What is Air Force ROTC?
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 in the United States Air 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 LEAD (Leadership Evaluation and Development), a rigorous summer training course typically completed between the sophomore and junior years. LEAD 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 |