SJSU Catalog

Aerospace Studies Department (Air Force ROTC)

Introduction

San José State University supports a wing of Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) with cadets from San José State University, Santa Clara University, Stanford University and many local community colleges. The Air Force ROTC program is designed to provide instruction in leadership, management, and national security studies along with military education and training. This prepares the cadet for assignment to positions of responsibility and importance in the modern Air Force. Instruction is conducted on and off campus. This program offers all eligible SJSU students the opportunity to obtain an officer's commission in the United States Air Force while earning their college degrees.

Scholarships based on merit are available to assist students with tuition, books and fees. Four-, three-, and two-year scholarships are available depending on when the student applies. Eligible students also receive a stipend of 200 per month during the school year. Contact the Air Force ROTC Unit Admissions Officer at 408-924-2960 for detailed information.

Our faculty brings a wealth of experience and diversity to the program. Instructors are active duty Air Force officers from various career areas and provide students with a first rate academic education and military training experience. Each faculty member also acts as a student advisor to guide students through the program and help them reach the goal of an officer's commission in the United States Air Force.

Air Force ROTC offers several routes to an Air Force commission and is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Among the alternatives available at San José State University are the Four-Year and Two-Year Programs. For the most current information on our program, visit our web site at www.sjsu.edu/depts/AFROTC/homepage.html.

Four-Year Program

The General Military Course (GMC) is the first half of the Four-Year Program. It is usually taken during the freshman and sophomore years. This program allows cadets to try out Air Force ROTC for up to two years without incurring any obligation unless on an Air Force ROTC scholarship. Anyone enrolled at San José State University can participate in the first two years (GMC) of the Air Force ROTC.

After completing the GMC, cadets attend four weeks of field training. Entry into the last half of the AFROTC program, the Professional Officer Course (POC), is competitive. These junior and senior level courses include instruction on leadership and management skills along with national security issues.

Two-Year Program

The Two-Year Program is for students who have not completed the GMC. Before entry into the POC, cadets must complete five weeks of field training at an Air Force base. This program is primarily available to community college transfer students, sophomores and others who, before entering the POC, have at least two years of academics remaining (undergraduate, graduate or a combination of the two).

Leadership Laboratory (LLAB)

LLAB represents the hands-on portion of the aerospace studies course. Cadets learn drill and ceremony as well as Air Force customs and courtesies. Occasionally, guest speakers present topics relating to the cadet and the Air Force. LLAB is the portion of ROTC that focuses on developing your leadership and followership skills.

As an Air Force ROTC cadet you will spend one LLAB period each week putting into practice the leadership skills and management theories acquired in class. As you progress through the program, you will receive more responsibility. Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) is cadet-centered to improve your ability to perform as an Air Force officer. This is a mandatory requirement and must fit into your academic plans.

Aerospace Studies Minor

All undergraduate students are eligible for the minor in aerospace studies. Those wishing a career as an Air Force officer after graduation should contact the Department of Aerospace Studies.