PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Unfortunately, you must physically be at the West Lafayette campus. We are not authorized to accept crosstown students.
Yes. However, you must continue to actively pursue U.S. citizenship. It is a requirement to commission and must, ideally, be obtained before Field Training selection. (Dual citizens may also eventually be asked to renounce their foreign citizenship.)
As copies are not always clear, we ask that all prospective cadets provide their original documents. (We will process and return the same day.) If not feasible, the next best option is to fax the documents directly to us. (765) 494-2047
Except for the final semester prior to graduation, cadets must maintain full-time student status (12 credits.) They must also earn a “C-“ or better in all AFROTC courses and cannot drop below 80% attendance. A 2.0 cumulative GPA is required to remain an active cadet, while a 2.5 cumulative GPA is necessary to maintain scholarship benefits.
No. However, a sports physical is required to participate in PT (physical training.) Typically, cadets complete an official Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) around late Oct/early Nov… and then again in the Spring. A passing PFA (> 75 points) is required to maintain scholarship benefits and compete for Field Training.
DoDMERB stands for Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board. Once in the program, all cadets are expected to complete their DoDMERB (medical) exams… which consist of a physical and eye exam… in order to attend Field Training and, ultimately, serve in the military. When filling out your DoDMERB paperwork, our best advice is to NOT “self-diagnose” yourself. Allow the medical professionals to assess your case. If something is flagged, there might be an opportunity for additional tests or documentation that could lead to a reassessment and/or qualification.
No. Cadets are fitted for uniforms when they join. While provided at no cost, they must be kept clean and presentable. Uniforms are worn to lecture, lab (all day) and PT, as well as, special events.
No. You are free to walk away from the program after the first year without any financial obligation or service commitment. (Even if you are on scholarship.) Any withdrawals after this time will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Cadets will typically sign a contract when they accept a scholarship or before attending Field Training.
To see how service commitments compare between branches, refer to the chart below.
The Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) is an electronic, standardized test for individuals applying for a career as an officer. It measures verbal and mathematical aptitude, as well as, additional aptitudes relevant to the four rated (flying) career fields. It is comprised of 12 subtests. The number of questions and time allotted varies per subtest. Your best bet is to familiarize yourself with the material *and* testing time for each category, so that it’s not a surprise the day of the test. You will NOT be penalized for guessing. (Your score is based on the number of correct answers.) Results are typically available within 2 – 3 business days.
The test is typically offered 2 x in the Fall… and 1 x in the Spring. To sign up, please contact us at afrotcdet220@purdue.edu. (Incoming cadets are automatically registered.)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Applying to Purdue… and joining AFROTC… are two separate processes. To join our program, you would simply sign up for our respective courses, once accepted.
In the military, “enlisting” and “commissioning” refer to two different career paths, with the latter intended for those who want to become officers. Besides ROTC, the other two commissioning programs include the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) and Officer Training School (OTS.) OTS is a 9-week boot camp that would occur AFTER you earn your degree. The application process may be started no earlier than a year out from graduation.
Yes. However, most students join as a freshman in the Fall. As AFROTC is traditionally a 4-year program, joining in the Spring or as a sophomore requires students to compress the timeline and consolidate requirements.
No. It is your choice whether to live on or off campus. There is a Learning Community at Owen Hall which accommodates 30 x cadets (freshmen only) on a first-come, first-served basis. It is completely optional, but the benefit is having “instant study buddies” and a roommate who is on the same early morning ROTC schedule.
The United States Air Force (USAF) and United States Space Force (USSF) fall under the Department of the Air Force (DAF.) Thus, you would still participate in Air Force ROTC. Cadets who wish to join the USSF upon commissioning will complete an interview prior to Field Training selection. During Field Training, those who are selected will break off for specific briefs and training.
Our enlisted personnel will work with the university regarding your scholarship payment and stipend. Additional paperwork will be collected during TD-0 to facilitate this process.
Yes. Upon graduation, cadets earn a minor in Aerospace Studies.
Most cadets enter Active Duty (or full-time service) after commissioning. Reserves or ANG is an option, but not the norm. It would require proactiveness on your end to network with units and complete additional paperwork.
MISCELLANEOUS
There are many different jobs within the Air Force and Space Force, so being a little overwhelmed or unsure right now is completely normal. This is one of the reasons why Det 220 hosts “Career Nights.” It gives cadets an opportunity to be exposed to a variety of different career fields and ask questions of the experts.
While a Pro Flight major will afford you the opportunity to gain confidence and familiarity with civilian flying, it is not required. At the end of the day, it is more about the “well-roundedness” of the individual. Are you someone that the Air Force can train? Are you a team player? How do you respond to feedback? Your major (and more specifically, your GPA) is just one of many factors that is considered during selection. Also, be advised… once you earn a pilot slot, you still have several “hoops” (ex: medical, academic, training) you’ll need to jump through over the next two years before you finally earn your wings.
While some degrees DO help prepare someone for a flying career better than others, our best advice is to select a major that you would be interested in and happy to pursue (as it’s not worth it to be miserable for four years.) Regardless of your ultimate career path, college affords you the opportunity to grow as a person and cultivate a set of skills that you can continue to build upon in the military.
No. Sometimes, it's better to NOT have a lot of hours under your belt as this allows the Air Force “to train you the way they want to train you.”
Below is a list of items recommended by current cadets:
- Laptop
- Backpack (black or dark blue)
- Notebook
- Black Pens
- Lint Roller
- Iron & Ironing Board
- Starch
- Shoe Shine Kit
The Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS) is a series of computerized tests that measure abilities and characteristics related to flying training performance. It is intended for those interested in pursuing a career as a pilot or RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) pilot. Your most recent test score, along with your AFOQT results and any applicable flight time (up to 60 hours), will be used to calculate your Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PCSM) score.
To schedule, please contact us at afrotcdet220@purdue.edu. Allow 90 minutes to complete the TBAS.