Aerospace Studies (ROTC)

Lt. Col. John L. Wilkerson, USAF,

Chair of the Department

The General Military Course (AS 101, 102, 201, 202) provides an examination of the broad range of U. S. military forces in the contemporary world, with particular attention to the United States Air Force and its organization and mission. A student may take any of these courses without entering the AFROTC program.

The Professional Officer Course (AS 301, 302, 401, 402) provides an examination of the broad range of U.S. civil-military relations, the environmental context in which U.S. defense policy is formulated and implemented, and the principles and practices of leadership and management as they relate to the U.S. Air Force. A student may take any of these courses without entering the AFROTC program.

The Leadership Laboratory (100L, 200L, 300L, 400L) is a cadet-centered activity held in conjunction with all courses listed above and required for all Air Force ROTC cadets. It provides leadership and followership training experiences which will improve a cadet’s ability to perform as an Air Force Officer.

General Military Course (GMC)

101. Foundations of the Air Force I. An introduction to the U.S. Air Force. A study of today’s issues as they relate to Air Force Officership and the benefits of an Air Force career. Course covers the history and structure of the US Air Force, the Air Force’s capabilities, career opportunities, benefits, and Air Force installations. A graded writing assignment on a current aerospace or air defense issue is required. Fall. (Cr.1)

102. Foundations of the Air Force II. This is a continuation of study associated with the fall course. This course is designed to be a survey course. It is to educate students about the Air Force, what the Air Force can offer, and what traits  the Air Force Reserve Officer Training (AFROTC) will begin cultivating in them so they  may be effective leaders inside and outside the Air Force. Spring.                                                                           (Cr.1)

201. The Evolution of USAF Air and Space Power I. This course is designed to examine general aspects of air and space power through a historical perspective. Utilizing this perspective, the course covers a time period from the first baloons and dirigibles to the space-age global positioning systems of the present. Historical examples are provided to extrapolate  the development of Air Force capabilities (competencies) and missions (functions) to demonstrate the evolution of what has become today’s USAF air and space power. Furthermore, the course examines several fundamental truths associated with warin the third dimension: Principles of War and Tenets of Air and Space Power. As a whole, this course provides the student with a knowledge-level understanding for the general element and employment of air and space power. from an institutional, doctoral, and historical perspective. In addition. the students will be inculcated into the Air Force Core Values, with the use of operational examples, and will exercise several writing and brief styles to meet Air Force communication skills requirements. Fall.                                                                                            (Cr.1)

202. The Evolution of USAF Air and Space Power. This course is designed to examine general aspects of air and space power through a historical perspective. Utilizing this perspective, the course covers a time period from the first balloons and dirigibles to the space-age global positioning systems of the present. Historical examples are provided to extrapolate the development of Air Force capabilities (competencies) and missions (functions) to demonstrate the evolution of what has become today’s USAF air and space power. Furthermore, the course examines several fundamental truths associated with war in the third dimension: Principles of War and Tenets of Air and Space Power. As a whole, this course provides the student with a knowledge-level understanding for the general element and employment of air and space power. from an institutional, doctoral, and historical perspective. In addition. the students will be inculcated into the Air Force Core Values, with the use of operational examples, and will exercise several writing and brief styles to meet Air Force communication skills requirements. Spring.                                                                   (Cr.1)

Professional Office Course (POC)

301. Leadership & Management in International Securities I. AS 301 is a study of leadership, management, professional knowledge, Air Force personnel and evaluation systems, leadership ethics, and evaluation systems, leadership ethics, and the communication skills required of an Air Force  junior officer. Case studies are used to examine Air Force leadership and management situations as a means of demonstrating and exercising practical applications of the concepts being studied. A mandatory Leadership Laboratory compliments this course by providing advanced leadership experiences  in the corps, giving students the opportunity to apply the leadership and management principles of this course. Prerequisite: Department Chair Approval. Fall.                                                (Cr.3)

302. Air Force ROTC Leadership and Management II. This curriculum focuses on the profession of arms, military and joint ethics, problem solving, team building, and AF written/oral communication. Additionally, it will focus on leadership, management, professional knowledge, the Air Force personnel system, and the leadership ethics skills required of an Air Force junior officer. We will use case studies to enhance the learning process. A mandatory Leadership Laboratory complements this course by providing advanced leadership experiences in officer-type activities, giving students the opportunity to apply the leadership and management principles of this course. Prerequisite: Department Chair Approval. Spring                                                                                         (Cr.3)

401. National Security Affairs and Preparation for Active Duty I. This course is designed to allow cadets to comprehend the basic elements of national security policy and process. The individual should comprehend the air and space power functions and competencies. Also the individual should understand selected roles of the military in society and current issues affecting the military profession as well as selected provisions of the military justice system. The individual should comprehend the responsibility, authority and functions of an Air Force commander. the individual should apply listening, speaking, and writing skills in Air Force-peculiar formats and situations with accuracy, clarity, and appropriate style. The individual should comprehend the factors which facilitate a smooth transition from civilian to military life. Prerequisite: Department Chair Approval. Fall                                                 (Cr.3)

402. National Security Affairs and Preparation for Active Duty II. This course is designed to allow cadets to comprehend the basic elements of national security policy and process. The individual should comprehend the air and space power functions and competencies. Also the individual should understand selected roles of the military in society and current issues affecting the military profession as well as selected provisions of the military justice system. The individual should comprehend the responsibility, authority and functions of an Air Force commander. the individual should apply listening, speaking, and writing skills in Air Force-peculiar formats and situations with accuracy, clarity, and appropriate style. The individual should comprehend the factors which facilitate a smooth transition from civilian to military life. Prerequisite: Department Chair Approval. Spring.                                            (Cr.3)

100L, 200L, 300L, 400L. Leadership Laboratory (LLAB). Aerospace Studies Leadership Laboratory (LLab) is a two-hour per week corequisite with AS 100, 200, 300 and 400 courses and is required of all AFROTC cadets. Leadership Lab is the application of personal leadership skills, demonstration of command, effective communication, individual leadership instruction, physical fitness training and knowledge of US Air Force customs and courtesies. In addition, as part of LLAB and throughout their four years of AFROTC training, cadets have the opportunity to visit Air Force installations, fly in various aircraft, and participate in special summer internship programs such as light aircraft training, Army Airborne training, and base orientation programs in different military specialties at Air Force bases worldwide. Prerequisite: Must be ROTC Cadet.                                                                                        (Cr.0)