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 open to all ISU students. The GMC consists of four consecutive one-hour courses normally taken during the freshman and sophomore years.
Selection for the POC is on a competitive basis. Cadets enrolling in this course must meet certain academic, mental, and physical requirements as well as having high moral standards. Students who have completed the GMC will compete to participate in Field Training, a four-week summer training program which provides a concentrated experience in the Air Force environment. Field Training 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 complete a contractual agreement with the Air Force, which signs them up for at least four years of active duty as an USAF officer after graduation. Qualified cadets may compete for selection for flying jobs such as pilot, combat systems operator (CSO), remotely-piloted aircraft (RPA) operator, and air battle manager (ABM).
AFROTC scholarships are available and provide payment of full tuition and fees. In addition, scholarship cadets receive a $250-$500 monthly subsistence allowance and $600 per year book allowance. Scholarships can be awarded for periods from two to five years, depending on academic major. Upon acceptance of a scholarship, complete a contractual agreement with the Air Force, which signs them up for at least four years of active duty as an USAF officer after graduation. 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:
(0-4) Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Membership as a cadet in AFROTC
Instruction for new cadets on Air Force customs and courtesies; drill and ceremonies, issuing military commands, studying the environment of an Air Force officer and learning about areas of opportunity available to commissioned officers while also using basic military training skills and instruction to develop confidence, leadership, and communication skills through physical fitness. Full participation in all events will be determined based on student's physical and medical eligibility.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(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.
(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.
(0-4) Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Membership as a cadet in AFROTC
Instruction and critique of cadets on Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, and issuing military commands in preparation for AFROTC summer Field Training while also using basic military training skills and instruction to develop confidence, leadership, and communication skills through physical fitness. Full participation in all events will be determined based on student's physical and medical eligibility.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(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.
(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.
(0-4) Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Membership as a cadet in AFROTC
Mid-level management of leadership experience involving planning and controlling of most AFROTC military activities. Students will help senior leadership to prepare and present briefings and other oral and written communications; provide interviews, guidance, and information that will increase the understanding, motivation, and performance of other cadets; and use advanced military training skills and instruction to develop confidence, leadership, and communication skills through physical fitness. Full participation in all events will be determined based on student's physical and medical eligibility.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(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.
(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.
(0-4) Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Membership as a cadet in AFROTC
Advanced leadership experience involving the planning and controlling of all upper-level AFROTC military activities. Students will prepare and present briefings and other oral and written communications; provide interviews, guidance, and information that will increase the understanding, motivation, and performance of other cadets; and use advanced military training skills and instruction to develop confidence, leadership, and communication skills through physical fitness. Full participation in all events will be determined based on student's physical and medical eligibility.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(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.
(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.