Department of Aerospace Studies
Air Force ROTC Detachment 432
WHAT IS AIR FORCE ROTC?
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corp's (ROTC) is a program offered at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. The program is designed to educate and train students to become officers in the United States Air Force (USAF) or the United States Space Force (USSF) while students are in school earning their degree.
WHAT IS THE PROGRAM'S GOAL?
To commission cadets as Second Lieutenants in the United States Air Force or United States Space Force.
WHAT IS THE PROGRAM'S LENGTH?
The AFROTC program is traditionally a four-year program; however, high-speed students can complete in three years.
WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM LOOK LIKE?
A student's first two years in the program is non-committal and students are considered General Military Course (GMC) Cadets - we recommend students try it out to see if they like it! In addition to a student's degree requirements, GMC Cadets will need to take one academic class and one lab each semester. GMC Cadets are also required to attend physical fitness training twice a week. GMC Cadets will compete to attend a two-week Field Training camp between their sophomore and junior year.
Upon successful completion of camp, students will formally commit to pursuing a career in the Air Force and will be considered a Professional Officer Course (POC) Cadet for their remaining two years. POC Cadets will need to take one academic class and one lab each semester. POC Cadets are also required to attend physical fitness training twice a week.
AM I ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?
Students who join the program are expected to excel in both academics and in physical fitness. Basic eligibility includes:
- Minimum CGPA of 2.0
- Minimum Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) score of 75 out of 100. Students will take a PFA each semester. The PFA consists of a 1.5 mile run, pushups, and sit-ups. PFA standards and score charts can be reviewed here: . If you have reviewed the standards and are intimidated, do not worry. The Detachment 432 family will train with you to get you where you need to be. We have had students fail their initial test who are now scoring in the 90's. You can do it and we're here to help.
WHAT SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE?
High School Scholarship. High school seniors that meet entrance exam requirements are encouraged to apply for an Air Force ROTC Academic Scholarship. The window opens in late summer and closes in December. Apply here: .
Brigadier General Charles McGee Award. Upon successful completion of the first two years of the program, and completion of the two-week field training camp between a student's sophomore and junior year, the remaining two years of school will be paid for by the Air force.
Other. Throughout the course of a cadet's career, numerous opportunities are available to them at no-cost. Examples include:
- Paid summer internships with government agencies
- Paid summer internships with research organizations
- Paid foreign language immersion
- Paid International/National Air Force Base trips/tours
- Paid travel and attendance to National-level conferences.
DO I HAVE TO ATTEND USM TO JOIN AIR FORCE ROTC?
While the university would love to have you, you do not need to be a Golden Eagle to be a part of the Air Force ROTC Detachment 432 family. The University of Southern Mississippi is a host school, which means USM has partnerships with the schools and community colleges listed below. This partnership enables students from the below schools to participate in the Air Force ROTC program by enrolling with Detachment 432.
- Jones County Junior College
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
- Pearl River Community College
- William Carey University
WHAT CAREER CAN I PURSUE IN THE AIR FORCE?
There are too many opportunities to list. Please contact our career expert via phone (601-266-4468) or via email (afrotcFREEgroups.Mississippi) with your specific questions.
During the student's Junior year, they will fill out their career preferences and will receive their career assignment by the Senior year. Popular careers include:
- Intelligence
- Pilot/Navigator
- Space, Nuclear, and Missile Operations
- Cyber Warfare Operations
- Aircraft Maintenance
- Munitions and Missile Maintenance
- Public Affairs/Media
- Medical
- Dental
Our Programs
Air Force ROTC educates and trains students to become Air Force officers while completing a traditional college degree. AF ROTC cadets participate in ROTC classes, leadership lab, physical training, and cadet organizations.
While aerospace studies classes are open to all Southern Miss students, those wishing
to pursue an Air Force commission should meet requirements found in the .
General Military Course (GMC)
The freshman and sophomore curriculum allow students to "try out" Air Force ROTC without any obligation by taking the (GMC). Men and women who are full-time university students may enroll in the GMC. The GMC surveys the missions, activities and history of the United States Air Force. There is no obligation associated with enrollment in any GMC course. The professor of aerospace studies may grant credit or partial credit for completion of the GMC for students who have served on active duty, for junior- or senior-level ROTC participation in a program of any service, and for Civil Air Patrol work.
Field Training (FT)
Selection to attend (FT) during the summer after sophomore year is competitive and is based upon academic, fitness and military performance during the first three semesters in ROTC, as well as Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) scores. This rigorous 13-day training event is an assessment of physical and mental fortitude, commitment and teamwork. Field Training is required for all cadets who seek membership in the Professional Officer Course (POC).
Professional Officer Course (POC)
The (POC) makes up the last half of Air Force ROTC. Junior and senior level courses cover advanced topic related to leadership studies, management, and aerospace power. POC cadets hone their skills by leading the cadet wing.
Air Force ROTC Grants generous scholarships to high school seniors and students in college.
Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship Program
Interested High school seniors should apply no later than December 1.
Air Force ROTC In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP)
Recipients must sign a contract with the United States Air Force to receive the scholarship for all technical and non-technical degrees. Check for most current information on scholarship availability.
The 432nd Cadet Wing at USM proudly gives cadets an opportunity to put their pride, dedication and talent on display. These groups demonstrate teamwork and professionalism while fostering pride and confidence in our evolving Expeditionary Aerospace Force, inspiring Air Force awareness.
Honor/Color Guard
This detachment extracurricular team is designed to train you in precision drill and ceremonies with arms. You will learn all aspects of drill and ceremonies, customs and courtesies, and military professionalism.
Recruiting Team
The detachment Recruiting team strives to reach the general public to optimize recruiting efforts by giving presentations about Air Force ROTC at USM and the Air Force way of life.
Over 40+
career possibilities to consider
Scholarships
Available for freshman and sophomore
Active-duty
4 year commitment upon graduation
Leaders Aren't Born, They're Made in AIR FORCE ROTC
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