The program consists of an Academic Class, Leadership Laboratory, and Group Fitness (Physical Training) session, taken each semester throughout your time in the program.
Students receive college elective credits from our courses. And just like any college elective, students can sign up for the course and drop it at any time. In addition students do not incur a military service obligation just by taking these courses (unless you accept a scholarship).
Aerospace Studies
The academic class, called "Aerospace Studies", is a one credit hour class for first year (Aerospace Studies 100) and sophomore students (Aerospace Studies 200), and a three credit hour class for juniors (Aerospace Studies 300) and seniors (Aerospace Studies 400). During your first two years in the program, students learn about the Air Force, its history, and basic principles of leadership and teamwork in what is called the General Military Course (GMC). The GMC courses are considered a college elective course and are open to any college student.
For students who wish to continue their journey to becoming an AF officer, they will attend a 13-day capstone course called Field Training at no cost. This event is held at Maxwell Air Force Base, AL and is a unique and transformational experience aimed at evaluating and preparing cadets to succeed and lead at their AFROTC Detachments. After Field Training, students will contract, begin receiving a monthly stipend and become a member of the POC (Professional Officer Corps) and continue their journey to officership.
Professional Officer Corps
The POC is where students continue to learn advanced concepts in leadership theory, management, building successful teams, and preparing for future leadership roles as Air Force Officers . POC courses (Aerospace Studies 300 & 400) are open to any student with the permission of the course instructor.
The Leadership Lab (LLAB) is the 2 hour laboratory component to the Aerospace Studies class. The lab provides students the opportunity to actively practice and develop leadership skills through hands-on demonstrations, projects, and activities designed to improve leadership, followership and team building skills. LLAB activities include team events and competitions, mentoring from current AF leaders, base visits, challenging group problem solving activities, and group fitness activities. The AFROTC department faculty provides oversight, but the LLAB is run by junior and senior students in the program to further develop their leadership skills. As students progress through the AFROTC program, they take on increasing levels of responsibility in planning and executing LLAB activities and program events (Base Visits, Military Ball, Ceremonies, etc).
The Group Fitness/Physical Fitness Training (PT) is the fitness component to our program. Students will participate in a group fitness session held after leadership lab, in addition to a Tuesday morning group fitness session. Students attending a school other than Wilkes or Kings are welcome to participate in the Tuesday fitness session, but are permitted to conduct their own individual workout in lieu of the Tuesday fitness session. Fitness activities include stretching and calisthenics, strength exercises, cross training and team sports. The activities vary weekly and cadets are encouraged to go at their own pace to ensure everyone is involved and benefiting.
For most, our program may be the first military training environment a student will experience. Our program provides an opportunity for students to improve their communication skills, develop a wide portfolio of professional skills and learn what the Air Force has to offer. By participating in our leadership training program, all cadets will improve their strength of character through the cultivation of leadership, teamwork, collaboration, competence, wingmanship, and warrior ethos.
Recommended Course Sequence
The following is the recommended four-year course sequence leading to a commission in the United States Air Force.
It's never too late to join Air Force ROTC. Please contact our department to see how AFROTC can fit into your schedule. We will accept students up until midterms during Fall and Spring semester. If you are joining as a sophomore, you need to sign up for both the first year & sophomore AS courses. It seems like a lot but it is actually only one extra hour of class per week. In some cases, you can join as a junior or graduate students - please contact our department for details at rotcdl@wilkes.edu or 570-408-4860.
