New Cadet Orientation

Please bring the items listed below to New Cadet Orientation. NOTE: ORIGINAL copies are required.
Photocopies are NOT acceptable unless otherwise indicated. Original documents will be returned to the cadet as soon as Air Force personnel have reviewed and verified them.

Item List:

• Social Security Card (signed and NOT laminated)
• Certified Birth Certificate (Must be a certified birth certificate with an official raised or embossed
  seal. Please do not bring a copy with foot or handprints, unless it is a certified birth certificate.)
• Completed AFROTC Form 28, Pre-Participatory Sports Physical
  OR a certified copy of your DoDMERB physical (NOTE: DoDMERB physicals must have been
  accomplished and certified no longer than two years ago.)
• Vaccination Records (MMR, Varicella, Meningococcal Meningitis are required)
• Emergency contact (name, address, phone number)
• MALES ONLY: Selective service card or printout from www.sss.gov
• NATURALIZED CITIZENS ONLY: All documents and certificates related to proof of naturalized
  citizenship
• PRIOR MILITARY SERVICE ONLY: DD Form 214, Member’s Copy IV
• If applicable | Proof of previous officer training and release forms (DD Form 785) from any
  service’s officer training program (e.g., ROTC, OTS, OCS, and/or service academy). This item is
  MANDATORY if the student previously attended an officer training program.
• Completed WINGS In-processing Guide and bring username and password to orientation
• If applicable | Original, official transcripts from ALL colleges/universities attended (unsealed ok)
  
• If taken | Printout of your SAT and/or ACT scores (unofficial copies are acceptable)
• If earned | Air Force Junior ROTC: AFJROTC Form 310, AFJROTC Certificate of Completion
  OR AF Form 1256, Certificate of Training
• If earned | Sister Service JROTC (i.e., Army, Navy, Marine Corps): Original proof of completion
  certificate, or original high school transcript showing JROTC participation
• If earned | Certificate of the highest Civil Air Patrol Award (Applies only to those who earned the
  Spaatz, Eaker, Earhart, or Mitchell award through the Civil Air Patrol)
• If earned | Private Pilot License and log book
• If earned | Proof of Eagle Scout or Girl Scout Gold Award
  
• A comprehensive listing of all civil involvements (NOTE: A “civil involvement” is any offense,
  violation of law or ordinance, or any other incident causing adverse involvement or contact with
  civil, military, or school authorities as an adult or juvenile). Incidents where an individual’s record
  was “sealed or expunged” must be reported.

1. Examples include but are not limited to traffic citations; school suspension; non-judicial
   punishment imposed under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), and/or any
   other incident falling within the definition of a civil involvement as described above.
2. Documentation should include the date(s) of the offense(s), jurisdiction(s), agency(ies) or
   authority(ies), citation(s), arrest record(s), court documents and disposition of the offense(s)
3. Event details (e.g., Speeding, 76 in 65; Texting while driving; Minor in Possession; School
   Suspension for Breaking Student Code of Conduct, etc.)
   
4. Result/Outcome (e.g., dismissed, suspended sentence, fine paid and amount; in/out of-school
   suspension, community service, prison, etc.)
   
5. Be able to provide original or copies of tickets, citations, court records, and other official
   documentation.
   

New cadets should have the following clothing items for ROTC participation throughout
their first semester:

Informal Cadet Uniform (ICUs) (will be worn for New Cadet Orientation)

• Solid navy blue short sleeved, polo-type shirt (one small chest logo permitted)
• Min. 2 white V-neck t-shirts to be worn under polo shirt
• Khaki straight leg dress pants
  
• Black dress belt
  
• Professional black shoes, with black soles preferred (NOTE: You will be marching in these shoes)
• Min. 2 pairs of black dress socks

Physical Training Gear (PTGs) (needed once term starts/do not bring to orientation)

NOTE: Physical training takes place 2 days per week and proper hygiene is expected. Pack accordingly. 

• Min. 2 solid light gray or white crew-neck t-shirts suitable for physical training (Small logo permitted)
• Min. 2 solid navy blue or black physical training shorts (Not form fitting/spandex)
• Min. 2 pairs solid white or black ankle or calf-length athletic socks (Small logo permitted)
• Athletic style shoes suitable for distance running and court environments.
  NOTE: Shoes that are in good condition will prevent shin splints and other injuries.
  
• Sports bra (females)
• Recommended: black, white, or navy blue compression shorts (males)
• Since we conduct physical training and other events outdoors in temperatures down to 32 degrees, the
  following cold weather gear is recommended (small logo and silver reflective material permitted):
  Solid black gloves
  Solid black, white, or gray form fitting long sleeved shirt to be worn under PTG t-shirt (crew/
  mock/turtle-neck permitted for the long sleeved shirt)
  Solid black, white, or navy blue form fitting (running) pants/tights to be worn under PTG shorts

MEMORANDUM FOR AFROTC DETACHMENT 205 APPLICANTS

FROM: AFROTC DET 205/CC
Southern Illinois University | Grinnell Hall
275 E. Park Street | Mail Code 6718
Carbondale IL 62901

1. Welcome to Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 205, home of the
   Soaring Warriors! As an inbound active cadet, you are required to attend the New Cadet Orientation
   on Saturday, 15 August, from 0800 – 1530 (8:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.). This orientation is a crucial
   step in your journey with us. ALL cadets (i.e., SIUC, John A. Logan College (JALC), and Southeast
   Missouri State University (SEMO) cadets) and their families (if attending) will meet at the Grinnell
   Hall Event Space A on the Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIUC) campus: 275 E. Park
   Street, Carbondale, IL 62901. 

NOTE: SEMO is starting the Fall 26 term one week later than SIU and JALC. If SEMO students cannot attend the 15 Aug 26 New Cadet Orientation, then they will be caught up at their first leadership lab on Thursday, 27 Aug 26. 

The New Cadet Orientation facilitates your transition into the AFROTC environment. It will involve
processing your application paperwork and presenting information that outlines our expectations and
introduces you to the AFROTC way of life. We strongly encourage your family to stay for the initial
presentations to gain a comprehensive understanding of our selective program. Lunch for all new
cadets will be provided by Detachment 205 Cadre at Grinnell Hall. Please inform us of any dietary
restrictions by emailing afrotc@siu.edu. 

NOTE: Your IN-PERSON attendance at the New Cadet Orientation on Saturday, August 15, is not
just important; it's critical. If, for any reason, you cannot attend, it is imperative that you contact the
detachment and arrange an appointment for processing before 21 August. Failure to do so may delay
your enrollment process, which we all want to avoid.

2.     Please read Attachment 1 carefully, as it is a checklist of required items that each new cadet
must bring to the orientation to process you into the AFROTC program. You must bring your
original copy of your birth certificate, social security card, and emergency contact information,
which are all referenced in Attachment 1. Additionally, to participate in required AFROTC activities,
have your physician complete and sign Attachment 2, the AFROTC Pre-Participatory Sports
Physical, Form 28, and turn it in during orientation. If you do not bring the completed Form 28, you
will not be able to fully participate in AFROTC activities, which will affect your readiness to
compete for a commission in the United States Air and Space Forces.

NOTE: If you have a military physical certified by the Department of Defense Medical Examination
Review Board (DoDMERB) within the last two years, bring that instead of the Form 28.

3.       Illinois In-State Tuition Waivers (IL residents only): We will not offer new ISTWs until we
have assessed your performance and interviewed you. We will make offers around mid-October.
Once awarded, the waiver will be applied retroactively. Do not anticipate starting classes with the
paid waiver before the start of the term. Please be aware that the ISTW covers tuition only. It does
not cover fees or room and board. SEMO cadets do not qualify for the ISTW.

4.       SIU Cadets: I highly encourage you to live in the AFROTC Living Learning Community (LLC)
in Mae Smith Tower for at least your first year. Adjusting to university life, especially one with a
military focus, is not easy for young adults who may be on their own for the first time. Iron sharpens
iron, so surrounding yourself with wingmen who follow the same military regimen will benefit you
when you wake up at 0500 (5:00 A.M.) for physical training sessions and meet sharp deadlines for
other formations. It will also enable easy access to and ready support from our staff and cadre. You
can always join an LLC of a major you intend to declare after establishing a solid routine in the
AFROTC LLC. Wise choices start today. Position yourself for success! 

5.       SEMO Cadets: living in the military housing community on campus in Vandiver Hall are
eligible for an annual $3,000 housing scholarship. Cadets who live in other campus housing are
eligible for an annual $1,500 housing scholarship. This is contingent on being an active cadet for the
entirety of the academic year; should you drop the program, the scholarship will be revoked.

6.       Your desire to pursue a career of service to this nation inspires me, and I appreciate your
willingness to challenge yourself by committing to this program. One last word to the wise: show up
in shape and ready to follow and lead! Please contact Detachment 205 with any questions at
(618) 453-2481 or via email at afrotc@siu.edu. The Soaring Warriors and I look forward to meeting
you and your parents/guardians in August! 

5 Attachments:
   1. List of Required AFROTC Items, Packing List
   2. AFROTC Form 28, AFROTC Pre-Participation Sports Physical
   3. 2026 New Cadet Orientation Agenda
   4. WINGS How-to Guide
   5. Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment (PFRA) Scoring Chart

Air Force ROTC Detachment 205 New Cadet Orientation
Saturday, 15 August 2026
275 E. Park Street | Carbondale, IL | Grinnell Hall Event Space A
*SEMO & JALC cadets will travel to SIU Campus for this orientation*
***Assigned parking is non-enforceable over this weekend***

UNIFORMS:
        New Students: Wear Informal Cadet Uniform (ICUs); and casual attire (no sweats/gym shorts) to change into for social event
                                 Refer to Attachment 1 for details regarding these uniform requirements
Returning Cadets: OCPs
Cadre: OCPs
ALL: Eat a good breakfast. Bring a water bottle

**Notes: Report dietary restrictions to afrotc@siu.edu ahead of time.

*After dismissal parents are welcome to join the Detachment Commander in the lobby for an informal Q&A session