Prospective students

Air Force ROTC lets you earn your degree while training to become an officer in the United States Air Force or Space Force, commissioning as a second lieutenant on graduation.

What To Expect Scholarships

About the Program

Air Force ROTC at Jackson State

Air Force ROTC is a college program that allows you to earn your degree while training to become an officer in the United States Air Force or Space Force. It offers a unique blend of academic and military experiences that foster personal and professional growth unlike any other college program.

Throughout your time in AFROTC, you’ll develop leadership, management, and critical thinking skills that will serve you well in any career. Upon completing all degree and training requirements, you’ll be commissioned as a second lieutenant.

Detachment 006 Informational Brochure

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Commission: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Air Force or Space Force
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate or graduate students; all majors
Detachment: Air Force ROTC Detachment 006
Location: J.Y. Woodard Building
Phone: 601-979-1620
Email: afrotc@jsums.edu

What To Expect

Requirements and curriculum

General requirements

To participate in Air Force ROTC, you need only to be a full time undergraduate or graduate student at a participating school. In order to complete the program you will need to register as a student at Jackson State University — or register as a transient student if you attend one of our crosstown universities:

Go on jsums.edu
Click Admissions
Apply for Admission
Complete the Appropriate Admission Application
Create an Account
Pay the $25 (dollar) Non-Refundable Fee

Once admitted, you must retain 80% attendance and take the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test by December of your sophomore year.

In addition to the basic requirements, you will also need to:

Be physically and medically qualified
Be of good moral character
Be in good academic standing

All academic majors are eligible to join, spanning undergraduate to graduate studies.

Curriculum

The AFROTC curriculum is divided into two key phases: the General Military Course (GMC) and the Professional Officer Course (POC). GMC consists of 1-credit hour lectures focused on Air Force history and foundational military knowledge. POC, taken in your junior and senior years, includes 3-credit hour courses that dive deeper into leadership, management, and national security policy.

All cadets — whether in GMC or POC — also attend a weekly Leadership Laboratory (LLAB), where they develop practical skills through activities like group leadership projects and drill and ceremonies. Additionally, cadets participate in physical training sessions twice a week to maintain fitness and build resilience.

A key milestone in the program is Field Training, a rigorous summer training course typically completed between the sophomore and junior years. Field Training challenges cadets both mentally and physically through a series of leadership exercises, team-based challenges, and fitness events — all designed to prepare you for success as a future officer.

Junior ROTC and Civil Air Patrol alumni

Cadets with prior experience in Junior ROTC (JROTC) or military high school programs may be eligible to waive up to all four General Military Course (GMC) 1-credit hour classes. The number of waived courses depends on how many years the cadet participated in JROTC — regardless of the branch (Air Force, Army, Navy, or Marines).

Similarly, cadets with a background in Civil Air Patrol (CAP) may qualify to waive one to three GMC courses, based on the level of CAP award they earned.

Funding

Scholarships

Scholarships may be offered that pay up to full tuition, fees and textbooks. In addition, contracted cadets will receive up to $5,400 stipend per year, $900 yearly textbook stipend, and possible full room and board coverage for scholarship recipients for JSU students only. Please see afrotc.com scholarships for more scholarship information.

College students

Qualified undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the AFROTC program are eligible for scholarships if they meet the requirements. Selection is based on GPA, physical fitness, standardized test scores and overall performance as a cadet.

High school seniors

There are four-year scholarships available on a competitive basis to high school seniors. Visit www.afrotc.com to start an application.

Apply for Scholarships

More Than An Education

A rewarding future

More Than An Education

Leadership Opportunities

In Air Force ROTC, you’ll go beyond the classroom to put leadership into action. Through hands-on managerial roles, team projects, and leadership-development activities, you’ll gain real-world experience that builds confidence and prepares you to lead effectively.

More Than An Education

Professional Development

As a cadet, you’ll take courses focused on the principles of leadership, the responsibilities of military officers, and the role of effective leadership in today’s world. These classes are designed to sharpen your critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills as you prepare for a career as an officer in the Air Force or Space Force.

Rewarding Future

Put In Position

By enrolling in AFROTC, you’ll have the opportunity to commission as an officer in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force — stepping into a leadership role with management responsibilities immediately upon graduating from college.

Rewarding Future

Life After Air Force ROTC

After completing AFROTC and commissioning, you’ll gain access to ongoing educational opportunities, as well as advanced career and leadership training in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force. In addition to a competitive salary, you’ll receive excellent benefits — including full health coverage, a housing allowance, and 30 days of paid vacation annually.

For a full list of benefits, please visit AFROTC’s benefits page.