Aerospace Studies (Air Force ROTC)

Weber State provides a program in Aerospace Studies (Air Force) through an inter-campus agreement with the University of Utah. Students may minor in Aerospace Studies by satisfying requirements identified.

Chair: Lt Col Michael Eliason (SLC)
Location: Building 4, Room 421J
Telephone Contact: 801-626-7649 or 801-581-6236
Professor: Lt Col Michael Eliason
Assistant Professor: Capt Daniel Luczak

The Department of Aerospace Studies offers two, three, and four-year programs through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). These provide matriculated students an opportunity to earn commissions as officers in the U.S. Air Force in conjunction with completing bachelor’s degree requirements in academic fields of the students’ choice. AFROTC provides education that develops abilities and attitudes vital to the career of a professional Air Force officer and gives an understanding of the mission and the global responsibilities of the U.S. Air Force.

The Department of Aerospace Studies offers academic preparation in interdisciplinary areas including communication skills, Air Force history, leadership and management principles and practices, decision-making theory and policy formulation, ethics and values, socialization process within the armed services, national and international relations, national defense structure, national security policy, and military law. Entry into the General Military Course (GMC) during the first two years of AFROTC is open to all students. Entry into the Professional Officer Course (POC) during the final two years is selective and is normally initiated during the student’s sophomore year. Potential candidate should contact the faculty for the most current information.

Undergraduate Program

General Requirements. Enrollment is open to men and women who:

Are U.S. citizens or applicants for naturalization. (Non-U.S. citizens may participate in the General Military Course for academic credit only.)
Are at least 14 years of age.
Are enrolled as full-time students in a program leading to an academic degree (bachelor’s degree or higher).

Additional qualifications for admittance to the Professional Officer Course include:

Complete 1 through 3, above, plus the following:
- The General Military Course (four-year program) and a four-week field training course, or a six-week field training course (two-year program).
Complete all commissioning requirements prior to the following:
- Age 29 if a pilot or navigator candidate, or
- Age 35 for all other categories. Waivers to extend the maximum age may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Meet the physical standards for general military service.
Attain the current minimum scores on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test.
Have a recommendation from a board of Air Force officers.
Are at least 17 years old and enlist in the Air Force Reserve prior to entering the POC.

Commissioning Requirements. The requirements for commissioning include successful completion of the Professional Officer Course and field training, completion of a bachelor’s or higher degree, and acceptance of a commission in the U.S. Air Force.

Service Obligation. There is no military service commitment for students in the General Military Course unless the student has an AFROTC scholarship. Those entering the Professional Officer Course incur an active-duty service commitment of not less than four (4) years after receiving a commission. POC graduates who are navigator candidates agree to serve six (6) years of active duty after graduation from navigator training. POC graduates who are pilot candidates accept ten (10) years of active duty service after graduation from pilot training.

Financial Aid. All AFROTC contracted cadets receive a monthly tax free allowance depending on their student status (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior).

Uniforms and Texts. All Air Force texts and uniforms are furnished at no expense to the student.

Scholarships. AFROTC scholarships are available to qualified applicants in two, three and four-year programs. Each scholarship provides full tuition*, laboratory and incidental fees, and limited reimbursement for curriculum-required textbooks. In addition, scholarship cadets receive a nontaxable cash allowance each month during the academic year while on scholarship status. Scholarships are available on a competitive basis for two, two and one-half, three, or three and one-half years. Applications for scholarships should be made directly to the Professor of Aerospace Studies, 1901 E. South Campus Drive, Room 2009.

*to $9,000

AFROTC Programs

Two basic routes to an Air Force Commission are available to college students in the AFROTC. Entering students may enroll in the AFROTC four-year program, and those with at least two academic years remaining may apply for the two-year program. Students having an intermediate amount of school remaining (e.g., three years) may enroll in an adjusted four-year program.

Four-Year Program. Matriculated students may pursue the four-year program. Enrollment procedures for the first two years of AFROTC, known as the General Military Course, are the same as for any other college course. The GMC consists of one hour of course work and two hours of leadership laboratory each week.

During the sophomore year, cadets may apply for the last two years of the program, the Professional Officer Course. Requirements for entry into the POC are listed earlier under General Requirements. If selected for the POC, GMC cadets are scheduled to attend a four-week field training course at an Air Force base during the summer months.

Students enrolled in AFROTC may major in any field.

Two-Year Program. For entry into the two-year program, two academic years must remain at the undergraduate or graduate level, or a combination of the two. Two-year program applicants must qualify by meeting the same criteria as students in the General Military Course who are applying for POC entry. (See General Requirements.)

Each applicant must successfully complete a six-week field training course at an Air Force base during the summer months. This course provides academic and military preparation for entry into the POC. Those fulfilling all requirements, including the successful completion of field training, complete enrollment procedures upon return to campus. Application for the two-year program should be made early in the academic year (normally sophomore year) so that requirements may be completed in time for assignment to summer field training.

Note: Classes are held at the University of Utah.

Programs

Minor

Aerospace Studies (Air Force ROTC) Minor