Cadet Experience & Requirements
Air Force ROTC cadets balance their college education with leadership development, military instruction, physical training and preparation for commissioned service. The program becomes progressively more challenging as cadets move from introductory Aerospace Studies courses into greater leadership responsibility within Detachment 820.
Cadets are expected to maintain strong academic performance, meet physical and professional standards and participate consistently in required AFROTC activities.
Core Values & Expectations
Air Force ROTC cadets are expected to develop as students, leaders and future officers. Detachment 820 emphasizes the Air Force Core Values throughout the cadet experience.
Integrity First
Cadets are expected to be accountable for their actions, exercise sound judgment and make ethical decisions. Academic performance, personal conduct and reliability are important parts of professional development.
Service Before Self
AFROTC is a team environment. Cadets learn to place mission requirements and team responsibilities ahead of individual convenience while respecting the responsibilities and contributions of others.
Excellence in All We Do
Cadets are expected to pursue continuous improvement in academics, fitness, leadership and professional development while helping those around them succeed.
College Student & Cadet
Cadets remain full-time college students while completing AFROTC requirements. Successful participation requires balancing academic responsibilities with leadership laboratory, physical training and other detachment activities.
Aerospace Studies Courses
Air Force ROTC cadets complete Aerospace Studies coursework throughout the program. Courses progress from an introduction to the Air Force and officership to advanced leadership, national security and preparation for active service.
AS100 | First Year
AERS 1105 and AERS 1106
The Foundations of the U.S. Air Force introduces students to the mission and organization of the Air Force, core values, officership, professionalism, leadership, military customs and courtesies, officer career opportunities and communication skills.
AS200 | Second Year
AERS 2103 and AERS 2104
Team and Leadership Fundamentals develops understanding of leadership, followership, team building, communication, conflict management and problem-solving. Cadets begin preparing for the transition into the Professional Officer Course.
AS300 | Third Year
AERS 3305 and AERS 3306
Air Force Leadership Studies focuses on leadership and management principles, professional knowledge, personnel evaluation, ethics and the communication skills expected of junior officers.
AS400 | Fourth Year
AERS 4303 and AERS 4304
National Security Affairs and Preparation for Active Duty examines national security, Air Force doctrine, military professionalism, military justice, civilian control of the military, advanced leadership and preparation for commissioned service.
Leadership Laboratory
Leadership Laboratory, commonly called LLAB, provides practical military training that complements Aerospace Studies coursework. Cadets practice leadership and followership while developing the military knowledge and skills expected throughout the program.
Training may include:
Military Skills
- Drill and ceremonies
- Customs and courtesies
- Uniform standards
- Military communication
Leadership Development
- Team leadership
- Followership
- Planning and execution
- Problem-solving
- Professional development
Upper-level cadets take on greater responsibility for planning and leading training while mentoring newer cadets.
Physical Training
Physical readiness is an important part of Air Force ROTC. Cadets participate in organized physical training and must meet applicable fitness requirements throughout the program.
The physical training schedule is established by Detachment 820 each semester and may change based on the needs of the Cadet Wing. Cadets should use current detachment schedules rather than older web schedules when planning their semester.
Physical Training
Regular PT sessions are designed to improve cardiovascular endurance, muscular fitness, readiness and overall physical performance.
Physical Fitness Assessment
Cadets complete the applicable Air Force ROTC Physical Fitness Assessment as required during the academic year. Current standards and assessment requirements are determined by Air Force guidance.
Cadet Progression
The AFROTC experience builds over several years, with academic, physical and professional milestones leading toward commissioning.
First Year | AS100
- Maintain full-time student status as required.
- Complete an academic plan.
- Begin required medical qualification processes.
- Meet physical fitness requirements.
- Begin preparing for the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test.
Second Year | AS200
- Continue required academic enrollment.
- Maintain physical fitness standards.
- Complete the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test as required.
- Prepare for summer training and transition into the Professional Officer Course.
Summer After Second Year
Cadets selected to continue into the Professional Officer Course complete required summer training before beginning their third year.
Third Year | AS300
- Enter the Professional Officer Course.
- Take on increased leadership responsibilities.
- Maintain academic and physical requirements.
- Complete applicable background and career-selection processes.
- Begin competing for future Air Force or Space Force career assignments.
Fourth Year | AS400
- Serve in senior cadet leadership roles.
- Complete remaining academic and AFROTC requirements.
- Prepare for transition to commissioned service.
- Graduate from Texas Tech.
- Commission as an officer upon successful completion of all requirements.
Tests & Major Requirements
Air Force Officer Qualifying Test
The Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, or AFOQT, is a standardized assessment used as part of the officer accession process. It includes sections that measure verbal, quantitative and other aptitudes relevant to officer career fields.
Medical Qualification
Cadets must complete the required medical qualification process. Medical eligibility is determined through the applicable Department of Defense medical examination system.
Summer Training
Cadets complete required summer training between the General Military Course and Professional Officer Course. Training evaluates military discipline, leadership, followership, teamwork and readiness to continue in the program.
Academic Progress
Cadets must make satisfactory progress toward an approved college degree while meeting applicable AFROTC academic requirements.
Requirements Can Change
Fitness standards, testing requirements, summer training structure and commissioning procedures are established by the Department of the Air Force and may change. Cadets should follow current guidance provided by Detachment 820 rather than relying on older web schedules or archived standards.
Rated Career Requirements
Cadets pursuing rated career fields such as pilot, Combat Systems Officer or Air Battle Manager may have additional testing and selection requirements.
Test of Basic Aviation Skills
The Test of Basic Aviation Skills, or TBAS, measures psychomotor and cognitive abilities relevant to rated officer selection.
Rated Selection
Rated selection may consider multiple factors, including AFOQT scores, TBAS performance, academic record, physical qualification and other Air Force requirements.
Questions About Cadet Requirements?
Cadet requirements vary by year, commissioning status and career goals. Contact Detachment 820 if you have questions about coursework, fitness, testing, medical qualification or the path to commissioning.
Air Force ROTC Detachment 820
Holden Hall, Room 3
Phone: 1 (806) 742-2143
Email: afrotc.det820@ttu.edu
Air Force ROTC Detachment 820
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Phone
806.742.2143 -
Email
afrotc.det820@ttu.edu