ROTC Programs -- Ch13: 2001-2002 UVa Undergraduate Record

Reserve Officers' Training Corps units have been established at the University by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Department of Military Science offers preparation
for commissions in the Army; Naval Science offers preparation for commissions in
the Navy and Marine Corps; and Air Science offers preparation for commissions in the
Air Force. For those who wish to pursue graduate study, many fields offer provisions for deferment of active duty. The amount of credit awarded toward the degree for ROTC courses can be found in the Academic Regulations section of each undergraduate school chapter.

Air Force ROTC

The Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AFROTC) at the University of Virginia affords students the opportunity to receive U.S. Air Force commissioned officer training while completing undergraduate or graduate studies. AFROTC is the largest of three programs available through the Air Force to earn a commission and serve as an officer in the United States Air Force.

Address

Department of Air Science

University of Virginia

P.O. Box 400188

Charlottesville, VA 22904-4188

(434) 924-6832

Fax: 982-2842

af-det890@virginia.edu

www.virginia.edu/~afrotc

Students may join the program any time inside their first two academic years or at a point in their education in which they have at least two years of undergraduate or graduate studies remaining. Ideally, students accommodate all four years of air science classes into their schedules and attend a four-week summer field training encampment at an Air Force base between their second and third years.

Students enrolling in the program during their third year attend field training between their third and fourth years. At a minimum, the "two-year program" allows students who have missed any portion of the first two years to attend a five-week field training encampment and then complete the last two years of AFROTC.

Unless the student earns an AFROTC scholarship, there is no service obligation inside the first two years of the four-year program. However, all students who enter into the Professional Officer's Course the last two years, enter into a contractual obligation with the Air Force to serve on active duty upon commissioning.

After graduation and commissioning as second lieutenants in the Air Force, graduates serve in any number of career fields for a four year active duty service commitment. Interested and qualified students may compete to become Air Force navigators or pilots; successful pilot and navigator candidates serve ten and six year active duty service commitments, respectively. Active duty may be delayed after graduation for those who wish to immediately pursue a graduate degree.

College Scholarship Program Qualified students may be offered an AFROTC scholarship for full or partial college tuition, incidental fees, textbook allowances, and a tax-free monthly subsistence allowance of $200.

Air Force ROTC students take the following courses in numerical sequence, including AIRS A, a weekly, two-hour leadership laboratory. Special student status allows any student to take air science classes on an elective basis. However, these students are not considered cadets and do not attend AIRS A.

Course Descriptions

AIRS A - (0) (S)

Leadership Laboratory

Prerequisite: Enrollment in Air Force ROTC

A mandatory laboratory in leadership and followership development for AFROTC cadets. As a complement to the air science classes, this laboratory focuses on applying leadership principles and understanding leaders' responsibilities while emphasizing the benefits of practical experience.

AIRS 110, 120 - (1) (S)

The Foundations of the U.S. Air Force

Corequisite: AIRS A

Introduces the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps. Topics include mission and organization of the Air Force, officership and professionalism, military customs and courtesies, Air Force officer opportunities, and communication skills.

AIRS 210, 220 - (1) (S)

The Evolution of Air and Space Power

Corequisite: AIRS A

Examines general aspects of air and space power through a historical perspective, from the first balloons and dirigibles to the space-age global positioning systems of the Persian Gulf War. Presents historical examples of the development of Air Force capabilities and missions to demonstrate the evolution of what has become today's USAF air and space power. Investigates several fundamental truths associated with war in the third dimension (e.g., Principles of War and Tenets of Air and Space Power). Considers the general element and employment of air and space power from institutional, doctrinal, and historical perspectives. Discusses the importance of Air Force core values using operational examples and historical Air Force leaders. Continues to develop communication skills.

AIRS 310, 320 - (3) (Y)

Concepts of Air Force Leadership and
Management

Corequisite: AIRS A

Studies leadership, management fundamentals, professional knowledge, Air Force
personnel and evaluation systems, leadership ethics, and communication skills required
of Air Force junior officers. Examines
Air Force leadership and management situations, using case studies as a means of demonstrating and applying the concepts under consideration.

AIRS 410, 420 - (3) (Y)

National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty

Corequisite: AIRS A
Examines the national security process, regional studies, advanced leadership ethics, and Air Force doctrine. Topics include the military as a profession, officership, military justice, civilian control of the military, preparation for active duty, and current issues affecting military professionalism. Emphasizes refining communication skills.