an intensive training period where you receive additional leadership training, attend numerous career orientations, and learn firsthand what life on an Air Force base is really like. We pay all your transportation costs and provide you with all necessary uniform items. In addition, you will be paid a salary equal to about half the monthly pay of a second lieutenant while you are there. You are only required to complete FT once while in the AFROTC program. Cadets who join in their sophomore year or later will need to attend a 6 week camp to make up for all that was lost in the freshman year.

[Return to top of page]

Will I have to live in a separate dorm with all the other ROTC cadets?

No, like all other students Minnesota students, you are free to live where you choose. Living options include residential halls, cooperative houses, fraternity or sorority houses, and off-campus housing. For those looking to stay with other ROTC cadets, you can request one of the university residential dorms that have rooms reserved for members of ROTC.

[Return to top of page]

I'd like to be a pilot. What are the requirements?

To be selected as a pilot candidate, you must be medically qualified, have the minimum aptitude scores, and have competitive academic and ROTC credentials. A selection board at ROTC headquarters chooses all pilot candidates a year and a half before their scheduled graduation date.

[Return to top of page]

Is any preference shown toward scholarship cadets over non-scholarship cadets?

Definitely not! The fact that you may have an AFROTC scholarship to help you get through college has no bearing on your Air Force career and it does not make any difference while you are in the AFROTC program.

[Return to top of page]

What are my options if I wish to continue my education beyond the baccalaureate level?

The Air Force highly encourages its officers to obtain graduate degrees and offers several opportunities to do so. You can request entrance to an Air Force Institute of Technology program whereby the Air Force pays for your graduate school education. You can also request an educational delay. This delay between the time of commissioning and the time you report for active duty should allow you to fulfill the requirements for a professional or master's degree. Under educational delay, you assume all financial obligations. These programs will be explained to you in greater detail as part of your AF ROTC training.

[Return to top of page]

If I enroll and don't like ROTC, can I quit?

If you are on an AF ROTC scholarship, you can quit anytime prior to starting the fall term of the sophomore year. If you are not on an Air Force ROTC scholarship, you can quit anytime during the freshmen or sophomore years. If you drop out of ROTC before you start your junior year, you will have no obligation to serve in the Air Force.

[Return to top of page]

How can I visit Air Force ROTC Det 415 on the University of Minnesota campus?

We are located on the first floor of the Armory. You will find a map of the campus and the armory at the following link: http://onestop.umn.edu/Maps/Armory/ Please feel free to stop in Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 pm, or contact us at (612) 624-2884.

[Return to top of page]