Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

Air Force ROTC

The purpose of Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) is to prepare students for active duty in the United States Air Force. This opportunity is available through an agreement between Air Force ROTC, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Newark, N.J., and Fairleigh Dickinson University. The program is open to students who desire to earn appointments as commissioned officers in the Air Force.

The number of ROTC credits that may be counted toward a degree varies by school and degree program. As many as 14 ROTC credits are accepted by some colleges and as few as 3 by others. Those enrolled for the courses receive credit at their individual campuses.

All aerospace studies classes are held at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). The Air Force ROTC Office is located in Room 210, Faculty Memorial Hall, NJIT. For more information, visit AFROTC, contact the Air Force ROTC Office at (973) 596-3626 or by e-mail at afrotc490@NJIT.EDU.

Program

The Air Force ROTC program consists of four courses in aerospace studies, which are taught on the NJIT campus. The General Military Course (GMC) is the first half of the program and is generally taken during your freshman and sophomore years. This program allows you to “try out” Air Force ROTC for up to two years without incurring any obligation (unless on an Air Force scholarship). As you attend a one-credit hour class each semester, you’ll learn more about the Air Force and the historical development of airpower. The second half, called the Professional Officer Course (POC), is highly competitive. These junior and senior level 3-credit courses cover management and leadership skills, national defense policy and preparation for active duty. All classes are taught at NJIT in Newark, NJ.

The Courses

AS 111 – The Air Force Today I (1st Year / Fall)

1 credit. Explores the mission and organizational structure of the United States Air Force. Introduces the student to Reserve Officer Training Corps by examining air power, customs and courtesies, officership, and core values. Examines Air Force opportunities, benefits, career choices, and installations which provides information needed to determine whether or not to pursue a career as an Air Force officer. An introduction to effective communication is included. Leadership abilities are developed through group leadership problems and Leadership Laboratory.

AS 112 – The Air Force Today II (1st Year / Spring)

1 credit. Continues with the mission and organizational structure of the Air Force. A macro view of U.S. military history is introduced with emphasis on U.S. air power. Air Force communications is developed with emphasis on interpersonal communications, oral communications, and written communications. Leadership abilities are developed through group leadership problems and Leadership Laboratory.

AS 221 – Air Power: Ascension to Prominence (2nd Year / Fall)

1 credit. Examines the development of air power from its earliest beginnings to the present, including in-depth examination of World War I, World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, Cold War, and Desert Storm. Traces the evolution of air power concepts and doctrine and continues to develop leadership abilities through Leadership Laboratory.

AS 222 – Air Power: Key to Deterrence (2nd Year / Spring)

1 credit. Emphasizes the concepts and skills required by the Air Force officer including oral communications, Air Force quality, leadership, followership, ethics, and values. Continues to develop leadership abilities through group leadership problems and Leadership Laboratory.

AS 333 – Leadership/Management I (3rd Year / Fall)

3 credits. Emphasizes the concepts and skills required by the successful management and leader. Curriculum includes individual motivational and behavioral processes, leadership, communication, and group dynamics, providing the foundation for developing the junior officer’s professional skills. Course material stresses decision making, and the use of analytic aids in planning, organizing, and controlling in a changing environment. Develops communication skills through writing and speaking exercises.

AS 334 – Leadership/Management II (3rd Year / Spring)

3 credits. Organizational and personal ethics, management of change, organizational power, politics, and managerial strategy are discussed within the context of the military. Actual Air Force case studies are used throughout the course.

AS 443 – Forces in American Society (4th Year / Fall)

3 credits. Focusing on the U.S. Armed Forces as an integral element of American society, this course examines a wide variety of topics concerning American civil and military relations and the environment in which U.S. defense policy is formulated. Specific topics include the role of the professional officer in a democratic society, socialization processes within the American military forces, and the requisites for maintaining adequate national security forces. A special emphasis is placed on further refining the student’s communications skills in the context of the course material.

AS 444 – Preparation for Active Duty (4th Year / Spring)

3 credits. Focuses on the role of the Air Force officer while on active duty. Includes responsibilities as an officer, a commander, a leader, and a manager. Topics include a review of military law, nonjudicial punishment, role of the staff judge advocate, laws of armed conflict, military ethics, officer professional development, an officer’s social responsibilities, fraternization, personal finances, staff work, and Air Force base services and activities. Concludes with a review of the Air Force Core Values.

Laboratories

All Air Force ROTC classes are accompanied by a Leadership Laboratory, which provides knowledge and practical command and staff leadership experiences. The laboratory is largely cadet planned, directed and centered. Except for special exceptions, all students enrolled in aerospace studies courses must participate in the Leadership Laboratory.

GMC Leadership Laboratories include a study of Air Force customs, courtesies, drills, ceremonies and giving military commands; the instruction, correction and evaluation of the preceding skills; the environment of an Air Force officer; and opportunities available to commissioned officers.

POC Leadership Laboratories consist of activities classified as advanced leadership experiences. They involve planning, organizing, staffing, coordinating, directing and controlling the military activities of cadet corps; preparation and presentation of briefings and other oral and written communications; and providing interviews, guidance and information to increase the understanding, motivation and performance of other cadets.

Scholarships

The AFROTC Program awards two to three-and-a-half-year scholarships to cadets who are interested in pursuing a commission in the USAF. Contact the office or check out the website for more information.