The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a college-based program that trains students to become commissioned officers in the United States Air Force and Space Force. Air Force ROTC allows you to earn your degree while learning valuable leadership, military, and professional skills. Upon graduation, you’ll commission as a Second Lieutenant.
Air Force ROTC offers a variety of scholarships, including High School Scholarships (offered before college) and In-College Scholarships (offered after joining the program). These scholarships can cover full or partial tuition, books, and include a monthly living stipend. Selection is competitive and based on academics, leadership potential, physical fitness, and more.
One of the main benefits of the Air Force ROTC program is your ability to have a “normal” college experience while gradually learning about and transitioning into a career in the military. Additionally, being a part of an Air Force ROTC Detachment means that you will have a built-in network of people dedicated to helping you succeed. Detachment 855 exemplifies the unique camaraderie that can be found in military units. Our experienced cadets are happy to help new cadets find classes on campus, learn to wear the uniform correctly, learn basic customs and courtesies, meet fellow cadets, and fit into the program. Your Air Force ROTC instructors are a consistent resource for any professional questions you have. Respect and integrity are tenets of Air Force ROTC—hazing is NOT permitted!
As a cadet, you will wear your Air Force uniform during the duty day (0730–1630) once a week. Outside of these requirements, you are allowed to wear your regular civilian clothing.
All you need to do to join Air Force ROTC is to sign up for the classes (Link attached below for the list of courses). Once you sign up for the classes, we will reach out to you before the beginning of the semester with instructions on how to officially become a cadet. These instructions will include how to create your Air Force WINGS account, how to start your medical qualification process, and how to submit your academic degree plan.
Program Type – Air Force ROTC Detachment 855 – BYU Marriott School of Business
We recommend future cadets to prepare by doing these three things.
- Start preparing physically for the fitness test- The fitness test is made up of three sections: push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile run. You can use this link to figure out what your score would be. US Air Force PT Test Calculator – All Score Charts and Exercise Videos
- Start preparing to take the AFOQT- You will take the AFOQT your first semester in the program. Take this test very seriously, because if you do not pass the AFOQT, you will not be qualified to be commissioned as an Air Force Officer.
- Seek out leadership opportunities- Seek out opportunities so you can gain experience leading and communicating with others. The ROTC is a leadership development program, and you will be assessed on how well you are able to lead others.
There are many different careers available in the Air Force other than pilot, including intelligence, cyber operations, engineering, logistics, security forces, public affairs, maintenance, and missiles, among others. You will put in preferences and be assigned an AFSC, Air Force Specialty Code, your Junior year that will determine your future career.
The Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) is a standardized test similar to the SAT or ACT but with added sections for pilot and navigation aptitude. All cadets must take it, and scores help determine eligibility for rated (flying) and non-rated career fields.
ROTC is a pathway to becoming a commissioned officer after earning a college degree. Officers lead and manage enlisted personnel. Enlisting means joining the military immediately after high school or college as an enlisted member, often focused on technical and hands-on roles.
Yes, in many cases credits and training from another Air Force ROTC detachment or sister service ROTC program can transfer if you move schools. You’ll need to work with both detachments and your new school’s registrar to ensure a smooth transition.
To become a pilot, you’ll need to compete for a pilot training slot in Air Force ROTC. Selection is based on your AFOQT scores, TBAS results, GPA, commander’s ranking, physical fitness, and medical qualifications. You’ll also need to pass a Flight Physical and meet age and vision requirements.
The Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS) is an aptitude test taken alongside the AFOQT for those applying to rated positions like pilot. Your TBAS, AFOQT Pilot score, and flight hours combine into your Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PCSM) score, which is a key factor in pilot selection.
Yes, but you must be enrolled in Air Force ROTC for a minimum of three academic years before commissioning. If you’re graduating early, you may need to extend your degree or pursue a graduate program to stay in ROTC long enough to meet this requirement. Talk to your cadre for options.
Air Force ROTC generally allows cadets to take a leave of absence for specified reasons, including religious missions or study abroad programs. You can pause your participation after freshman year and return to the program when you come back, provided you still meet age and eligibility requirements. Be sure to communicate your plans with your detachment.
You are not committed to military service until you sign a contract, which usually occurs after your sophomore year when you enter the Professional Officer Course (POC), or upon accepting a scholarship with a service obligation.
Most cadets will have a four-year active-duty service obligation after commissioning. For rated positions like pilot, the commitment is longer (typically 10 years after pilot training). Commitment length varies by career field and whether you received a scholarship.
Show up, work hard, and stay consistent. Prioritize academics, stay physically fit, and take initiative in leadership roles. Be professional, ask for feedback, and support your fellow cadets. Your cadre and peers are valuable resources—use them to grow and improve.
Certain conditions like severe asthma, serious mental health disorders, poor vision (uncorrectable), or history of certain surgeries can be disqualifying. However, waivers may be possible dependent on multiple factors. All cadets must pass a Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) physical.
For a full list of medically disqualifying conditions, please click on this link: Disqualification Codes – DoDMERB
All cadets are responsible for meeting BMI or body fat standards in order to activate a scholarship, meet the PSP selection board, attend Field Training, contract and commission. If over BMI, conduct body fat measurement according to procedures in DoDI 1308.03. Cadets under the minimum BMI standard require a one-time evaluation by a physician to ensure there are no underlying medical conditions. Cadets over the maximum BMI standard who are athletes must have a temporary athletic body composition waiver in their cadet record.
Field Training is a crucial part of the Air Force ROTC program, occurring during the summer after your sophomore year. It’s a rigorous, 3–4 week leadership training camp held at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. During Field Training, you’ll undergo physical training, leadership exercises, and military simulations to develop skills needed to lead and manage as a future officer. Successful completion of Field Training is required to enter the Professional Officer Course (POC) and advance to commissioning.
No, any accredited degree from BYU or UVU is sufficient to commission into the US Air Force or Space Force. Most Air Force officer career fields (including pilot) do not have specific degree requirements other than having an accredited degree (all BYU and UVU degrees are accredited). However, some career fields do have specific degree requirements include engineering, medical and nursing, attorney, meteorology, and other careers that require specific expertise.
Yes! In your sophomore year of the program, you will compete for an officer slot in the Space Force. If not selected for the Space Force, you will still have the ability to compete for a commission into the Air Force.
Yes, unless you have a scholarship. If you are joining as a freshman or sophomore, and you do not already have a scholarship, you will have to pay regular tuition for the credit hours, as you would for any other class.
Yes!
Yes, all cadets will need to maintain a 2.0 GPA at a minimum throughout their time in the program. If you want to receive a scholarship through AFROTC, you will need a 2.5 GPA minimum to activate and maintain that scholarship.
However, a GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended to increase your chances of selection.