Program Overview

Department of Aerospace Studies

The Department of Aerospace Studies offers the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, which is designed to educate and train students to become officers in the United States Air Force (USAF) or the United States Space Force (USSF) while earning their degree.

Air Force ROTC Program

The Air Force ROTC program is a four-year program that aims to commission cadets as Second Lieutenants in the United States Air Force or United States Space Force. The program is traditionally a four-year program, but high-speed students can complete it in three years.

Program Structure

The program consists of two parts: the General Military Course (GMC) and the Professional Officer Course (POC). The GMC is a non-committal program that allows students to try out the Air Force ROTC program without any obligation. The POC is a more advanced program that requires students to commit to pursuing a career in the Air Force.

General Military Course (GMC)

The GMC is a two-year program that surveys the missions, activities, and history of the United States Air Force. There is no obligation associated with enrollment in any GMC course. Students who complete the GMC can compete to attend a two-week Field Training camp between their sophomore and junior year.

Professional Officer Course (POC)

The POC is a two-year program that covers advanced topics related to leadership studies, management, and aerospace power. POC cadets hone their skills by leading the cadet wing. To be eligible for the POC, students must complete the GMC and attend Field Training.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Air Force ROTC program, students must:

• Have a minimum CGPA of 2.0
• Have a minimum Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) score of 75 out of 100
• Meet other basic eligibility requirements

Scholarship Opportunities

The Air Force ROTC program offers various scholarship opportunities, including:

• High School Scholarship: available to high school seniors who meet entrance exam requirements
• Brigadier General Charles McGee Award: available to students who complete the first two years of the program and attend Field Training
• Other scholarship opportunities: available to cadets throughout their career, including paid summer internships and foreign language immersion programs

Career Opportunities

The Air Force ROTC program offers a wide range of career opportunities, including:

• Intelligence
• Pilot/Navigator
• Space, Nuclear, and Missile Operations
• Cyber Warfare Operations
• Aircraft Maintenance
• Munitions and Missile Maintenance
• Public Affairs/Media
• Medical
• Dental

Curriculum

The Air Force ROTC curriculum includes:

• Aerospace studies classes
• Leadership lab
• Physical training
• Cadet organizations

Organizations

The 432nd Cadet Wing at USM offers various organizations, including:

• Honor/Color Guard
• Recruiting Team
• Other extracurricular teams that demonstrate teamwork and professionalism

Academics

While aerospace studies classes are open to all Southern Miss students, those wishing to pursue an Air Force commission should meet requirements found in the bulletin. The curriculum includes leadership development, general military course, field training, and professional officer course.