Colonel Jeffrey H. Gustafson
Department Chair, Faculty, University of Washington
Objectives
The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) trains students to become Second Lieutenants in the United States Air Force. This program is designed to motivate, educate, and commission highly qualified students to become successful active duty officers. AFROTC uses a curriculum that develops professional knowledge, both in theory and application that is required to produce an effective manager and leader within the Air Force environment. Through an agreement with the University of Washington, students at Seattle University are offered enrollment into this program.
General Program Requirements
The freshman- and sophomore-level classes (general military course) are open to students attending any approved two- or four-year college or university. Students of all majors may be eligible to apply for a scholarship. For further information contact the unit admissions officer at (206) 543-2360 or email at afrotc@u.washington.edu. You can also visit the UW AFROTC Web page at www.det910.com.
Commissioning Requirements
Students who successfully complete the AFROTC program and receive an academic degree from Seattle University are offered commissions as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force.
General Military Course (GMC)
The basic level courses consist of one classroom hour, one leadership laboratory, and two physical fitness sessions per week during the freshman and sophomore years. Uniforms and textbooks are provided. Students may enter the freshman class at the start of fall, winter, or spring quarters. Sophomore students may enter at the start of fall or winter quarters. A four or six-week field training course, typically taken during the summer between the sophomore and junior years, is required for entry into the professional officer course.
Freshman Year (AS 100 series):
- “try out” ROTC with no obligations
- Learn basic skills and knowledge of the Air Force
Sophomore Year (AS 200 series):
- Implement skills obtained from freshman year
- Begin Field Training Prep
Summer:
- Attend Field Training and return as a POC
Professional Officer Course (POC)
Cadets selected for enrollment in POC receive tax-free monthly subsistence pay between $400-$500 per month. They are furnished text books and uniforms. Junior- and senior-level classes consist of three hours of academic classes, one leadership laboratory, and two physical fitness sessions per week. Students are obligated to serve at least four years of active duty as Air Force officers after college graduation.
Junior Year (AS 300 series):
- Transition to a leadership role as you take on more responsibilities within the program
- Choose and receive your future career field
Senior Year (AS 400 series):
- Continue to enhance leadership skills as leaders of the AFROTC program
- Prepare for active duty
- Commission as a Second Lieutenant
Financial Assistance
The Air Force offers two- to three-year scholarships to qualified college students and four-year scholarships to qualified graduating high school seniors. Scholarships are available in all areas of study. Most AFROTC scholarships pay tuition up to $18,000 per year, fees, and $900 a year for textbooks. Scholarship winners also receive a $300 to $500 subsistence stipend per month. Engineering AFROTC scholarship winners qualify for Seattle University Incentive funds that would cover the remaining difference in the cost of tuition after the AFROTC scholarship, plus the cost of room and board. All other students awarded scholarships from any Air Force ROTC Scholarship Board are eligible for a supplemental room grant. 90 percent of all junior and senior cadets receive some form of financial assistance from AFROTC. To take advantage of these scholarships, students should check www.afrotc.com, call (206) 543-2360, or e-mail to afrotc@u.washington.edu.
Two-Year Program
To provide for those students who did not elect to enroll in the general military courses, a two-year option is available depending on the needs of the AF. The two-year program is open to students who have two years remaining until graduation in particular degree programs. Students in this program are required to attend a six-week field training course at an Air Force base during the summer preceding program entry. Students are paid during the six-week period. Upon return to campus, students pursue the professional officer course. Uniform, text books, and at least a $400 monthly subsistence are provided. Partial incentive scholarships are available for students with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA. Students interested in this program must inquire via e-mail or call (206) 543-2360 to see if their particular degree program qualifies entry into the two-year program.
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