Scholarships
Scholarships are to help pay for college and involve a contract/commitment with the Department of the Air Force (DAF). Scholarships | U.S. Air Force ROTC
There are 3 categories:
1. High School Scholarships Program (HSSP)
This is only for those in their senior year of HS to apply. Details on applying can be found here: Application Process | High School Students | U.S. Air Force ROTC
There are 3 types-
Type 1- Full tuition per academic year, monthly stipend, $450 book allowance per semester
Type 2- $18k tuition per academic year, monthly stipend, $450 book allowance per semester
Type 4- $36k tuition per academic year, monthly stipend, $450 book allowance per semester
2. In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP)
These are available on a year-by-year basis depending on funding. ICSPs are typically offered to the best underclassmen cadets not already on scholarship. The types available are the same as the HSSP but again, are subject to funding availability.
3. General Charles McGee Leadership Award (CMLA)
This is for all cadets that successfully complete Field Training that are not already on scholarship. Benefits are the same as a Type 2 scholarship.
Weekly Schedule
What the program looks like as far as your weekly schedule is:
Tuesdays- Physical Training (PT) 0600-0700; Aerospace Studies (AS) classes, times vary based on AS year, but all are in the morning
Thursdays- Physical Training (PT) 0600-0700; Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) 0730-0910
Most events take place on Yale’s campus.
PT- The cadet wing conducts group exercises such as running, calisthenics, and team sports.
Every cadet must take the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) every semester; all cadets on scholarship must pass. The test currently consists of a: A) 2-mile run B) 2 min hand-release push-ups C) 1 min sit-ups D) Waist-to-Height Ratio measurement.
LLAB- Cadet leaders build semester and weekly plans based on AFROTC training requirements. Typical items include but are not limited to drill and ceremony, DAF warrior knowledge, group leadership projects (GLPs), and expeditionary skills.
Other events occur outside of the regular Tu/Th schedule but are known in advance. Such events include Field Leadership Exercises (FLX), base visits, and Dining Ins/Dining Outs.
Extracurriculars
Honor Guard- conduct ceremonial duties at local community and sporting events
Requirements & Registration
General requirements can be found here: What It Takes | U.S. Air Force ROTC
All cadets will create a WINGS account (system of record for AFROTC). Timing and instructions for how to create account will depend on whether one is a HSSP recipient or what is known as a “walk-on”.
For actual course registration, Yale cadets will register via Canvas like any other Yale course. Cross-town cadets will be registered by cadre.
Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)
The AFOQT is a multiple-choice, standardized test designed to evaluate a candidate’s abilities in areas critical for success in Air Force officer roles, including pilot, navigator, and other rated positions, as well as general officer commissioning programs is similar in format to the SAT or ACT but focuses on skills relevant to military leadership and aviation.
All new cadets are required to take the test in their first semester in the program. All scholarship cadets are required to pass to keep their scholarship, and all cadets need to pass to compete for Field Training. Cadets can generally take the test two times and the subsections are super scored.
Cadets cannot receive any help from cadets who have already taken the AFOQT or prepare with other test takers. This includes coaching and sharing practice materials. Cadets can purchase third-party materials at their own expense.
Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB)
This is a process to determine whether officer candidates are physically and mentally prepared to be DAF officers. General information can be found here: Medical Requirements | U.S. Air Force ROTC
Career Opportunities and Selecting Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC)
The Air Force and Space Force offer many opportunities. An overview can be found here: Life After AFROTC | U.S. Air Force ROTC. Selection is completed during one’s AS300 year. Some AFSCs such as Special Warfare and Office of Special Investigations occur later. Your AFSC determines your service commitment. Typically, 10 years for pilots and 4 years for most others.
Timing and Program Progression
The program is designed for four years but the program can be completed in 3 years.
General Military Course (GMC)
AS100 (Freshmen)
AS200 (Sophomore)
AS250 (Cadets who join the program as sophomores and complete AS100 and AS200 requirements in 1 year)
Field Training- A ~3-week training program held at Maxwell AFB, AL over the summer between AS200/250 and AS300 year.
Professional Officer Course (POC)
AS300 (Junior)
AS400 (Senior)
Commission as 2nd Lieutenant once graduated (typically May of senior year)
Field Training Selection
In the spring of one’s AS200/250 year, cadets meet what is called the Professional Officer Course Selection Process (PSP) to compete for an enrollment allocation (EA). Earning an EA is what sends you to FT in the summer. If you accept the EA, this is the point non-scholarship cadets contract with the DAF and will be expected to complete the program and commission. Receiving an EA is based on your Order of Merit (OM). Factors that contribute to one’s OM include Commander’s Ranking, GPA, Fitness scores, AFOQT, Major (technical, non-technical, and nursing are the categories), etc.
Yale AFROTC Det 009 Contact:
Contact Us | Air Force ROTC Detachment 009
Recruiting Officer:
Major David Meek
Phone: 203-432-9456
Email: david.meek@yale.edu