If you are considering a career in the United States Air Force or United States Space Force and are interested in earning your commission through Air Force ROTC at the University of Minnesota, you have come to the right place. In this section, we will explain a little about our program and the next steps you need to take to join. If at any time you have any questions or concerns not addressed here, please schedule an appointment with the Recruiting Officer.
Please visit this page to learn how you can join Air Force ROTC Detachment 415: Eligibility and how to join AFROTC
For any questions on scholarships, visit this page: Scholarship Opportunities
Program Structure
A Week in AFROTC
You are probably already wondering what being a member of Air Force ROTC will entail. Honestly, it is much like any other extracurricular activity, only this one leads to an amazing career in the world's most dominant Air and Space Force. There are certain classes and events that you must attend; however, the rest of the time you are free to live, work, and play just like any other college student.
Weekly Commitment by Program
GMC (Freshman & Sophomore Years)
- Aerospace Studies: 1 hr
- Leadership Lab: 2 hrs
- Mandatory Physical Training: 2 hr 20 min
POC (Junior & Senior Years)
- Aerospace Studies: 3 hrs
- Leadership Lab: 2 hrs
- Mandatory PT: 2 hr 20 min
Aerospace Studies courses form the academic foundation of Air Force ROTC and teach what it means to be an Air Force officer.
Major subject areas:
- The Profession of Arms
- Communication Skills
- Leadership Studies
- Military and International Security Studies
Instruction:
- Taught by active-duty commissioned officers
- 1 hour per week during GMC
- 3 hours per week during POC
Leadership Laboratory provides practical leadership training outside the classroom.
What you'll develop:
- Leadership and command presence
- Communication skills
- Physical fitness
- Military customs and courtesies
Schedule:
- Thursdays, 4:00–6:00 PM
- Led by upper-class cadets under detachment officer supervision
Physical fitness is a key part of preparing for an Air Force officer career.
Mandatory PT:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays
- 6:15–7:25 AM
Additional opportunities:
- Voluntary workouts throughout the week
- Air Force Fitness Assessment each semester
The detachment's PT program is consistently ranked among the top Air Force ROTC programs nationwide.
