For information on the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) and class schedules, please visit www.SLU.edu, www.afrotc.com or call 314-977-8311.

The objective of the Air Force ROTC is to qualify students for appointment as second lieutenants in the United States Air Force. However, any student may enroll in the freshman/sophomore level aerospace studies courses and students may enroll in the junior/seniorlevel courses with the permission of the professor of Aerospace Studies.

The Department of Aerospace Studies at Saint Louis University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers two- and four-year programs. Through an agreement, students register at SWIC and then attend classes at Saint Louis University. Aerospace Studies courses are not offered at any SWIC location.

The program is tailored for students with four years of studies. Applicants must be full-time students and must remain in good academic standing. The Aerospace Studies program is divided into two parts: the General Military Course, the freshman/sophomore-level curriculum, and the Professional Officer Course, the junior/senior level curriculum. The GMC covers two main themes: Heritage and Values and Team and Leadership Fundamentals. Freshmen cadets will enroll in the AS 101/102 courses which take place at SLU on Wednesdays from 2-3 p.m. AS 201/202 classes take place at SLU on Wednesdays from 1-2 p.m. The courses of the POC emphasize the professional development of the future Air Force officer. The curriculum covers Air Force Leadership and Management and Preparation for Active Duty. Field trips to Air Force bases instruction and familiarize the cadet with Air Force operations and organizations.

To be commissioned, AFROTC cadets must:

• Pass a military medical exam
• Obtain a favorable evaluation on an Armed Forces personal history security investigation.
• Be at least 18 years old. Flying applicants must complete commissioning requirements before age 29 and non-flying applicants must complete commissioning requirements by age 39. However, the age limit for non-flying applicants may be extended to age 42 for outstanding individuals.
• Be of good character (as determined by a favorable record with law enforcement authorities).
• Successfully complete all AFROTC course requirements.
• Complete at least a baccalaureate degree.

Students in the POC will receive a monthly subsistence allowance.

Field Training

Cadets in the program participate in summer training evaluation that varies between two to four weeks.. Field training is offered during the summer months at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, usually between a student’s sophomore and junior years. Major areas of evaluation include: Air Force Orientation, leadership evaluation, aircrew/aircraft orientation, survival training, base functions and physical training.

Leadership Laboratory

In conjunction with Aerospace Studies curriculum, leadership laboratory is taken two hours per week throughout the student’s enrollment in AFROTC and is both organized and led by cadets enrolled in the professional officer course. Instruction is conducted within the framework of an organized cadet corps with a progression of experiences designed to develop each student’s leadership potential. The first two years of the leadership laboratory include a study of Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, studying the environment of an Air Force officer; and learning about areas of opportunity available to commissioned officers. The last two years of the leadership laboratory involve planning and controlling of military activities of the cadet corps. LLAB is held at SLU on Wednesdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and is mandatory for all cadets in the AFROTC program.

Incoming freshmen can join by registering for the Aerospace Studies course title AS 101: Heritage and Values of the USAF I. Students with three years or less left until graduation will need to extend to 4 years to complete the program properly. If there are any questions about eligibility, contact the Unit Admissions Officer at AFROTC Detachment 207 at 314-977-8311 or by visiting the SLU AFROTC web page.

Air Force Scholarships

Students can compete for four, three-and-one-half, three, two-andone-half year scholarships. These scholarships pay tuition, certain fees, and $900 per year for textbook costs. Scholarship recipients also receive a tax-free monthly subsistence allowance, Federal and Illinois state scholarships are available for AFROTC cadets – any academic major may apply. Additionally, Illinois Veterans Tuition Assistance is available for Illinois Veterans who qualify. Information on scholarships can be acquired by contacting AFROTC Det 207 by email or phone.

Aerospace Studies – U.S. Air Force

• Participation in AFROTC is not required to take Aerospace courses.
• Aerospace Studies courses (AS 101 through AS 202) are basic courses designed to acquaint students with the United States Air Force and the opportunities available as an officer. Some courses may have requisites.

Get Started

For information on the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) please contact Saint Louis University at afrotc@slu.edu or call 314-977-8311.