Undergraduate Catalogue - UPRM

24Academic Affairs
DEPARTMENT OF AEROSPACE
STUDIES
AIR FORCE ROTC
Objectives
The objectives of the Air Force ROTC program
at the Mayagüez Campus of the University of
Puerto Rico are as follows:
1. To identify, select, and motivate qualified
students who will participate in the
Program of Aerospace Studies.
2. To provide university-level education that
will prepare students to be officers in the
United States Air Force.
3. To enhance students' basic appreciation of
and dedication to democratic principles.
4. To provide students with an understanding
of the Air Force’s role in support of the
national interest of the United States.
5. To develop each student’s potential as
leader and manager.
6. To commission Second Lieutenants
dedicated to their tasks who will accept
responsibilities eagerly, think creatively,
and speak and write English fluently.
There are two types of Air Force ROTC
Programs offered at the Mayagüez Campus: the
four-year program and the two-year program.
These programs are available to male and female
students. The four-year program consists of the
Basic Course (General Military Course: GMC)
and the Advanced Course (Professional Officer
Course: POC). Each of these courses lasts two
years. The Basic Course includes Aerospace
Studies 3001-3002 and Aerospace Studies 3011-
3012. These courses provide two credit hours
per semester and are included in the general
graduation academic index. Students enrolled in
the Basic Course participate weekly in two hours
of Leadership Laboratory (Corps Training) in
addition to the one hour of classroom work.
After completing the Basic Course, students may
request admission into the Air Force ROTC
Advanced Course, which prepares them to be
officers in the United States Air Force. The
Advanced Course consists of Aerospace Studies
4001-4002 and Aerospace Studies 4011-4012,
which provide the equivalent of four credit hours
per semester. The students of the Advanced
Course (POC) attend three hours of class and
two hours of Leadership Laboratory
(Supervision of Corps Training) weekly. These
courses may be considered as general electives
for academic credit up to a maximum of 12
credit hours. Students enrolled in the Air Force
ROTC Program receive all required textbooks,
uniforms, and equipment. Those students
enrolled in the POC receive a monthly allowance
of $200. The two-year program consists of the
POC only, and it is designed for those students
who did not have the opportunity to participate
in the Basic Course (GMC). The curriculum of
the two-year program is the same as that of the
four-year POC program.
Field Training
Students in the four-year program who apply for
the Advanced Course (POC) attend a four-week
Field training Program at an Air Force base in
the U. S. during the summer between their
second and third academic years or before they
enter the POC. Students in the two-year
program have to attend a similar field training
for five weeks as a prerequisite for entering the
Advanced Course. The major areas of study in
the Field Training Program include junior officer
training, aircraft and aircrew orientation, career
orientation, survival training, base functions and
Air Force environment, and physical training.
The major areas of study included in the fiveweek
Field Training Program are essentially the
same as those in the four-week Field Training
and in the General Military Course including
Corps Training. While in field training, the
cadets receive approximately $450 for the fourweek
program and $670 for the five-week
program. They are provided with transportation,
lodging, meals, medical services, uniforms and
equipment.
Organizations
Arnold Air Society: This student organization of
outstanding cadets has as its main goals
maintaining Air Force traditions and ideals and
serving the cause of aerospace age citizenship.
The Society participates in many Air Force
promotional activities, service projects, and
social gatherings. Membership in this
organization is voluntary.
Silver Wings: This is the auxiliary unit of the
Arnold Air Society. It is composed of
dedicated civilian or cadet students who are
interested in promoting the Air Force and the
ROTC Program on campus and in the
24 Undergraduate Catalogue 2004-2005