Department of Aerospace Studies

Professor Lt. Col. Michael Baker, Chairperson. Assistant Professors Maj. Bass and Capt. Creech.

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps curriculum is designed to educate university men and women for careers as Air Force officers and to develop quality graduates with a sense of professionalism and dedication. The ability to think and communicate effectively in their preparation for and acceptance of officer responsibilities is of utmost importance in the Department of Aerospace Studies.

The purposes and specific objectives of the Air Force ROTC program are (a) to select and motivate cadets to serve as career officers in specialty areas required by the U.S. Air Force; (b) to develop in cadets by example, discussion, and participation the character, personality, and attitudes essential for leadership; (c) to develop in cadets an interest in and understanding of the Air Force mission, organization, operations, and techniques; and (d) to provide military education which will give cadets a general background and sound foundation on which to build an officer career.

General Military Course. This course, consisting of the first two years of Air Force ROTC, examines the role of the U.S. military forces in the contemporary world with particular attention to the U.S. Air Force its organization and mission. The organizational structure of the Air Force, missions of selected military organizations, professionalism and officership are covered in AERS 1105 and AERS 1106--the first year. In the second year, the historic development of air power is studied in AERS 2103 and 2104.

Professional Officer Course. Application for the POC normally starts one year prior to entry into the program. A student must be accepted into the POC to enroll in AERS 3305, 3306, 4303, and 4304. This course introduces the cadet in the first year to the study of Air Force leadership in the junior officer level including its theoretical and professional aspects, and a study of military management functions, principles, and techniques. The second year is a study of national security policy and strategy. Additional subjects cover the military profession and its relationship to American society. Within this program, attention is devoted to developing communicative skills and providing leadership experiences in officer-type activities.

Entrance to the professional officer course is limited to those who are regularly enrolled in the university as full-time students, who have completed the necessary screening, testing, physical examination, and who have completed the general military course or the preenrollment five-week field training for two-year applicants, or who receive credit for prior military service and are selected by HQ AFROTC through a competitive screening process.

Cadets who complete the Air Force ROTC professional officer course are commissioned upon graduation and enter active duty as Air Force second lieutenants.

Awards and Recognition. A number of awards, trophies, and decorations are presented each year to outstanding Air Force ROTC cadets during a suitable military ceremony by military and civilian leaders. The awards, presented to recognize achievement and to encourage competition, are given to recipients chosen by the Professor of Aerospace Studies, detachment staff, and the Cadet Staff. The President's Award is presented annually by the President of the university to the outstanding professional officer course cadet who has achieved a high academic standing and materially contributed to student life during his or her university career. The Colonel Bernard F. Fisher Leadership Awards are awarded each regular semester to the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior cadets who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within the Cadet Corps. The recipients are rewarded with jet aircraft incentive rides.

Sabre Flight Drill Team. The Sabre Flight Drill Team is an integral part of the program and its basic mission is to promote interest in the Air Force ROTC. Members of the flight participate regularly in color and honor guard formations and precision drill activities.

Arnold Air Society. This professional honorary service organization of selected Air Force ROTC cadets participates in a variety of service functions for the university and the community. Its objective is to create a closer and more efficient relationship within the Air Force ROTC and to promote interest in the Air Force.

Silver Wings. The Silver Wings is a national, coed, professional organization dedicated to creating proactive, knowledgeable, and effective leaders through community service and education about national defense.

Field Training. Air Force ROTC field training is offered during the summer months at selected Air Force bases throughout the United States. Students in the four-year program participate in four weeks of field training during the summer, usually between the sophomore and junior year. Students applying for entry into the two-year program must successfully complete five weeks of field training prior to enrolling in Air Force ROTC. The major areas of study in the field training program include junior officer training, aircraft and aircrew orientation, career orientation, survival training, base functions and Air Force environment, and physical conditioning. There are numerous program opportunities available for cadet participation on a voluntary basis within the Professional Development Training (PDT) Program. PDT is a collection of summer programs available for Air Force ROTC cadets. These programs are conducted at a variety of locations in the United States and overseas. Travel to training location is provided. Room and meals are provided during training. Cadets can expect to shadow Air Force officers to see their day-to-day responsibilities. There are numerous opportunities to interact with flying, engineering, medical, legal, and many other career fields. Flying and parachuting opportunities are available for freshman cadets.

Courses in Aerospace Studies. (AERS)

First Year

1105. The Air Force Today (1:1:1-1/2). A survey course that deals with the mission, organization, and function of the American military, especially as it applies to the United States Air Force.

1106. The Air Force Today (1:1:1-1/2). A survey course that deals with the Air Force in the contemporary world through a study of the total force structure, strategic offensive and defensive forces, general purpose forces and aerospace support forces.

Second Year

2103, 2104. Development Air Power I and II (1:1:1-1/2 each). A survey course designed to examine general aspects of air and space power through a historical perspective. Historical examples are provided to analyze the development of the Air Force capabilities, missions, and to demonstrate the evolution of today's air and space power. Students also focus on basic verbal and written communication skills and USAF core values.

Third Year

3305. Air Force Leadership and Management (3:3:1-1/2). Prerequisite: acceptance into the Professional Officer Course. An introductory management course emphasizing the individual as a manager in the Air Force. Individual motivation and behavioral processes, leadership, communication, and group dynamics are covered to provide a foundation for the development of the junior officer's professional skills as an Air Force leader.

3306. Air Force Leadership and Management (3:3:1-1/2). Prerequisite: acceptance into the Professional Officer Course. Leadership theory and management practice are amplified through study of management of forces in change, organizational power, managerial strategy and tactics, and leadership ethics.

Fourth Year

4303, 4304. National Security Force for American Society (3:3:1-1/2 each). Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Professional Officer Course. AS 400 examines the national security process, regional studies, advanced leadership ethics, and Air Force doctrine. Special topics of interest focus on the military as a profession, officership, military justice, civilian control of the military, preparation for active duty, and current issues affecting military professionalism. Within this structure, continued emphasis is given to the refinement of communication skills.

Leadership Laboratory. Instruction is conducted within the framework of an organized cadet corps with a progression of experiences designed to develop each student's leadership potential. Leadership Laboratory involves a study of Air Force customs and courtesies; drill and ceremonies; career opportunities in the Air Force; and the life and work of an Air Force junior officer. Students develop their leadership potential in a practical, supervised laboratory which typically includes field trips to Air Force installations and visits by Air Force officers in various job specialties. Students who enroll in aerospace studies courses must also enroll in a corresponding Leadership Laboratory section. Contact the Aerospace Studies Department for details.


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Jan 21, 2020