For Freshmen and Sophomores interested in joining in the spring, read below. Fall semester Sophomores, click here.
Administrative Tasks
If you haven’t already done so, please register for the following classes: AFT 120 (Lecture), AFT 202 (Lab) and PES 114 (PT.) (Keep in mind, you will need to take the Freshman lecture you missed (AFT 110), as well as, the Sophomore lecture (AFT 230) next Fall.)
Use the provided in-processing instructions to fill out the administrative paperwork and create your WINGS account. (No need to print forms from WINGS.) Drop off your paperwork at the Armory before the end of the fall semester, along with your completed sports physical and copies of ANY tickets or incident reports you received.
We will also need to collect your original social security card and birth certificate. As these are considered PII (personally identifiable information)... hand-delivering them is preferred. (We will return same-day.) The next best option is to fax the documents directly to us. (765) 494-2047
The cadets use Teams to pass important messages. Please download the app before next semester. We will ensure you’re added to the ROTC channel... Flight assignment to follow.
Physical Training (PT):
In order to participate in PT, you will need to accomplish a sports physical. While you may be able to make an appointment at PUSH, most cadets are under their parents’ insurance and accomplish it at home. If you’re able to complete this over Winter Break... Great! If not turned in with the other administrative paperwork, please bring the signed physical with you on Day 1 next semester.
Be advised, we won’t have PT the first week of the spring semester. However, expect to attend a briefing. (More information will be sent out by cadet leadership via Teams.) Standard PT attire will be shorts, T-shirt and tennis shoes. Plan to start off the semester at Lambert Fieldhouse, but once we switch outdoors to Rankin Track and Field Complex (next to the Co-Rec)... please dress warmly. Down the road, we recommend reading over the Detachment Standardization (“Stando”) Guide as it provides an overview of expectations and conduct within our program, to include acceptable cold weather gear.
- Typically, cadets complete a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) every semester. This is comprised of a 1.5 mile run and as many push-ups and sit-ups that you can complete in 1 minute. Your goal is to earn > 75 points total and meet the minimum requirement for each component. A score of 90.0+ is considered “Excellent.” You are not expected to be in peak condition when you start ROTC, however, it helps to establish a fitness routine before joining.
- Your priority next semester will be to complete your DoDMERB (medical) exams, which is standard for anyone who wants to serve in the military. We will notify you once your account is created, so you can start scheduling appointments.
Dress and Appearance:
- Until you are issued uniforms, your attire for lecture and lab will be a black polo, khakis, black belt and black socks/shoes. (See “Dress and Appearance Flyer.”)
- Before the end of the semester, stop by the Supply Closet (located in the Armory basement) for your uniform fitting. (Upon entering the main doors, take the stairs on your RIGHT and then turn LEFT.) Call (765) 496-1482 for the latest hours of operation.
- In the military, your hair cannot touch your ears or hang into your eyes. Razor’s Edge behind Triple XXX burger joint is a popular place for cadets to get haircuts. If worn “up,” the standard style for females is a bun using a “donut” for an even appearance. (Check YouTube.)
Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT):
- Plan on taking the (electronic) AFOQT toward the end of the spring semester. 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. While we recommend going into the test with the mindset that you’ll do your best... know that you’ll have another opportunity to take the AFOQT before Field Training selection.