The General Military Course (GMC)
There are a few minimum requirements for the General Military Course. Every freshman and sophomore must be:
Enrolled in an accredited college that hosts or has a cross-town agreement with an Air Force ROTC detachment.
A United States citizen (if on scholarship).
In good physical condition.
Of good moral character.
14 years or older (17 years old to receive a scholarship).
Committed to attending both the aerospace studies class and Leadership Lab each semester.
The following conditions may preclude you from Air Force ROTC membership but will not keep you from enrolling in an aerospace studies class:
Conscientious objectors—one who has or had a firm, fixed and sincere objection to participation in war, in any form, or to the bearing of arms because of religious training or belief, which includes solely moral or ethical beliefs
Present or former commissioned officers of the Armed Forces
Officers of the Health Services and Mental Health Administration and members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Those medically diagnosed with asthma or who have been prescribed Ritalin or any other medication for ADD and/or ADHD at any point in their life may be precluded from military service, but this may be waived, depending on diagnosis and treatment
Individuals on active duty with any military service—enlisted/warrant officers of Reserve or National Guard, unless conditionally released
Nonimmigrant students from nations not approved by the Department of State
Students who do not or cannot meet required standards of weight, appearance, decorum, discipline and military performance
Individuals who have dropped out of a previous officer training program (e.g., Officer Training School, United States Air Force Academy, etc.). This may be waived, depending on individual circumstances.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICER COURSE REQUIREMENTS
After completing General Military Course requirements, if students wish to be considered for entry into the last two years of the program, the Professional Officer Course, they must meet certain requirements. This system uses qualitative factors, such as grade point average, unit commander evaluation and aptitude test scores, to determine if a candidate has officer potential. After selection, before entering the Professional Officer Course you must successfully complete a 24-day summer field-training exercise at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. Once you’re enrolled in POC, you’ll attend class three hours a week and participate in a one- to two-hour weekly leadership laboratory.
The Professional Officer Course (POC) is offered to juniors and seniors who have already committed to a four-year postgraduation service commitment with the Air Force. You must meet all the GMC (General Military Course) membership requirements and:
Be a United States citizen.
Be of legal age as required by the state in which you will be attending ROTC or 17 years old with parent or guardian consent.
Be in good academic standing.
Have three academic years remaining in a four-year degree program.
Meet the following age requirements:
Rated (pilot, combat systems officer, air battle manager and remotely piloted aircraft pilot)—commissioned before reaching the age of 29
Scholarship applicants—be younger than 31 years old as of December 31 of the year you will be commissioned
Tech, nontech and nonrated—commissioned by age 30 (waiverable up to age 35)
Be physically qualified:
Meet Air Force height and weight standards
Pass the Air Force Physical Fitness Test (PFT), an exam composed of three events: push-ups, crunches and a 1.5-mile run. The test is used to ensure cadets maintain an acceptable level of fitness.
Have a military certified/qualified physical.
Pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT), a standardized aptitude test (similar to the SAT and ACT) used to select applicants for officer commissioning programs or specific training programs.
Complete a field training course (a 24-day encampment in which cadets receive officership training).
Be selected by a board of Air Force Officers.
