ROTC is a program that allows college students the opportunity to commission as an officer upon graduating with a degree. Cadets in Auburn’s Air Force ROTC program spend their time in college preparing to serve as an officer in the Air Force.
A week in the life of an ROTC cadet typically includes two physical training sessions, one leadership laboratory, and one classroom course. Physical Training is a time when all cadets in the program work out together in preparation for a semesterly Fitness Assessment. Leadership Laboratory is a time for professional development. The goal of the professional development varies based on the cadet’s level in the program. Classroom courses focus on developing leadership skills as well as informing cadets about career options. Every class of cadets has their own individual classroom course with different curriculum and instructors. The instructors of these classes are current Air Force officers that are known as Cadre.
There are many scholarship opportunities available to ROTC cadets. High school students can apply for scholarships before their senior year. There are three different types of scholarships available to be awarded. Each type comes with different tuition assistance, year lengths, and stipend amounts. Scholarships can also be awarded to cadets after they have joined the program. There are multiple opportunities to earn scholarships while completing the program and still receive all the benefits.
Check out the cadet interviews below to learn more about what it’s like to be in the Air Force ROTC at Auburn.
Current Cadet Interviews:
C/1Lt Daniel Adams
Q1: What year in school and what year in the program are you?
A: Junior, AS300.
Q2: What is your favorite part of the program?
A: Interacting with and teaching underclassmen; helping them learn and grow. It is rewarding to see that happen.
Q3: Are you on scholarship? When and how did you get it?
A: Yes, received for completing summer field training.
Q4: What is the most challenging part of the program?
A: Pressure of having to train and lead other cadets, scary and rewarding.
Q5: What are you looking forward to the most as you progress in the program?
A: Getting to strengthen relationships with peers, connections will be important once we graduate.
Q6: Advice to underclassmen?
A: Don’t think/stress too much about training. Prepare the best you can but also don’t overprepare and waste time. Enjoy the moment and get to know the people around you.
C/4C Marshall Ives
Q1: What year in school and what year in the program are you?
A: Freshman, AS100.
Q2: What is your favorite part of the program?
A: Comradery with other cadets.
Q3: Are you on scholarship? When and how did you get it?
A: Yes, High School Scholarship Program, applied without doing JROTC and received a 4-year scholarship if I maintain a 2.5 GPA and excel in ROTC
Q4: What is the most challenging part of the program?
A: Balancing cadet, student, and personal life.
Q5: What are you looking forward to the most as you progress in the program?
A: Learning as much as possible and (hopefully) progressing to become a POC.
Q6: Advice to people wanting to join the program?
A: Try everything, don’t be afraid to mess up. You will make a mistake no matter what but if you’re scared it will make it twice as bad.