Department of Aerospace Studies

Department of Aerospace Studies
110 Wyoming Hall, (307) 766-2338
FAX: (307) 766-2357
Web site: www.uwyo.edu/airrotc

Professor:

ANTHONY KUSEK, Lt. Colonel, U.S. Air Force; B.S. Parks College 1995; M.A. Webster University 2007; Professor of Aerospace Studies 2019.

RICHARD LANDSVERK, Major, U.S. Air Force; B.S. Thomas Edison State College 2008; M.A. Bellevue University 2012; Professor of Aerospace Studies 2019.

SAMUEL R. SHEARER, Lt. Colonel, U.S. Air Force; B.S. University of Utah 1996; M.S. Troy State University 2003; M.A. Naval Postgraduate School 2004; Ph.D. 2013; Professor of Aerospace Studies 2016.

Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFROTC) provides University of Wyoming students a path toward earning a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force. The currucilum provides college students a solid understanding of the leadership and military fundamentals an Air Force officer requires. AFROTC cadets supplement their normal university coursework with studies in Air Force fundamentals, history, leadership, and national security affairs. In addition, cadets have the opportunity to learn about various careers in the Air Force through their studies, guest lectures, base visits, and other military training opportunities. While enrolled in AFROTC, the Air Force provides uniforms, AFROTC textbooks, and the necessary Air Force equipment. Upon successful completion of the program and earning their bachelor’s degree, cadets are commissioned as 2nd lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force.

Application and enrollment in the program is voluntary. Students should simply register for the appropriate Air Force (AIR) courses. In addition, prospective cadets will need to complete an application package upon arrival at the detachment in order to ensure minimum qualifications for military service. Contact the AFROTC Department for additional details or with any questions regarding registration. All university students, both male and female, are eligible to apply for admission in the program.

Four-Year Program

The four-year program is divided into two phases. The first two years comprise the General Military Course (GMC) consisting of one class period (1 hour) per week in the classroom and one class period (2 hours) per week in leadership laboratory. The GMC is a prerequisite for continuation in the Professional Officer Course (POC), the last two years in the program. Other prerequisites include passing the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT), maintaining at least a minimum grade point average of 2.0 (GMC) and 2.5 (POC), having the physical qualifications for an Air Force commission, and participating in a four-week field training session. The advanced course consists of one class period (3 hours) per week in the classroom and one class period (2 hours) per week in leadership laboratory.

Three-Year Program

Students may enroll in ROTC on a three or three and one-half year program where the GMC component is shorter. To complete the GMC requirements, the student must simultaneously enroll in AIR 1000 and AIR 2000 courses to complete all four academic terms of the GMC program. After successfully completing the GMC program and Field Training, students may enter the two-year POC program. This program is especially suitable for sophomores and junior college transfers. Students that participated in high school Junior ROTC, or have prior-enlisted service, can apply documented participation toward a portion of the GMC requirement.

Leadership Laboratory

The concept of leadership laboratory is to provide leadership training experiences which will improve a cadet’s ability to perform as a USAF officer. Leadership laboratory is largely cadet planned and directed.

Field Training

Field training is a four-week program conducted in residence at an Air Force base during the summer.

While at field training, each cadet is provided subsistence, uniforms/equipment, and receives approximately $28.00/day plus reimbursement for travel to and from the field training base.

Financial Benefits

Freshmen and Sophomores on AFROTC scholarships receive $300 and $350, per month, respectively. Juniors enrolled in the Professional Officers Course receive $450 per month and seniors $500 per month tax-free during the school year for subsistence. Uniforms, required texts and all necessary Air Force equipment are furnished by the government. In addition, all POC and scholarship cadets are allowed to travel anywhere in the continental United States on military aircraft (on a space available basis).

Special Scholarship Program

Two-, three- and four-year scholarships are offered by AFROTC on a competitive basis. These scholarships pay for a $900 book allowance per year, tuition (amount dependent on type of scholarship awarded), fees and other required expenses except room and board. The university and the State of Wyoming offer additional room and board funding to Air Force ROTC cadets (who have or have not been awarded an Air Force ROTC scholarship) and reside in university housing. High School seniors seeking a four-year scholarship should contact their high school counselors or the Recruiting Flight Commander, AFROTC Detachment 940, Dept. 3005, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071; telephone (307)766-3710; email at airforce.rotc@ uwyo.edu, early in the fall of their senior year. Sophomore or transfer students interested in competing for a scholarship should contact the Recruiting Flight Commander before the fall semester prior to junior standing.

Military Obligation

Students enrolling in the first two years of the AFROTC Program (the General Military Course) are not obligated to military service of any kind, unless on an Air Force scholarship their sophomore year. Cadets accepting an AFROTC scholarship and those entering the Professional Officer Course become members of the inactive reserve of the United States Air Force. Upon being commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force, graduates in nonflying career fields agree to serve four years on active duty; pilot candidates agree to serve on active duty for 10 years after completion of flight training; RPA, navigator, and air battle manager candidates agree to serve on active duty for six years after completion of their respective training.

Extracurricular Activities

To familiarize students with Air Force life and social customs, the AFROTC Program offers on a voluntary basis a wide range of extracurricular activities. Civil Air Patrol gives cadets an opportunity to experience flying first hand with a trained instructor pilot. The Arnold Air Society, a national professional honorary society, is a service organization active on campus. The color guard supports various university and local activities. Visits to Air Force bases across the nation provide insight into the function of Air Force operational units. Throughout the year, AFROTC teams participate in the university intramural sports program, while cadet-sponsored social events build the spirit of comradeship inherent in military life.

Programs

Minor

Aerospace Studies Minor