1997-1998 - The University of Scranton

AEROSPACE STUDIES (Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps)
LT. COL. GRECO, Chairperson
The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program at Wilkes University
permits students attending the University of Scranton to earn commissions as officers in the
United States Air Force while pursuing a university degree. Students may enroll in either the
Four-Year or Two-Year programs. Aerospace Studies courses are held on the campuses of
Wilkes University, Bloomsburg University, and King’s College.
The Four-Year program permits students to enter the AFROTC program in their freshman
or sophomore year. (Students with three years remaining until graduation may enroll concurrently
in the freshman and sophomore Aerospace Studies courses and can complete the fouryear
program in three years.)
The Two-Year program is available for students (including Graduate School) who have at
least two years remaining until graduation. Students interested in enrolling in the Two-year
program must apply as early as possible in their sophomore year. Students should call 1-800-
WILKES U, ext. 4860, for more information.
General Military Course (Four-Year Program Only) — The first two years of the four-year
program constitute the General Military Course (GMC). GMC courses are open to any
University student. Students enrolling in these courses do not incur any military service obligation.
(Exception: Air Force scholarship recipients incur a commitment at the beginning of their
sophomore year.) The GMC curriculum consists of four one-credit Aerospace Studies courses,
plus a non-credit leadership laboratory each semester, which introduces students to U.S. Air
Force history and environment, customs, courtesies, drill and ceremonies and leadership skills.
Professional Officer Course (Two and Four-Year Programs) — The final two years of the
four-year program comprise the Professional Officer Course (POC). It consists of four threecredit
Aerospace Studies courses, plus a non-credit leadership laboratory each semester. POC
cadets earn a $150-per-month, tax-free subsistence allowance during the academic year and
incur a military obligation. To be accepted into the POC, students must pass a physical examination
and an officer qualification test, as well as meeting certain academic standards. Fouryear
cadets must also complete a four-week field training program; two-year applicants must
complete a six-week field training program, both of which are administered the summer before
POC entry. In addition, all POC cadets must complete a course in mathematical reasoning prior
to being commissioned.
Uniforms — All uniforms, equipment, and textbooks required for AFROTC are supplied by
the U.S. Air Force. All cadets are required to pay a nominal initial deposit which will be
refunded when the cadet returns all uniform items in satisfactory condition at the completion of
(or withdrawal from) the AFROTC program.
Scholarships — The U.S. Air Force also offers many 2-to-5-year, full and partial scholarships
for which qualified students may compete, it they enroll in AFROTC. All scholarship awards
are based on individual merit, regardless of financial need, with most scholarship recipients
determined by central selection boards. Scholarship selection boards for students already in college
are held each year. Since scholarship applicants must meet certain academic, physical fitness
and medical requirements to be considered by the scholarship boards, contact the
Aerospace Studies department early, preferably 2-3 months before the boards convene, to apply.
Commissioning— All students who satisfactorily complete the POC curriculum requirements
are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force, and will serve on active duty in
a career specialty they have chosen, consistent with USAF needs.
For additional information, or if you have specific questions about the Air Force Reserve
Training Program, contact the Aerospace Studies Department at Wilkes University, at 1-800-
WILKES-U, extension 4860/4861.
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