Q: How do they determine which career field I will be in once I graduate?
A: Air Force ROTC cadets interested in pilot or navigator training (see above...ASCP, SOAR, and the Two-Year POC-ERP ONLY) will compete for a rated slot in the spring term of their junior year in college. Their application will be processed by their detachment and a central selection board makes the choices. Selection factors include AFROTC Det CC rankings/comments, college GPA, fitness test scores, pilot and navigator subscores on the AFOQT, and the number of flying hours, if any. All other Air Force ROTC cadets (including those not selected for rated duties) put together a "dream sheet" listing assignment preferences (listing career fields and initial base choices, academic major and Det/CC comments) during the fall term of the cadets senior year in college. Selections are made by AFPC taking into account the needs of the Air Force, the cadets academic major, and the cadets preferences.
AFOQT
Q: What is the scoop on AFOQT waivers?
A:
In rare cases, HQ Air Force ROTC may grant waivers for enlisted member who have failed the verbal or quantitative scales of the AFOQT. These members must have taken the test twice and failed it both times before a waiver request will be considered. HQ AFROTC will consider waiver requests for one-time failures only in situations where the member will not have another opportunity to retest because he/she will exceed the statutory age limit for commissioning (For ASCP/SOAR - not be 31 or older on 31 December of the commissioning year and for POC-ERP - must commission prior to the members 35th birthday).
Assignments
Q: Can I apply if I am selected for an assignment ?
A:
IAW AFI 36-2013, Table 1.2, rule 3, the applicant may not apply if the applicant has been selected for an assignment, however, an applicant may request an assignment waiver which, if approved, will defer the applicants report not later than date until after the board release. If the applicant is selected, the assignment will be cancelled. If the applicant is not selected, the applicant will proceed to their next duty assignment. Please see program application guidelines for waivers submission deadlines.
Age
Q: How would I know if I am too old to earn a commission?
A: Check out our age requirements page.
Disenrollment
Q: What happens if I am disenrolled from an Air Force ROTC commissioning program?
A: Of course, we hope this does not happen, but if it does, the governing instruction for such situations for ASCP, POC-ERP and SOAR is AFI 36-2503, paragraph 3.1. This instruction says that these members revert to their former status to complete any prior service obligations. This means for you would be returned to active duty in the grade you held when you separated to complete any remaining service obligation. Disenrolled AECP students are returned to their former AFSCs (demoted to their former rank if less than E-5) and sent to a new assignment.
Degrees
Q: I already have my bachelors degree.
Can I work on a second bachelors degree in your programs?
A: No. The one exception we make is for students who are pursuing a second bachelors degree for AECP only.
Enlistment Bonus
Q: I am receiving an enlistment bonus...will I have to pay that back if I separate to join Air Force ROTC through one of the Enlisted Commissioning Programs?
A:
No. You get to keep bonus money already paid.
REFERENCE: DOD FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REGULATION, Volume 7A, Chapter 9 (May 2001) (http://www.dtic.mil/comptroller/fmr/07a/07A09rev.pdf), paragraph 090403M2, which says: "Recoupment of unearned bonus is not required if the member is separated to permit acceptance of, or entry into a program leading to a commission or warrant appointment in the same or another Military Service. In that case, the entitlement to an additional unpaid bonus is suspended and will terminate upon commissioning or appointment. The entitlement to additional unpaid bonus will be reinstated and paid on a pro rata basis, however, if the member is not commissioned or appointed and returns to an enlisted status in the same bonus skill
Dual Applications
Q: Can you apply for more than one program at a time?
A: Yes. In fact, we encourage you to apply for any and all programs you are eligible for, every time you are eligible [take the first one that says "yes"]. One obvious choice is for those applying for SOAR. They should also apply at the same time for the fall ASCP board. One exception...if you are already selected for one program, you can not apply for another.
Joint Spouse
Q: I am an enlisted member married to another enlisted member. Can I apply for your programs?
A: Yes. If selected, you will have to provide a copy of your Family Care Plan with your application. However, the join spouse program does not apply to individuals selected for AFROTC commissioning programs. If you select to attend a school that is geographically separated from your spouses home base, there is no guarantee that your spouse will be reassigned near your AFROTC detachment.
Full-Time Status
Q: Do I have to be a full-time student in AFROTC?
A: You must be a full-time student (as defined by the university). With your detachment commanders permission (you must ask before you do this), you can take only the courses required for your commission (i.e., only your ROTC courses) during your final term.
Non-Affiliated Schools
Q: I am enrolled in an on-base program at a school not affiliated with Air Force ROTC. Can I finish my degree at this school and take my Air Force ROTC classes at a local detachment?
A: No. You must be enrolled as a full-time students (see the above question) in a school affiliated with Air Force ROTC.
MGIB
Q: I have established eligibility for the Montgomery GI Bill. Can I use my MGIB benefits and receive an Air Force ROTC Scholarship?
A: Yes for ASCP, SOAR, or POC-ERP selectees only. As long as you established eligibility for the MGIB prior to receiving the scholarship (i.e., via ASCP or SOAR) you can use your benefits while receiving an Air Force ROTC scholarship. The reference for this issue is VA Manual M22-4 - Education Procedures (available on the internet at http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm). The specific paragraph reference is 1.17g in VA Manual M22-4. In accordance with paragraph 3.07a(1), AECP selectees may not use MGIB. Payment of VA education benefits is prohibited if an individual is on active duty and is enrolled in a unit course or courses which are paid for in whole or in part by the Armed Forces (or by the Department of Health and Human Services for service in the Public Health Service.
Pilot/Nav
Q: Can I get to be a pilot or navigator through the enlisted commissioning programs?
A: Yes and No. Yes for ASCP, SOAR, and the Two-Year POC-ERP. No for AECP.
OTS Non-Selects
Q: I have my bachelors degree already, applied to OTS and was not accepted. Can I apply for your programs?
A: Yes. You can apply for the AECP program and pursue a second bachelors degree in an AECP-approved major.
Summer School
Q: I have heard Air Force ROTC does not pay for summer school. Is this true?
A: Yes. As a general policy, Air Force ROTC does not pay tuition for summer course work for ASCP, SOAR, or POC-ERP students. AECP students are required to attend school during the summer and Air Force ROTC pays for their tuition. Please remember for ASCP, SOAR or POC-ERP, one summer must be reserved for attending Field Training.
Requirement
Q: How would I know if I am too old to earn a commission?
A: Check out our age requirements page.
Reserves/Guard
Q: Can I go through Air Force ROTC and then participate in an Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard unit?
A: No. Air Force ROTCs mission is to train officers for the active duty force. Contact your nearest Guard/Reserve recruiter for information on commissioning opportunities in the Air National Guard and/or Air Force Reserve
STIPEND
Q: What are the rates for the stipend?
A:
Stipend is paid during the months of the school year (typically 9-10 months) for scholarship freshmen and sophomores and for the entire year for juniors, seniors and graduate students. The rate for AS 100 cadets is $300.00 per month, the rate for AS 200 cadets is $350.00 per month, the rate for AS 300 cadets is $450.00 per month, and the rate for AS 400 cadets is $500.00 per month.
Q: Are ASCP non-select applicants automatically considered for POC-ERP?
A: Non-selects for ASCP are not automatically considered for POC-ERP. The applicant must submit two packages, one for ASCP and one for POC-ERP. The second package can be a copy of the first with POC-ERP annotated on the cover letter. This option is only for ASCP applicants who are within two years of completing a bachelors degree.
Tricare
Q: Are Air Force ROTC cadets entitled to Tricare?
A:
No. They (and their families) are not entitled to military healthcare benefits until they are commissioned and re-enter active duty. Like all other college students, they are responsible for their own health care arrangements. Many colleges and universities offer group health insurance plans for purchase or as a part of their enrollment fees...check with the school you want to attend to see what services, if any, they offer. Please note that AECP students remain on active duty and that they and their dependents are entitled to health care services under Tricare.
