Dept. Code: AIS
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC)
AFROTC is a nationwide program that allows students to pursue commissions (become officers) in the United States Air Force (USAF) while simultaneously attending college. AFROTC classes are held on college campuses throughout the United States and Puerto Rico; students can register through normal course registration processes. AFROTC consists of four years of Aerospace Studies classes (Heritage and Values; Team & Leadership Fundamentals; Leading People & Effective Communication; and National Security Leadership Responsibilities and Commissioning Preparation), and a corresponding Leadership Laboratory for each year (where students apply leadership skills, demonstrate command and effective communication, develop physical fitness, and practice military customs and courtesies). College students enrolled in the AFROTC program (known as "cadets") who successfully complete both AFROTC training and college degree requirements will graduate and simultaneously commission as Second Lieutenants in the United States Air Force.
For more information on AFROTC course descriptions, please review this webpage. For more information on the AFROTC program, please review this webpage.
Enrollment
There is no military obligation to enroll in AFROTC. To enroll students must meet the following criteria:
- Prior to enrolling in Aerospace classes, students must speak with a professor/cadre member at (305) 284-6031 or email at cadre@det155aces.com
- Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien, or be able to become a U.S. citizen prior to attending Field Training the summer following sophomore year
- Be full-time college students, enrolled in 12 credit hours per semester with at least 3 years remaining, as a full-time student, in their academic career plan
- Be able to participate in a demanding physical fitness program
- Be able to pass a Department of Defense Medical Examination
- Have solid moral character
- Maintain AFROTC minimum required grade point average
Scholarships
More than 60% of the available Air Force ROTC scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students in engineering or other scientific and technical disciplines. However, students in every degree program enjoy scholarship opportunities, as the Air Force seeks to engage students who excel both academically and militarily. Scholarships are awarded in increments of two, three, and four years. Air Force ROTC offers several types of scholarships. Type 1 covers full tuition and most required fees. Type 2 covers tuition and fees, but is capped at $18,000 annually. Type 7 scholarships are designated for in-state tuition-level institutions. All types of awards provide an allowance for books and a monthly non-taxable stipend. All scholarship cadets are required to meet academic, military, and physical fitness standards to earn and maintain scholarship benefits. All AFROTC scholarships are competitive and not guaranteed.
Additionally, University of Miami undergraduates enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program are assured a combined University grant and/or scholarship award during the fall and spring semesters equal to 25% of the University’s tuition charge for a maximum of four years. The subsidy is not available during the summer term. Students must maintain continuous enrollment in the AFROTC program, must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the subsidy, and full-time enrollment in one of the University’s undergraduate degree programs is required. No application is required. Awards are made automatically based on information provided by the University’s AFROTC detachment.
Benefits
There is no additional cost to enroll in AFROTC at UM. Upon being commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force, you will receive a starting salary and allowances worth more than $83,000 annually1. Free medical and dental care, 30 days paid annual vacation and educational benefits are also part of the compensation package.
- 1
Based on 2023 DoD Pay & Allowance Tables and Miami, FL Housing Allowance for an O-1
AIS 101. Heritage and Values 1. 1 Credit Hour.
This course provides an introduction to the Air Force, hopefully encouraging students to pursue an AF career or at least seek additional information to be better informed about the role of the USAF. The course allows students to examine general aspects of the Department of the Air Force, AF Leadership, Air Force benefits, and opportunities for AF officers. The course also lays the foundation for becoming an Airman by outlining our heritage and values. As a foundational course, this course also provides a historical perspective such as lessons on war and US military, AF operations, principles of war, and airpower (see the complete lesson list below). As a whole, this course provides students with a knowledge-level understanding for the employment of air and space power, from an institutional, doctrinal, and historical perspective. The students will be introduced to the Air Force way of life and gain knowledge on what it means to be an Airman. A succinct perspective of the course objective is to sell the AF as a career and lay a strong foundation built on AF Core Values.
Corequisite: AIS 150.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
AIS 102. Heritage and Values 2. 1 Credit Hour.
A continued introduction to the Air Force, hopefully encouraging students to pursue an AF career or at least seek additional information to be better informed about the role of the USAF. The course allows students to examine general aspects of the Department of the Air Force, AF Leadership, Air Force benefits, and opportunities for AF officers. The course also lays the foundation for becoming an Airman by outlining our heritage and values. As a foundational course, this course also provides a historical perspective such as lessons on war and US military, AF operations, principles of war, and airpower (see the complete lesson list below). As a whole, this course provides students with a knowledge-level understanding for the employment of air and space power, from an institutional, doctrinal, and historical perspective. The students will be introduced to the Air Force way of life and gain knowledge on what it means to be an Airman. A succinct perspective of the course objective is to sell the AF as a career and lay a strong foundation built on AF Core Values.
Corequisite: AIS 150.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
AIS 150. Leadership Laboratory. 0 Credit Hours.
Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) is a dynamic and integrated grouping of leadership developmental activities designed to meet the needs and expectations of prospective Air Force second lieutenants and complement the AFROTC academic program. It is a student planned, organized, and executed practicum conducted under the supervision of the Detachment 155 Commander and Operations Flight Commander.
Components: LAB.
Grading: CNC.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
AIS 201. Team and Leadership Fundamentals I. 1 Credit Hour.
This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of both leadership and team building. It is imperative that cadets are taught from the beginning that there are many layers to leadership, including aspects that don't always jump to mind. Such things include listening, understanding themselves, being a good follower and problem solving efficiently. The students will apply these leadership perspectives when completing team building activities and discussing things like conflict management. Students should demonstrate basic verbal and written communication skills. Cadets will apply these lessons at Field Training.
Corequisite: AIS 150.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
AIS 202. Team and Leadership Fundamentals 2. 1 Credit Hour.
This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of both leadership and team building. It is imperative that cadets are taught from the beginning that there are many layers to leadership, including aspects that don't always jump to mind. Such things include listening, understanding themselves, being a good follower and problem solving efficiently. The students will apply these leadership perspectives when completing team building activities and discussing things like conflict management. Students should demonstrate basic verbal and written communication skills. Cadets will apply these lessons at Field Training.
Corequisite: AIS 150.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
AIS 301. Leading People and Effective Communication I. 3 Credit Hours.
A continued course designed to build on the leadership fundamentals taught in previous level courses. The cadets will have the opportunity to utilize their skills as they begin more of a leadership role in the detachment. The goal is for cadets to have a more in-depth understanding of how to effectively lead people, and provide them with the tools to use throughout their detachment leadership roles. Secondly, cadets will hone their writing and briefing skills. Many of the cadets will be uncomfortable with public speaking, and this semester is designed to get them used to briefing. The course continues into advanced skills and ethics training that will prepare them for becoming an officer and a supervisor.
Corequisite: AIS 150.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
AIS 302. Leading People and Effective Communication 2. 3 Credit Hours.
A continued course designed to build on the leadership fundamentals taught in previous level courses. The cadets will have the opportunity to utilize their skills as they begin more of a leadership role in the detachment. The goal is for cadets to have a more in-depth understanding of how to effectively lead people, and provide them with the tools to use throughout their detachment leadership roles. Secondly, cadets will hone their writing and briefing skills. Many of the cadets will be uncomfortable with public speaking, and this semester is designed to get them used to briefing. The course continues into advanced skills and ethics training that will prepare them for becoming an officer and a supervisor.
Corequisite: AIS 150.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
AIS 401. National Security, Leadership Responsibilities and Commissioning Preparation 1. 3 Credit Hours.
Cadets enrolled in this course should comprehend the basic elements of national security policy and process. The student should comprehend the air and space power operations as well as understand selected roles of the military in society and current domestic and international issues affecting the military profession. Cadets should comprehend the responsibility, authority, and functions of an Air Force commander and selected provisions of the military justice system. The final semester of this course is designed to prepare cadets for life as a second lieutenant. This is a great time for instructors to include any information they feel would help their cadets as they transition from military life to civilian life.
Corequisite: AIS 150.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
AIS 402. National Security, Leadership Responsibilities and Commissioning Preparation 2. 3 Credit Hours.
Cadets in this course should comprehend the basic elements of national security policy and process. The student should comprehend the air and space power operations as well as understand selected roles of the military in society and current domestic and international issues affecting the military profession. Cadets should comprehend the responsibility, authority, and functions of an Air Force commander and selected provisions of the military justice system. The final semester of this course is designed to prepare cadets for life as a second lieutenant. This is a great time for instructors to include any information they feel would help their cadets as they transition from military life to civilian life.
Corequisite: AIS 150.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
