FAQs | Air Force ROTC | SIU

For incoming freshman, sign up for AS 101 and AS 101A with your advisor. For other situations, like joining as a sophomore or junior, email AFROTC@siu.edu for details.

 There are no additional requirements like ASVAB or initial medical screening to get started with AFROTC. It really is as simple as just signing up for the classes. We will provide further instructions via email as the semester begins.

The Illinois State Tuition Waiver (ISTW) is available to all Illinois-resident cadets with passing PT scores, a non-failing GPA and good military conduct record. The ISTW only covers tuition, not room and board or student fees.  

The Detachment commander may credit your service time toward GMC status on a case by case basis. Email AFROTC@siu.edu for details.

Yes, you can. Many of our students do not start with a scholarship, but every cadet has the possibility to earn a scholarship. The number of scholarship available, is determined by AFROTC HQ and varies between academic years.

No. When you begin the program you will be asked to project the academic year you will graduate on an Academic Plan (Form 48) based upon the SIU degree you choose. Understanding that sometimes it is difficult to decide on a degree that is right for you, you can change your degree prior to activating a scholarship or selection to field training. If you are awarded a scholarship or selected to attend field training, you will be expected to finish out the academic path for that degree.

The Air Force trains officers to perform their specific jobs, so most Air Force specialties do not require specific degrees. However, for some specialties (i.e. engineer or scientist) a close match is desirable or even required. While your degree can be restricted depending on your desired career field, it is more important to choose a major that interests you, especially since it could be related to your future assignment. If you are not sure what Air Force specialty is for you, don't worry. You have plenty of time to decide. Cadets identify specialty and base preferences as a junior (or as a senior for 5-year cadets). Final classifications depends on the needs of the USAF, educational background, personal preference, and commander recommendation.

There are many paths open to commissioned Air Force officers.  Check out the link below for a list of opportunities that are available to those who qualify. (Note: some specialties require specific degrees)

Air Force Career Day

Yes. Being an Air Force officer means more than just working at an eight-to-five job and ROTC is specifically designed to foster the "whole-person" concept. Such activities as Arnold Air Society and Drill Team offer extra leadership opportunities. You will also become involved with community projects and understand the traditions of the military environment. These extra activities are optional; you may participate as your time and schedule allows.

Your first and most immediate concern is attending school and maintaining good grades. After you have met this responsibility, you may want to participate in various activities sponsored both by the University and Air Force ROTC. We certainly like to see our cadets participate in more than just the required class and lab periods. The more you put into the program, the more you will get out of it.

Yes. Generally, extracurricular campus activities and AFROTC are perfectly compatible if you do not overload yourself. Serious physical injuries suffered while participating in intercollegiate or intramural athletic activities could result in your being disenrolled from AFROTC because of a change in your medical status.

Field Training (FT) is a two-week summer encampment which you must attend during the summer between your sophomore and junior years. It is conducted at Maxwell Air Force base in Alabama. It is an intensive training period where you receive additional leadership training, attend numerous career orientations, and learn firsthand what life on an Air Force base is really like. We pay all your transportation costs and provide you with all necessary uniform items. You are only required to complete FT once while in the AFROTC program.

You must pass the PFA with a 75% or higher. The test consists of:

Push-Ups (1 minute) - 10% of score

• Minimum for males: 33
• Minimum for females: 18

Sit-Ups (1 minute) - 10% of score

• Minimum for males: 42
• Minimum for females: 38

Body Composition (abdominal circumference) - 20% of score

• Maximum for males: 39 inches
• Maximum for females: 35.5 inches

1.5 Mile Run- 60% of score

• Maximum time for males: 13:36
• Maximum time for females: 16:22

(For exact scoring please look at the respective scoring charts below):

Male Scoring Chart

Female Scoring Chart