The Program

Basic Program

The AFROTC program is divided into two phases—the General Military Course (GMC) & the Professional Officer's Course (POC).

The GMC portion of the program typically consists of first and second-year college or law students, enabling them to try out AFROTC without any commitment. This phase includes a one-credit hour class and—if you are pursuing a commission—weekly leadership labs (LLABs) and physical training (PT). Most practical military training (class, LLAB, PT) is held at Samford University. Once registered for class, you will receive a welcome letter and orientation information.

During the GMC period, cadets will be exposed to the basic organizational concepts of the Air and Space Forces and their history. During the sophomore year, if cadets meet all requirements, they will have the opportunity to compete for an enrollment allocation (EA). This EA allows cadets to attend Field Training the summer following their sophomore year. Completion of field training is necessary for entrance into the POC.

The POC portion of the program typically consists of third and fourth-year college or law students. As a POC cadet, you will receive instruction in Leadership/Management and National Security Policy. This phase includes a three-credit hour class, weekly leadership labs (LLABs), and physical training (PT).

It is possible to join AFROTC anytime during your freshman year and at the beginning of your sophomore year in college. If you are trying to join as a law student or after your sophomore year in college, you have a few options and will need to talk to a cadre member to discuss those options. Please contact us for more information.

Leadership Laboratory (LLAB)

Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) is integral to the Air Force ROTC program. It provides an opportunity for students to apply classroom teachings to actual environments. Each course has an associated leadership laboratory.

LLAB meets for two hours each week during the term. Instruction is conducted within the framework of an organized cadet corps with a progression of experiences designed to develop leadership potential. Leadership Laboratory involves a study of the life and work of Air and Space Force junior officers. Students develop their leadership potential in a practical, supervised laboratory, which typically includes field trips to Air or Space Force installations throughout the United States.

The first two years of LLAB involve activities classified as initial leadership experiences in the General Military Course. This includes studying Air and Space Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, and learning about career opportunities available to commissioned officers.

The last two years of LLAB consist of activities classified as advanced leadership experiences in the Professional Officer’s Course. They involve the planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, and controlling the military activities of the cadet corps; the preparation and presentation of briefings and other oral and written communications; and the providing of interviews, guidance, and information that will increase the understanding, motivation, and performance of other cadets.

Physical Training (PT)

Physical training (PT) typically involves one hour of training twice a week, focusing on preparing cadets to take the Air Force Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) at the end of the semester, which includes 1 minute of push-ups, 1 minute of sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run.

PT is diverse in nature. Cadets are exposed to various kinds of exercise, including swimming, weightlifting, running, and calisthenics. Previous experience in these areas is not required, and cadets with no exercise background will be given the tools they need to obtain a qualifying PFA score.

Field Training

Field Training is a rigorous and challenging program designed to evaluate your officer potential. Field Training occurs at Maxwell Air Force Base, AL, usually prior to entering your junior year in college, and must be accomplished before you enter the POC. At Field Training, you will receive career orientation, officer development training, aircraft orientation, survival training, weapons indoctrination, and physical fitness training. Your leadership ability will be tested and evaluated in various scenarios. The Air Force will cover all travel expenses related to Field Training.

Cadet Life

Becoming an Iron Warrior

Cadet life is slightly different from that of a normal college student; there are countless new opportunities to develop you as a leader, provide you with new and exciting experiences, and forge your path as the next generation of Iron Warriors.

As you proceed further into your AFROTC career, especially the POC, you take on much more responsibility. When you become an Iron Warrior, you will be expected to invest in yourself and your peers. The program's main goal is to get your degree, but advancing in AFROTC will require tenacity and a willingness to devote yourself to some time in the corps.

When cadets are not marching, training, or in uniform, they are college students living a college-student life and staying involved in Greek Life, intramural sports, student government, city life, and much more. Beyond these interests, Detachment 012 affords several unique opportunities, including AFROTC Extracurricular Activities and Special Events.

AFROTC Extracurricular Activities

Along with regular Air Force ROTC activities, there are numerous extracurricular activities as well, including Honor Guard, Arnold Air Society, and more. Arnold Air Society is a service oriented, honor society directly endorsed by the Air Force and AFROTC. Silver Wings is another organization devoted to service. This is the sister organization to Arnold Air Society, but it allows you to work side by side with civilian members as this organization is open to anyone on campus. Both these organizations give extra training, experience, skills, and esprit de corps between cadets, the university, and the community.

Through AFROTC, you will have opportunities to volunteer in the community, present the national colors at various games and venues, and participate in recruiting functions.

Special Events

Various events throughout the academic year offer unique experiences to the Iron Warriors at Detachment 012. Among these are the annual Iron Warrior 5K, visits to the Talladega Speedway, Phase Zero, visits to Air and Space Force installations, joint events with Army ROTC, Morale-Welfare-Recreation events, community service, PT at Vulcan Park, and our annual Dining Out.

Scholarships

From High School

National Air and Space Force ROTC scholarships are extremely competitive. To guarantee you are a top candidate, ensure you have the highest GPA possible, score well on the ACT or SAT, and stay physically fit to pass the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA). You will also need to apply and get accepted to a university with an AFROTC program. Get more details about the High School Scholarship Program (HSSP).

In-College Scholarship Program

AFROTC offers multiple In-College scholarships. There is a 3-year scholarship available to those freshmen who enroll in AFROTC. Freshmen will have the opportunity to compete for national scholarship during their second semester that will be activated the start of their sophomore year.

There is also a two-year scholarship award known as the General Charles McGee Leadership Award that offers $18,000 in tuition and fees per academic year with an annual book stipend and a monthly living expense stipend. To receive this award, a cadet must attend and complete Field Training and meet minimum requirements for GPA and Physical Fitness.

AFROTC cadre members are available to answer any questions you may have about these programs, or you can read about them online.

Cadre

Joseph Johnson

Lt Col Joseph Johnson

Commander/Professor of Aerospace Studies
205-726-2621
jjohns51@samford.edu  

 

Capt Carson Kennedy

Capt Carson Kennedy

Operations Flight Commander/Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies
205-726-4484
ckenned2@samford.edu

 

Lt Brett Collins

Capt Brett Collins

Education/Recruiting Officer/Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies
205-726-4530
bcollin4@samford.edu

 

TSgt Andrew Tolar

TSgt Andrew Tolar

NCOIC
205-726-2950
atolar1@samford.edu

 

SSgt Jordan Basilicato

SSgt Jordan Basilicato

Admin.
205-726-2671
jbasilic@samford.edu

 

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Information is current as of 9/25/2023.