Prospective Cadets
Considering Air Force ROTC? Here’s What You Need to Know.
Eligibility Checklist
You must be a:
- U.S. Citizen (or become a citizen by the end of your second academic year in the program)
- Full-time student (≥12 credit hours)
- Freshman or Sophomore (Juniors on a case-by-case basis)
You do not need to be on a scholarship to join!
How to Apply
No formal interview or application is required to join AFROTC. You will need to complete steps II-IV found in the Orientation Checklist on our Cadet Candidate Orientation (CCO) page.
Dual-Enrollment/Transfer Students
AFROTC is open to dual-enrollment and transfer students. As long as you meet eligibility requirements and have a minimum of three academic years remaining in your degree program, you may apply to join.
Prior Military Service Candidates
If you have completed Basic Military Training (BMT) and have 1 creditable year of Reserve or Guard service, you could be accredited for up to 2 semesters of AFROTC. If you have further completed Airman Leadership School (ALS) and have 2 creditable years of Reserve or Guard service, you could be accredited for up to 4 semesters of AFROTC.
Deadline to Join
The final day to join AFROTC is congruent with Liberty’s drop/add date. After that day, we will no longer accept cadets.
Which Path Is Right for You?
- Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) is ideal for students seeking a traditional college experience
- U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) is ideal for those wanting a fully immersive military education
- Officer Training School (OTS) is best for college graduates or enlisted personnel ready to become officers
Get a Detailed Comparison:
AFROTC
USAFA
OTS
Why Join Air Force ROTC?
Enrollment
Academic & Scholarship Standards
Learn about Air Force ROTC Scholarships
Physical Fitness Standards
You will be scored and evaluated according to official United States Air Force and Space Force Physical fitness standards. See information in the following PDFs:
To be eligible for the In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP), you must pass your fitness test. For the High School Scholarship Program (HSSP), you must pass your fitness test by the end of fall semester of your freshman year to activate your scholarship.”
Medical Qualification
Prior medical disqualification does not bar participation. Email any questions to afrotc-admin@liberty.edu.
- Required every semester:
- AFROTC Form 28 (Sports Physical)
- Department of Defense Medical Evaluation Review Board (DoDMERB)* qualification needed for:
- Field Training selection
- Scholarship eligibility
- Junior (POC) status
*The DoDMERB process will be discussed further once you join the program.
Course Codes and Requirements
It is mandatory for all cadets to enroll in both AIRS Class, Freshman through Senior, and Leadership Laboratory (LLAB).
Incoming Freshmen
- AIRS 110 (Class)
- AIRS 001 (LLAB)
Sophomore Entrants*
- Fall: AIRS 110, AIRS 210, AIRS 001
- Spring: AIRS 120, AIRS 220, AIRS 001
*Sophomore Entrants must take both Freshman and Sophomore courses concurrently. Spring-starting sophomores will require two additional semesters.
AFROTC Program at Liberty University
Dorms
There are no AFROTC dorm room common areas. Dorm room assignments are managed by the university, and the Detachment has no say in where the cadets are housed.
Standards & Uniform Policy
Expected to uphold standards of:
- Moral character
- Physical fitness
- Professionalism
- Uniform wear
Uniform of the Day (UOD) is required at all official AFROTC events.
Financial Benefit
Contracted cadets receive a monthly stipend.
- Freshman: $300/month
- Sophomore: $350/month
- Junior: $450/month
- Senior: $500/month
Books: $900 annual allowance
Weekly Cadet Schedule
AIRS Class: Thursdays; GMC: 1-hour, POC: 3-hours
Leadership Laboratory (LLAB): Immediately after class; 3 hours
PT: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 0550–0700
Professional Military Training/Professional Development Training
All cadets, both GMC and POC, must complete one Professional Military Training (PMT) or Professional Development Training (PDT) during their respective 2-year period. Training events typically occur in the summer or over weekends. Failure to meet this training requirement will result in dismissal or denial of commission.
Field Training
Field Training (FT) takes place the summer after sophomore year. FT is a 3-week course at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. Travel and lodging is covered by the program.
Summer Field Training is required in order to advance in the AFROTC program.
Advancing in the Program
At the end of your spring Sophomore semester, you will be evaluated if you are eligible to move forward in the program. Below are the requirements to advance:
- Passed all AIRS classes (110, 120, 210, and 220)
- Successfully completed at least 2 semesters worth of Leadership Laboratory (LLAB)
- Met all height, weight and physical fitness standards
- Have a qualified Department of Defense Medical Evaluation Review Board (DoDMERB) Exam
- Pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)*
*AFOQT testing is administered by Detachment staff and will be discussed further once you join the program.
After You Graduate
Active-Duty Service Commitment
Active Duty Service Commitment (ADSC) applies to cadets under contract. This includes cadets who activated their scholarship and have been in the program for one year. ADSC is also incurred for contracted cadets who passed Field Training.
ADSC is incurred based on the occupation you are awarded once you graduate and commission from AFROTC. Most occupations only require 4 years on Active Duty status. Active Duty Rated Occupations incur the following:
- Air Battle Manager: 6 years
- Pilot: 10 years
- Combat Systems Officer/Navigator: 6 years
- RPA Pilot: 6 years
Special Career Paths
Learn more about specialty career tracks and Officer Training School