Air Force Aerospace Studies
Undergraduate Study
The objectives of the Department of Air Force Aerospace Studies (AFAS) are to provide qualified students the opportunity to earn a commission as an active duty officer in the United States Air Force (USAF) and to build better citizens for those not interested in serving in the USAF. Entry into the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program is not dependent on departmental major or year in the university, and is open to all qualified students.
The curriculum is divided into two basic phases: the general military course (GMC) and the professional officer course (POC). The GMC is introductory and consists of four consecutive one-hour courses normally taken during the freshman and sophomore years.
Selection for the POC is on a competitive basis, and cadets enrolling in this course must meet certain academic, mental, physical, and moral standards. Students who have completed the GMC will compete for an enrollment allocation to participate in Field Training, a four-week summer program which provides a concentrated experience in the Air Force environment. The training program includes officer training, career orientation, expeditionary training, an introduction to typical base functions, and physical training. Prior to entry into the POC, students must successfully complete Field Training.
Upon enrollment and acceptance into the POC, all cadets are required to complete a contractual agreement with the Air Force, which obligates them to a minimum of four years of active duty as an USAF officer. Qualified cadets may compete for selection for rated duty as a pilot, combat systems operator (CSO), remotely-piloted aircraft (RPA) operator, and air battle manager (ABM). Rated duty officers receive additional specialized instruction, requiring an active duty commitment of six years for CSO, RPA, and ABM operators and 10 years for pilots.
AFROTC scholarships are available and provide payment of full tuition and fees. In addition, scholarship cadets receive a $250-$400 monthly subsistence allowance and $600 per year book allowance. Scholarships can be awarded for periods of two, three, or four years, with up to one additional year for qualified applicants in selected majors. Upon acceptance of a scholarship, the student executes a contract with the USAF, and students who fail to observe the contract terms may be called to active duty in an enlisted grade or be required to repay monies received from the Air Force. To determine eligibility and initiate application procedures for the scholarship program, interested students should contact the AFAS department.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a minor in military studies. Requirements for the minor include taking a minimum of 15 credits of ROTC instruction, which may be taken from one or more of the ROTC programs. At least six credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above.
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
AFAS 101. Introductory Leadership Laboratory I.
(0-2) Cr. 1.
F.
Prereq: Membership as a cadet in AFROTC
Instruction on Air Force customs and courtesies; drill and ceremonies, issuing military commands, physical training, studying the environment of an Air Force officer and learning about areas of opportunity available to commissioned officers.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AFAS 102. Introductory Leadership Laboratory II.
(0-2) Cr. 1.
S.
Prereq: Membership as a cadet in AFROTC
A continuation of AFAS 101. Air Force customs and courtesies; drill and ceremonies, issuing military commands, physical training, studying the environment of an Air Force officer and learning about areas of opportunity available to commissioned officers.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AFAS 141. Foundations of the United States Air Force.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
F.
Basic introduction to the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. Mission and organization of the Air Force, officership and professionalism, military customs and courtesies, Air Force officer opportunities, and communication skills.
AFAS 142. Foundations of the United States Air Force.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
S.
A continuation of 141. Topics include Air Force installations, Air Force core values, leadership and team building, further study of interpersonal communication, the Oath of Office and Commissioning.
AFAS 151. Air Force Physical Training.
(0-2) Cr. 1.
Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Membership as a cadet in AFROTC
Use of basic military training skills and instruction to develop confidence, leadership, communication skills and physical fitness. The team approach is utilized in the instruction and application of Air Force physical fitness requirements. Students will learn various Air Force physical fitness techniques as well as how to conduct physical fitness sessions. Full participation in all events will be determined based on student's physical and medical eligibility.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AFAS 201. Basic Leadership Laboratory I.
(0-2) Cr. 1.
F.
Prereq: Membership as a cadet in AFROTC
Instructs and critiques freshmen cadets on Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, issuing military commands and physical training.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AFAS 202. Basic Leadership Laboratory II.
(0-2) Cr. 1.
S.
Prereq: Membership as a cadet in AFROTC
A continuation of AFAS 201, instructing and critiquing freshmen cadets on Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, issuing military commands and physical training.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AFAS 241. The Evolution of USAF Air & Space Power I.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
F.
Examines the general aspects of air and space power through a historical perspective. Utilizing this perspective, the course covers a time period from the first balloons and dirigibles to the Korean War. Historical examples are provided to illustrate the development of airpower capabilities and missions to demonstrate the evolution of what has become today's USAF air and space power.
AFAS 242. The Evolution of USAF Air & Space Power II.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
S.
A continuation of AFAS 241 that examines the general aspects of air and space power through a historical perspective. Utilizing this perspective, the course covers a time period from the Korean War to the space-age global positioning systems of the Persian Gulf War. Historical examples are provided to illustrate the development of airpower capabilities and missions to demonstrate the evolution of what has become today's USAF air and space power.
AFAS 301. Intermediate Leadership Laboratory I.
(0-3) Cr. 1.
F.
Prereq: Membership as a cadet in AFROTC
Mid-level management of leadership experiences involving the planning and controlling of the military activities of the AFROTC cadet corps, physical training, 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.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AFAS 302. Intermediate Leadership Laboratory II.
(0-3) Cr. 1.
S.
Prereq: Membership as a cadet in AFROTC
A continuation of AFAS 301, mid-level management of leadership experiences involving the planning and controlling of the military activities of the AFROTC cadet corps, physical training, 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.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AFAS 341. Air Force Leadership Studies I.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
A look at the fundamental issues of leadership and management in the U.S Air Force; a large and diverse organization. It examines the theoretical aspects of leadership, management, communications, motivation and problem-solving while studying them against the backdrop of the U.S. Air Force. The course also conducts hands-on exercises to apply principles learned. While the curriculum is focused on the Air Force as an organization, the principles studied are applicable to most organizations.
AFAS 342. Air Force Leadership Studies II.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: AFAS 341
A continuation of AFAS 341, that looks at the advanced issues of leadership and management in the U.S. Air Force; a large and diverse organization. It examines the theoretical aspects of leadership, managment, communications, motivation and problem-solving while studying them against the backdrop of the U.S. Air Force. The course also conducts hands-on exercises to apply principles learned. While the curriculum is focused on the Air Force as an organization, the principles studied are applicable to most oranizations.
AFAS 401. Advanced Leadership Laboratory I.
(0-3) Cr. 1.
F.
Prereq: Membership as a cadet in AFROTC
Advanced leadership experiences involving the planning and controlling of the upper level management of military activities of the AFROTC cadet corps, physical training, 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.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AFAS 402. Advanced Leadership Laboratory II.
(0-3) Cr. 1.
S.
Prereq: Membership as a cadet in AFROTC
A continuation of AFAS 401, advanced leadership experiences involving the planning and controlling of the military activities of the AFROTC cadet corps, physical training, 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.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AFAS 441. Preparation for Active Duty.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Traces the source of military authority and responsibilities from the U.S. Constitution through the DoD to an Air Force officer. Examines the structure and capabilities of the other services and joint structures. Addresses the supervisory duties of an Air Force officer associated with administrative actions and military law as force management tools. Builds upon leadership and management skill learned in AFAS 341/342 and includes demonstrations of written and verbal communications processes.
AFAS 442. National Security Affairs.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Examines the national security process through review of the Department of Defense's statutory administrative and operational relationships as context for this course's regional studies component. Reviews functions of air and space power as outlined in Air Force doctrine and introduces the concept of joint operations. Integrates these concepts with regional studies to survey issues of interest to professional military officers and governmental leaders. Selectively reviews and discusses Africa, Latin America, South Asia, East Asia, Europe, Russia and the Middle East.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
