Department of Aerospace Science
College of Science, Engineering, and Technology
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a college program that allows students to earn a degree while training to become an Air Force or Space Force officer, offering leadership and management skills development, and potentially leading to a commission as a second lieutenant.
Be More Than Just A Student
Established in 2005, Jackson State University’s Air Force ROTC program has proudly commissioned over 35 officers to date.
AFROTC is a unique college program that allows you to earn your degree while preparing to serve as an officer in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force. It’s more than just a path to a commission — it’s an opportunity to develop leadership, management, and professional skills that set you apart from your peers.
Through a combination of academic excellence and military training, you’ll grow in ways few college programs can offer. Upon completing your degree and all program requirements, you’ll be commissioned as a second lieutenant.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
What is Air Force ROTC?
Air Force ROTC is a college program that allows you to earn your degree while training to become an Air Force officer. Air Force ROTC offers challenges and benefits that will foster individual growth that cannot be found elsewhere in college.
You will build leadership, management and many other skills while in the program. After completing all of your degree and training requirements, you will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force or Space Force.
Air Force ROTC Curriculum
The AFROTC curriculum is divided into two key phases: the General Military Course (GMC) and the Professional Officer Course (POC).
GMC consists of 1-credit hour lectures focused on Air Force history and foundational military knowledge. POC, taken in your junior and senior years, includes 3-credit hour courses that dive deeper into leadership, management, and national security policy.
All cadets — whether in GMC or POC — also attend a weekly Leadership Laboratory (LLAB), where they develop practical skills through activities like group leadership projects and drill and ceremonies. Additionally, cadets participate in physical training sessions twice a week to maintain fitness and build resilience.
A key milestone in the program is Field Training, a rigorous summer training course typically completed between the sophomore and junior years. Field Training challenges cadets both mentally and physically through a series of leadership exercises, team-based challenges, and fitness events — all designed to prepare you for success as a future officer.
Junior ROTC and Civil Air Patrol Alumni
Cadets with prior experience in Junior ROTC (JROTC) or military high school programs may be eligible to waive up to all four General Military Course (GMC) 1-credit hour classes. The number of waived courses depends on how many years the cadet participated in JROTC—regardless of the branch (Air Force, Army, Navy, or Marines).
Similarly, cadets with a background in Civil Air Patrol (CAP) may qualify to waive one to three GMC courses, based on the level of CAP award they earned.
PREPARE TO LAUNCH
Want to learn more about Detachment 006 and Air Force ROTC
opportunities in Jackson, Mississippi?
Air Force ROTC Detachment 006 | Jackson State University – J.Y. Woodard Building | afrotc@jsums.edu | 601-979-1620
LEARN BY DOING
At Detachment 006, we challenge you to grow into a well-rounded student-leader through every facet of our program. Your physical fitness will be tested through our structured training regimen. Your judgment and critical thinking will be sharpened through hands-on experiences in Leadership Laboratory. Your leadership potential will be showcased and developed through Group Leadership Projects and a variety of dynamic team-based challenges.
You’ll be pushed beyond your comfort zone as you master the fundamentals of leadership, teamwork, and effective communication. At Det 006, we don’t just build officers—we develop leaders who are ready to excel in any environment.
“Challenging Minds, Changing Lives.”
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
You will build leadership, management and many other skills while in the program.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Air Force ROTC graduates are offered a minimum of four-years service on active-duty (full-time) as an Air Force officer in a variety of careers, such as:
| Pilot | Combat Systems Operator | Air Battle Manager | Doctor |
| Nurse | Dentist | Hospital Administrator | Biomedical Student |
| Lawyer (JAG) | Logistics | Aircraft Maintenance | Intelligence |
| Civil Engineering | Public Affairs | Force Support | Space |
| Missiles | Communication | Finance | Contracting |
| Special Investigations | Acquisitions | Scientist | Physicist |
| Developmental Engineer | Combat Rescue Officer | Cyberspace Operations | Security Forces |
| Weather | Cost Analysis | Remotely Piloted Aircraft |
Be sure to visit https://www.afrotc.com/life-after-rotc/ for a complete list of Air Force officer careers.
AIR FORCE BENEFITS
Starting income is $68,000/year (including pay and allowances) with an increase up to over $100,000/yr in four years. Other benefits include:
| Free Healthcare Coverage | Retirement Plan Opportunities | Matching Retirement Plan Contributions | 40% of Base Pay After 20-Years Of Service |
| Housing Pay | Educational Opportunities | Post 9/11 G.I. Bill | Tuition Assistance Towards An Advanced Degree |
For a full list of benefits, please visit https://www.afrotc.com/about/rewarding-future/manager/.
RESOURCES
Dress and Appearance Manuals
Drill and Ceremonies Manual
Air Force Physical FItness Assessment (PFA)
Push Up/Sit Up Form
Learn how to properly perform a push up and sit up from the resource below:
View Proper Push Up And Sit Up Form
Running Shoes
Wearing the right running shoe is essential for preventing injuries, improving performance, and ensuring comfort. The right fit supports your unique stride and foot mechanics, helping you train smarter and run longer with less risk of strain or discomfort.
You can either research and assess your needs on your own or visit a specialized running store where a knowledgeable representative can help you find the best shoe for your gait and stride.
Running Form and Training
Below are a few training resources from Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, a professor of West Virginia University School of Medicine, and a Lt. Col. in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, that will instruct you how to properly train and run:
Department of Air Force General Information
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Information
Air Force Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
FACULTY
READY TO LAUNCH?
For more information, please contact us at (601) 979-1620 or submit your questions and requests to afrotc@jsums.edu. We look forward to meeting with you and seeing how our program can help you achieve your goals.
DEPARTMENT OF AEROSPACE SCIENCE
