Lt Col Mark Kaster, Chairperson

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AF ROTC) program allows students to earn commissions as officers in the United States Air Force while pursuing a degree at school. There is no obligation of service when participating in AFROTC. Students have either until there sophomore or junior year to decide whether to enter into the Air Force.

AFROTC Classes are held at Wilkes University on Thursdays. Please contact the detachment for information on times and enrolling in classes or go to www.det752.com for more information.

Students enter the program in their freshman or sophomore year. (Students with three years remaining until graduation may enroll concurrently in the freshman and sophomore Aerospace Studies courses and can complete the four-year program in three years.) All students are required to accomplish coursework, leadership exercises and two weekly one-hour physical training sessions.

On a case-by case basis there is a two -year program available for students (including graduate students) who have at least two years remaining until graduation. Students interested in enrolling in the two-year program must apply as early as possible in their sophomore or junior year. Students should call 1-800-945-5378, ext. 4860, for more information.

General Military Course (Four-Year Program Only)

The first two years of the four-year program constitute the General Military Course (GMC). GMC courses are open to any student. Students enrolling in these courses do not incur any military service obligation. (Exception: Air Force scholarship recipients incur a commitment at the beginning of their sophomore year.) The GMC curriculum consists of four 1-credit Aerospace Studies courses, plus a non-credit leadership laboratory each semester, which introduces students to U.S. Air Force history and environment, customs, courtesies, drill and ceremonies, and leadership skills.

Professional Officer Course (Two- and Four-Year Programs)

The final two years of the four-year program comprise the Professional Officer Course (POC). It consists of four 3-credit Aerospace Studies courses, plus a non-credit leadership laboratory each semester. Cadets earn a $300-$500 per-month, tax-free subsistence allowance during the academic year and incur a military obligation. To be accepted into the POC, students must pass a physical examination and an officer-qualification test and must meet certain academic standards. Four-year cadets must also complete a four-week field training program two-year applicants must complete a six-week field training program, both of which are administered the summer before POC entry.

Scholarships

The U.S. Air Force offers many one to five-year full and partial scholarships for which qualified students may compete, if they enroll in AFROTC. All scholarship awards are based on individual merit, regardless of financial need, with most scholarship recipients determined by central selection boards. Scholarship-selection boards for students already in college are held each year. Since scholarship applicants must meet certain academic, physical-fitness and medical requirements to be considered by the scholarship boards, they should contact the Aerospace Studies department early to apply.

Benefits

The U.S. Air Force supplies all uniforms, equipment, and textbooks required for AFROTC at no cost to the students. All AFROTC scholarship recipients entering (or transferring to) the University of Scranton or Wilkes University receive free room.

Commissioning

All students who satisfactorily complete the POC curriculum requirements are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force, and will serve on active duty in a career specialty they have chosen, consistent with USAF needs. Active duty commitment is four years for all occupations with exception of Pilot (10 years), Navigator (6 years), and Doctor (6 years).

Contact

Lt Col Mark A. Kaster, Chair (Aerospace Studies Department)
Capt Joseph Sanfilippo, Unit Admissions
1-800-945-5378, extension 4860
www.Det752.com
e-mail: Det752@wilkes.edu