Air Force ROTC at the
University of Wisconsin
Captain Scott C. Thompson
(608) 262-3440
AFROTC Det 925
1433 Monroe St
Madison, WI 53711
scthompson3@wisc.edu
www.wisc.edu/afrotc
Current as of: Apr 2008
OVERVIEW
What is Air Force ROTC?
Program Description
Physical Requirements
Officer Qualifying Test
Scholarship Opportunities
Benefits & Compensation
Commitment to the Air Force
The Payoff--U.S. Air Force Officer
What is Air Force ROTC?
• Educate & Commission USAF Officers
– Supplement your academic education
• Courses fill elective slots in your program
– Provide fully qualified leaders for the USAF
– Build better citizens for the United States
• Opportunities!
– Activities, Clubs, Friends, Challenges
• Drill Team, Color Guard, Base Visits
• Military Dinners, Dances, Parades
• Civil Air Patrol, Arnold Air Society
• Summer: trips funded by Air Force!
– $$ Scholarships $$
Program Description
• 2 Yrs: “General Military Course” (GMC)
– Class: 1 Hour/Week
• Orientation to the Air Force
– Leadership Lab: 2 Hours/Week (Cadet-Led)
• Drill & ceremonies, physical fitness, etc.
• Field Training: 4 Weeks in Alabama
– Leadership, time management, military drill
– Physical challenges, firearms training
• 2 Yrs: “Professional Officer Course” (POC)
– Contracted with the Air Force
– Class: 3 hours/week
• Officer duties, assignments, AF as a profession
– Leadership position: conduct leadership lab
2 & 3 Year Alternatives
• 3 Year Program
– Complete the GMC in one year
– Sophomores double-up on ROTC classes
• Includes lessons covered in 2 yrs of GMC
• 2 Year Program
– Five-Week field training
– 2 yrs: “Professional Officer Course” (POC)
• Contract signed: committed to Air Force
service
Physical Requirements
• Physical Fitness Test
– POC and scholarship cadets must pass
– GMC non-scholarship cadets must attempt
– 3 events
• 1 minute push-ups
• 1 minute sit-ups
• 1.5 mile run
• Meet Height/Weight Standards
Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)
• Aptitude test similar to SAT or ACT
• Measures aptitude in 5 areas:
- Verbal (V)
- Quantitative (Q)
- Academic Aptitude (A)
- Pilot (P)
- Navigator (N)
– Minimum requirements: V-15, Q-10
– Must meet minimum requirements to:
• Attend field training & enter jr. year of ROTC
• Activate/keep an AFROTC scholarship
Scores help determine AF career field
Scholarship Opportunities
• In College Scholarship Program (ICSP)
– Not eligible after field training
– Pays: tuition, textbooks, monthly stipend (taxfree)
• Stipend paid after field training regardless if
scholarship awarded or not
• Express Scholarships
– Electrical, computer, environmental engineers
Commitment to the U.S. Air Force
• Air Force Commitment Incurred Upon:
– Acceptance of ROTC Scholarship
– Entry Into the POC (Junior Year)
• Length of Commitment After Commission
– 4 to 10 Yrs Active Duty + 4 Yrs Inactive Reserve
• Pilots: 10 Yrs Active Duty after Flight School
• Navigators: 6 Yrs Active Duty after Flight School
• All Other Career Fields: 4 Yrs Active Duty
The Payoff: USAF Officer
• Starting salary: $48,000 per year
– 1Lt in 2 Years
– Capt in 4 Years: $68,000
• Full medical and dental at no cost
• 30 days leave with pay each year
• Masters/Ph.D Degree opportunities
– Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT)
– Tuition assistance & full scholarships
• Retire at 50% base pay after 20 years
Success Stories
• 2008
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Amanda – EMA – Pilot (A-10 Warthog hopeful)
Doug – EMA – Germany – Communications
Dustin – EMA – Acquisitions
Stephen – Ind Engr - Navigator
• 2007
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Adam – EE – Vegas – Predator electronics
Corey – EE – Utah – ICBM electronics
Sam – EE – Navigator
Jon – ME – Pilot – (C-17 hopeful)
• 2006
– Luke – EMA – Japan – Helicopter pilot
AFROTC = Opportunity
• Friends, Activities, Experiences
• Challenges, Responsibility
– Physical fitness
– Leadership & management
• Scholarships
• Bright Future
– Great jobs
– Great pay
– Great benefits
University of Wisconsin-Madison