Department of Aerospace Studies

Air Force ROTC Detachment 432

WHAT IS AIR FORCE ROTC?

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corp's (ROTC) is a program offered at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. The program is designed to educate and train students to become officers in the United States Air Force (USAF) or the United States Space Force (USSF) while students are in school earning their degree.

WHAT IS THE PROGRAM'S GOAL?

To commission cadets as Second Lieutenants in the United States Air Force or United States Space Force.

WHAT IS THE PROGRAM'S LENGTH?

The AFROTC program is traditionally a four-year program; however, high-speed students can complete in three years.

WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM LOOK LIKE?

A student's first two years in the program is non-committal and students are considered General Military Course (GMC) Cadets - we recommend students try it out to see if they like it! In addition to a student's degree requirements, GMC Cadets will need to take one academic class and one lab each semester. GMC Cadets are also required to attend physical fitness training twice a week. GMC Cadets will compete to attend a two-week Field Training camp between their sophomore and junior year.

Upon successful completion of camp, students will formally commit to pursuing a career in the Air Force and will be considered a Professional Officer Course (POC) Cadet for their remaining two years. POC Cadets will need to take one academic class and one lab each semester. POC Cadets are also required to attend physical fitness training twice a week.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

Students who join the program are expected to excel in both academics and in physical fitness. Basic eligibility includes:

• Minimum CGPA of 2.0
• Minimum Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) score of 75 out of 100. Students will take a PFA each semester. The PFA consists of a 1.5 mile run, pushups, and sit-ups. PFA standards and score charts can be reviewed here: Air Force PT Test. If you have reviewed the standards and are intimidated, do not worry. The Detachment 432 family will train with you to get you where you need to be. We have had students fail their initial test who are now scoring in the 90's. You can do it and we're here to help.

WHAT SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE?

High School Scholarship. High school seniors that meet entrance exam requirements are encouraged to apply for an Air Force ROTC Academic Scholarship. The window opens in late summer and closes in December. Apply here: High School Scholarship Types.

Brigadier General Charles McGee Award. Upon successful completion of the first two years of the program, and completion of the two-week field training camp between a student's sophomore and junior year, the remaining two years of school will be paid for by the Air force.

Other. Throughout the course of a cadet's career, numerous opportunities are available to them at no-cost. Examples include:

• Paid summer internships with government agencies
• Paid summer internships with research organizations
• Paid foreign language immersion
• Paid International/National Air Force Base trips/tours
• Paid travel and attendance to National-level conferences.

DO I HAVE TO ATTEND USM TO JOIN AIR FORCE ROTC?

While the university would love to have you, you do not need to be a Golden Eagle to be a part of the Air Force ROTC Detachment 432 family. The University of Southern Mississippi is a host school, which means USM has partnerships with the schools and community colleges listed below. This partnership enables students from the below schools to participate in the Air Force ROTC program by enrolling with Detachment 432.

• Jones County Junior College
• Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
• Pearl River Community College
• William Carey University

WHAT CAREER CAN I PURSUE IN THE AIR FORCE?

There are too many opportunities to list. Please contact our career expert via phone (601-266-4468) or via email (afrotcFREEgroups.Mississippi) with your specific questions.

During the student's Junior year, they will fill out their career preferences and will receive their career assignment by the Senior year. Popular careers include:

• Intelligence
• Pilot/Navigator
• Space, Nuclear, and Missile Operations
• Cyber Warfare Operations
• Aircraft Maintenance
• Munitions and Missile Maintenance
• Public Affairs/Media
• Medical
• Dental

Meet our CadreJoin Air Force

Our Programs

Air Force ROTC educates and trains students to become Air Force officers while completing a traditional college degree. AF ROTC cadets participate in ROTC classes, leadership lab, physical training, and cadet organizations.