WARNING NOTICE

= FREQUENTLY ASKED AFROTC QUESTIONS =

GENERAL QUESTIONS
What classes should I sign up for to be in the AFROTC program?
What is the course content of my Air Force ROTC classes? (AFROTC)
What is Leadership Laboratory?

What is the feeling of other students on campus about ROTC cadets?

How will I receive my Air Force ROTC uniform?
When do I wear my Air Force Uniform?
Can I attend Air Force ROTC if I go to the Middletown or Hamilton Campus?

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
What is a Dining-Out?
Does the Air Force ROTC program include any other extracurricular activities?

Am I expected to participate in extracurricular activities?

What are the requirements to be pilot qualified?

Can I participate in intercollegiate athletics while a member of the Air Force ROTC program?

What role can a woman play in the Air Force ROTC program?
When do I actually receive my commission as an Air Force officer?
How long is my active duty commitment after graduation?

What are the qualifications of my Air Force ROTC instructors?
If I encounter academic or personal problems, where can I turn for help?
Will I travel to different Air Force bases while in Air Force ROTC?
What is Field Training, and how often must I attend it?
What is the Professional Development Program?
Will I live in a separate dorm with all the other ROTC cadets?

SCHOLARSHIPS 
Can I attend Air Force ROTC without a scholarship?
Is any preference shown toward scholarship cadets over non-scholarship cadets?
Does the Air Force scholarship pay for room and board?
As a scholarship cadet, how do I receive my monthly subsistence allowance?
How am I reimbursed as a scholarship student for textbook expenses?
If I'm a scholarship student, what should my parents do if they receive a bill from the university for my tuition?
Is it possible for me to change my academic major if on scholarship?
What do I do to continue my education beyond the baccalaureate level?
How are new cadets treated?
How do Air Force ROTC graduates compare with Air Force Academy and Officer Training School graduates?
How Do I Enroll?


GENERAL QUESTIONS

What classes should I sign up for to be in the AFROTC program?
If you are a FIRST YEAR student (freshman), and you are signing up for FIRST SEMESTER classes,  you need to sign up for AES 110 and AES 121.  If you are a first year student (freshman), and you are signing up for SECOND SEMESTER classes,  you need to sign up for AES 111 and AES 122.  If you are a SECOND YEAR student (sophomore), and you are signing up for FIRST SEMESTER classes,  you need to sign up for AES 121, AES 210, AND AES 221.  If you are a SECOND YEAR student (sophomore), and you are signing up for SECOND SEMESTER classes,  you need to sign up for AES 122, AES 212 and AES 222.  

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What is the course content of my Air Force ROTC classes? (AFROTC)

The Aerospace Studies (AES) 121 course is devoted to an examination of the Air Force mission, structure and equipment. AES 221 is a mini history course examining the growth and development of airpower from the use of free flight balloons to the role of airpower in Southeast Asia. Each course is worth one semester hour. AES 331 (junior year) is a management and leadership course similar to any other business class. Rounding out your Air Force ROTC education is AES 431, a political science course which examines American defense policy. The latter two courses are worth three semester hours each. ALSO, BE CERTAIN TO ENROLL IN LEADERSHIP LABORATORY (AES 110) AT THE TIME YOU PRE-REGISTER.

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InspectionWhat is Leadership Laboratory?

Leadership Laboratory (AES110) is a one-hour course taken each year with your Air Force ROTC classes. It is a time for the entire corps to come together to participate in exciting leadership skills training.  Such activities include group leadership projects, guest speakers, leadership reaction courses, warrior runs, and competitive sports.  In the past we've gotten rides on Blackhawk helicopters, built rope bridges, canoed, grilled out, and ran the high and low ropes course, just to name a few.  From these sessions you will learn how to effectively be an officer and a leader in the world's most powerful aerospace force.

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What is the feeling of other students on campus about ROTC cadets?

ROTC members are looked upon with respect as persons who have elected to serve in an honorable profession. Miami ROTC graduates have served honorably and with distinction. We are truly considered as part of the university community.

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How will I receive my Air Force ROTC uniform?

Within the first couple of class periods, we will issue you a complete uniform and tell you how to arrange for having alterations completed (at no cost to you). However, you are responsible to keep the uniform clean and presentable.

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When do I wear my Air Force Uniform?

Normally, you will be required to wear your uniform one day each week. There are also certain social events scheduled throughout the year (Military Ball, Dining-Out, etc.) where the wear of the uniform is required.

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Can I attend Air Force ROTC if I go to the Middletown or Hamilton Campus?

Absolutely.  Cadets are given the same treatment, no matter what campus you attend.  For more information please contact us at (513) 529-2031.

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EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

What is a Dining-Out?

A Dining-Out is a formal military banquet steeped in custom and tradition. The Dining-Out enables you to bring a date or guest(s) to enjoy many time-honored festivities. It is one of the highlights of being a cadet at our detachment!

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Does the Air Force ROTC program include any other extracurricular activities?

Definitely! Such activities as the Arnold Air Society, Blue Diamonds, and Dining-Out will prepare you as a future officer to meet your social obligations, become involved with community and civic action projects, and understand the tradition of the military environment. There are also numerous athletic events where you can compete with others.

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Am I expected to participate in extracurricular activities?

Your FIRST and FOREMOST concern is attending classes and maintaining good grades. After this, you will certainly want to examine some of the various activities sponsored by both the university and Air Force ROTC. We feel there is something in our program of interest to everyone.

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What are the requirements to be pilot qualified?

There are three factors that are evaluated to select a pilot candidate: medical evaluation, test scores, and the number of pilot positions available.  Vision requirements are: distant vision uncorrected to 20/70, near vision uncorrected to 20/20, normal color vision, meet refraction, accommodation and astigmatism requirements.  the physical exam will be free during your freshman year to determine if you are medically qualified.

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Can I participate in intercollegiate athletics while a member of the Air Force ROTC program?

Yes.  Among our ranks are a variety of varsity and club athletes participating in sports ranging from hockey, to track, to cheerleading.  We'll work with your sports schedule to ensure you get the best possible college experience.  The Air Force encourages an active lifestyle, and athletics are a great way to achieve it!

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Folding the FlagWhat role can a woman play in the Air Force ROTC program?

Whatever role she wants. We have as many women in the corps as men, and many of them hold prominent positions. Women many times serve as corps commanders.  We do more than pay lip service to equal opportunity, and we are quite proud of the accomplishments of our women and minority students in Air Force ROTC.

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When do I actually receive my commission as an Air Force officer?

At Miami, we currently commission our graduating seniors in special ceremonies on the day of the university's commencement exercises.

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How long is my active duty commitment after graduation?

There is no military obligation while you are enrolled as a freshman. If you are on scholarship, you incur an active duty commitment when you enter your sophomore year, otherwise your commitment begins when you enter your junior year. After being commissioned a second lieutenant, non-flying officers will serve four years of active duty, while pilots serve eight years and navigators six years after completing their training.

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What are the qualifications of my Air Force ROTC instructors?

ROTC duty is a demanding job; therefore, each instructor has been handpicked by the Air Force. In addition, since the instructor is part of the academic faculty, the university has a voice in the selection. Each officer-instructor possesses at least a master's degree and has considerable experience.

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If I encounter academic or personal problems, where can I turn for help?

First, try your Air Force ROTC instructor. While the instructor may not have a psychology degree, he or she does have training in counseling and can direct you to the proper sources. You are a unique individual, not just a mere number. Each instructor tries to develop a strong rapport with each cadet, and this personal relationship tends to minimize problems.

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Will I travel to different Air Force bases while in Air Force ROTC?

Yes. We realize the vast scope of the Air Force is difficult to visualize in the classroom. Therefore, we give you the opportunity to visit an Air Force base for a firsthand look at how it operates. You'll be accompanied by an Air Force officer who shares knowledge of the Air Force mission with you.

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What is Field Training, and how often must I attend it?

Field Training (FT) is a four-week summer encampment between your sophomore and junior year. It is conducted at several active Air Force bases located throughout the United States. This is an intensified training period where you receive additional leadership training, attend numerous career orientations, and learn firsthand about Air Force life. We pay all your transportation costs and provide you with all necessary uniform items. You will also be paid per day during your time there (rates may vary). You only attend FT once while you are in the AFROTC program.

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What is the Professional Development Program?

This program is available to you between your freshman and sophomore year and between your junior and senior year.. It is designed to provide career orientation and leadership opportunities. You will have the opportunity to observe and work in a career field of your choice on an active Air Force base for two to three weeks to learn the challenges of being a junior officer. Many cadets volunteer for airborne training, while others participate in leadership projects throughout the country. Transportation is provided to and from all training. With the exception of airborne training, you will receive pay and travel allowance while participating in this program. Applications are accepted during the fall before the summer PDT program.  These programs can be extremely fun as well as educational.  In the past our cadets have gotten to drive humvees in Hawaii, fly on helicopters at night using night vision, and one lucky cadet got to drive a brand new Lamborghini Murcielago up and down a runway!

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Tug-o-WarWill I live in a separate dorm with all the other ROTC cadets?

No. Like all other freshman students here at Miami, you will reside in one of the residence halls. Many of the residence halls are steeped in tradition, and the friendly spirit of inter-hall competition on campus has become quite famous. According to one student, "Each hall has developed its own collective personality over the years." If you have a friend already attending Miami, you might want to check on the relative merits of each hall.

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SCHOLARSHIPS
(For more specific scholarship information go to www.afrotc.com/scholarships)

Can I attend Air Force ROTC without a scholarship?

Indeed you can. Approximately half of the students enrolled in Air Force ROTC are not on a scholarship. They recognize the benefits enjoyed by commissioned officers.

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Is any preference shown toward scholarship cadets over non-scholarship cadets?

Definitely not! The fact that a student has an AFROTC scholarship has no bearing on an Air Force career. It also does not make any difference while you are in the Air Force ROTC program whether you are on scholarship or not. Besides the 4-year scholarship, 2 to 3 1/2 year scholarships are available on a competitive basis. These scholarships can cover full tuition, textbooks, certain fees, plus a monthly allowance to use as you desire during the school year.

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Does the Air Force scholarship pay for room and board?

No.  However, all scholarship winners attending Miami University AFROTC automatically receive up to $2,000 per year for room and board as long as they live on campus.  This is just one of the great benefits of attending Miami University AFROTC!  For details in regards to specific scholarships see http://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/ 

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As a scholarship cadet, how do I receive my monthly subsistence allowance?

Your check will automatically be deposited into your checking account each month.

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How am I reimbursed as a scholarship student for textbook expenses?

You should be prepared to pay cash for your book purchases from the campus bookstore. Save all your itemized receipts for required textbooks to submit the necessary paperwork to be reimbursed by Air Force ROTC.

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If I'm a scholarship student, what should my parents do if they receive a bill from the university for my tuition?

First, tell them not to panic; bookkeeping errors do occur. Second, they should write across the face of the bill "Air Force ROTC Scholarship Student" and return it to the university. Finally, notify the Miami Air Force ROTC office of the error. The mistake will be corrected.

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Is it possible for me to change my academic major if on scholarship?

Yes, but this is a complex process and should be attempted only after you have given it much thought. Air Force ROTC offers scholarships only in certain academic areas, and your proposed major must be one of those. In addition, you must have a valid reason for wanting to switch. If you want to change your major before arriving at Miami, please call us immediately and we will give you detailed instructions on the procedure.

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What do I do to continue my education beyond the baccalaureate level?

The Air Force encourages you to get graduate degrees and offers several opportunities. In many cases you can request an educational delay. This delay between the time of commissioning and the time for reporting for active duty will be of sufficient length to allow you to fulfill the requirements for a professional or master's degree. You will assume all financial obligations. There are also Air Force Institute of Technology programs where the Air Force pays for your graduate school education. You will incur a longer active duty obligation as a result. These programs are explained in greater detail during Air Force ROTC.

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Cadets MarchingHow are new cadets treated?

Very well. We assign cadet "sponsors" to new students. These sponsors can help students register for classes, get textbooks, learn to wear the uniform correctly, meet other cadets, know the campus facilities, and learn basic customs and courtesies. It is also the cadet's flight commander's responsibility to help new cadets fit into the program. We also have tutoring programs and other forms of assistance. Hazing is not permitted! The focus at the unit is on teaching as well as discipline. The unit staff is concerned about cadets' well-being and progress and will treat you as adult officer candidates.

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How do Air Force ROTC graduates compare with Air Force Academy and Officer Training School graduates?

The Academy, Air Force ROTC, and Officer Training School all produce qualified Air Force officers. The Air Force achieves better diversity and talent by getting officers from more than one commissioning source. Once on active duty, the most important factor in promotions is duty performance.

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How Do I Enroll?

Air Force ROTC classes and credit information are listed in your school catalog. If you wish to enroll in the General Military Course, you may do so just as you would for any other campus course. Remember, there's no commitment at this time. To enter the Professional Officer Course via the two-year program, contact the Professor of Aerospace Studies during normal business hours no later than December of your sophomore year of college.

 

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LAST UPDATED 15 MAY 2006 BY CAPT BRETT SAMMIS


For any information contact OPR: Capt. Brett Sammis
AFROTC Detachment 640
50 Millett Hall - Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056
(513) 529-2031
sammisb@muohio.edu

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