Reserve Officer Training Corps
The Reserve Officer Training Corps program is offered by the Air Force through the Department of Aerospace Studies and by the Army through the Department of Military Sciences. Both programs include a basic course taken during the first and sophomore years, and an advanced course taken during the junior and senior years. Each program offers commissions in their respective service for men and women who complete the course requirements and meet other mandatory prerequisites.
Students may enroll in the first two years of either program and complete field training or basic camp without incurring any military-service obligation. Uniforms and ROTC textbooks are furnished throughout the programs. Students accepted to the second two years of the programs are given a subsistence allowance of $350 to $400 a month during each academic year. Two-, three-, and four-year scholarship recipients receive tuition assistance, a book allowance, lab fees, and a stipend ranging from $250 a month for first-year students to $400 a month for seniors for the duration of their scholarship.
Sophomores may receive credit for the basic course by attending a special, expenses-paid, five-week camp during the summer before the junior year.
Enrollment in the ROTC program is also available to seniors who expect to go directly into graduate school in a program that requires at least two academic years to complete, as well as to graduate students who will have four or more semesters remaining at the time of the next fall registration.
Academic credit awarded toward graduation requirements for military science and aerospace studies courses is determined by the individual schools and colleges.
Interested students should inquire at the ROTC office of their choice either before or at the start of the academic year or semester. Students may visit the ROTC offices in Archbold North. For more information on the individual program descriptions, refer to the course catalog or call the Unit Admissions Officer, Army ROTC, 315-443-1752; or Air Force ROTC, 315-443-2461; or visit afrotc.syr.edu.
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps
Colonel Rich Smith, U.S.A.F.
Professor of Aerospace Studies
303 Archbold, 315-443-2461
The goal of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps is to commission second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force. Students completing the Air Force ROTC training program will serve as Air Force officers on active duty for a minimum of four years after graduation. These students will have learned to exercise leadership, think critically and creatively, and communicate effectively. All cadets are required to complete at least three credits in English composition, at least three credits in mathematics, and the
Air Force ROTC course sequence. The ROTC academic courses are cross-listed with other University departments and colleges, allowing academic credit toward degree requirements.
Students in the Air Force ROTC program enroll in an aerospace studies (ASC) course each semester. ASC 205/PAF 275 and ASC 206/PAF 276 are taken during the first year and ASC/HST 295 and ASC/HST 296 are taken during the sophomore year. These courses comprise the general military course and meet one hour a week.
During the junior year, students enroll in ASC 305/O&M 405 and ASC 306/O&M 406. During the senior year, they enroll in ASC 405/PAF 475 and ASC 406/PAF 476. These courses comprise the professional officer course, and each meets for three hours a week.
All academic courses are taught by career Air Force officers who hold at least a bachelor’s degree. These officers are on the University faculty and hold the academic title of professor or assistant professor for the duration of their assignment.
Besides attending academic classes, cadets attend a leadership laboratory each week. The leadership laboratory provides instruction in Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, and briefings on career opportunities. The instruction is conducted by the cadet corps with a progression of experiences designed to develop leadership potential.
During the summer between the sophomore and junior years, cadets attend field training at selected Air Force bases. This training is four weeks long for the cadets in the four-year program and five weeks long for cadets in the two-year program. Field training provides each cadet with leadership training, group involvement, physical fitness training, and a chance to experience life in an active Air Force environment.
Juniors in Air Force ROTC are eligible to apply for positions as cadet training assistants or to participate in professional development training programs around the country. Cadet training assistants attend a field training camp and train and evaluate cadet trainees and execute field training activities.
Army Reserve Officer Training Corps
Lieutenant Colonel Philip G. Smith
Professor of Military Science
308 Archbold North, 315-443-2462
Students in the Army ROTC program receive instruction in general military science in preparation for commissions as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, or National Guard.
Officer education emphasizes such areas as the duties and responsibilities of junior officers; the understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of military art and science; the development of leadership and management potential; a basic understanding of associated professional knowledge; a strong sense of personal integrity, honor, and individual responsibility; and an appreciation of the requirements for national security.
All students participate in a two-hour leadership laboratory each week. This period of instruction is largely student-planned and directed and provides opportunities for realistic leadership experience. It emphasizes leadership, basic military skills, and professional knowledge subjects.
In addition to the leadership laboratory, basic-course students (first-year and sophomore students) receive instruction in physical conditioning, first aid, effective writing, and human behavior. The basic course does not obligate students to any military service and only requires two to three hours a week.
After successful completion of basic-course requirements, students can enroll in advanced ROTC, which requires five to eight hours a week.
In the junior year cadets prepare for advanced camp, which takes place at an active duty Army base, during the summer between the junior and senior year.
Students study military leadership and management, map reading, advanced physical conditioning, military ethics, professionalism, and law. These courses, if cross-listed with other academic courses, may be taken for academic credit.
Field training exercises are held once each semester. They introduce a wide range of military skills and stress practical application of classroom instruction. Skills in rappelling, land navigation, tactics, and marksmanship are taught at a variety of field sites in Central New York and Pennsylvania.
Aerospace Studies Courses
GENERAL MILITARY
ASC 101,102/201,202
ASC 205/PAF 275
ASC 206/PAF 276
ASC/HST 295
ASC/HST 296
PROFESSIONAL OFFICER
ASC 301,302/401,402
ASC 305/O&M 405
ASC 306/O&M 406
ASC 405/PAF 475
ASC 406/PAF 476
Military Science Courses
MSL 101,102/201,202
MSL 301,302/401,402