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; however, it is intended for students who have at least 3 years of coursework remaining.
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 two-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 $300-$500 monthly subsistence allowance and $900 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.
No-commitment exploratory course introducing the United States Air Force and the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program. Topics include Air Force heritage and culture, professional military officership values and expectations, and future career opportunities with an emphasis on cultivating leadership and communication skills.
(1-0) Cr. 1. S.
A continuation of 141. Topics expand Air Force history and heritage by examining the various functions of airpower and the organizational/command structures used to employ them. Introduces leading theories of warfare and conflict, basic principles and tenets of Air Force doctrine to guide future war planners. The course places emphasis on leadership and team building, further study of interpersonal communication, and above all, ethical decision making in the context of a military environment.
(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.
Cr. 1. F.
Measuring character through self-assessment and its importance for leadership and team building. The importance of listening and communication for mission accomplishment. Leadership, team building, and problem solving skills in the context of Air Force core values.
Cr. 1. S.
Defining leadership through the lens of human relations, conflict and stress management, and ethical decision making. The importance of leveraging diversity and collaborative relationships with negotiating and resiliency techniques in the context of Air Force core values.
(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.
Presents the complex issues of leadership and management in the U.S Air Force; a large and diverse organization. The theoretical aspects of leadership, management, communications, motivation and problem-solving are examined and studied against the backdrop of the U.S. Air Force.
(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 constitutional roots of authority and responsibilities to the Air Force officer, to include development of national security and strategy that defines US military policy and priorities. Applies legislation, joint doctrine, and relationships of operational and administrative authority concepts in the US military in the context of regional studies.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Explores the range of professional, personal and social support structures available to US Air Force officers on active duty. Examines practical supervision tools to manage expectations, career development, and disciplinary action leading to the oath of office and acceptance of a commission in the US Air Force.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.