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.
Military Studies Minor
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.