Commander and Professor: LTC Lynn Bentley III
Associate Professors: Major Shawn Owens and Major Albert Meza
The Air Force Reserve Officer Training (ROTC) program prepares men and women of character, commitment, and courage to assume leadership positions as commissioned officers in the active duty United States Air Force. Upon completion of the curriculum, students will have a thorough understanding of the core values, leadership, teamwork, and other requirements to be an effective officer in the world’s greatest Air Force. For more information on the Air Force Science program, contact the Air Force Science Department at the University of Houston by calling 713.743.4932 or online at https://www.uh.edu/class/airforce/.
All courses and physical training sessions take place at the University of Houston. Flight orientation occurs at airports in the Houston metro area.
Course Credit
ROTC classes may be taken for elective credit toward any degree plan at the University of St. Thomas. Freshman and sophomore level classes are open to all students. No military obligation is incurred as a result of enrollment in these courses. Junior and senior level courses are more restrictive and do require a military obligation. ROTC scholarship students also incur a military obligation.
Four-Year Program
The General Military Course (GMC) is the first half of the four year ROTC program and is taken during the freshman and sophomore years. This program allows the student to experience Air Force ROTC without obligation (unless the student is on an Air Force ROTC scholarship).
Each semester of the GMC consists of one classroom hour of instruction as well as Leadership Laboratory each week. During the first two years, the student will learn about the Air Force and the historical development of aerospace power. During the summer preceding the junior year, the student will compete for the opportunity to attend a four-week Field Training Unit. Successful completion of field training is mandatory for entrance into the Professional Officer Course (POC), the junior and senior years of the four year program. As a junior, the student will study the core values, leadership, teamwork, and management tools required to become an effective Air Force officer.
During the senior year students study the national security policy process, regional and cultural studies, and complete final requirements for commissioning as second lieutenants.
Enrollment in the POC is open to graduate students if they have four semesters of school remaining. Each semester of the POC consists of three classroom hours of instruction as well as Leadership Laboratory each week.
Leadership Laboratory
As an Air Force ROTC cadet, each student is required to attend an additional two–hour class known as Leadership Laboratory. Although not part of the academic class requirement, it is an essential element of officer training. Leadership Laboratory is an intensive, military training program in which students gain invaluable leadership and managerial experience while learning about the Air Force way of life. Students have numerous opportunities to hear guest speakers and panel discussions, participate in field trips, and experience practical leadership exercises.
AFROTC Scholarship Opportunities
Air Force ROTC offers scholarship opportunities for students at the University of St. Thomas:
In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP) is a highly competitive scholarship program aimed primarily at college freshmen and sophomores in any major. It offers up to $18,000 per year in college tuition at any public or private institution with an Air Force ROTC detachment. Scholarship payment is further capped at up to $9,000 per semester or up to $6,000 per quarter. Selectees will also receive a monthly living expense stipend and an annual book stipend
Reserved for Commanders’ In-College Scholarships (CICS) are offered to freshmen and sophomore cadets pursuing a technical major. It pays 100 percent tuition and authorized fees at any public or private institution with an Air Force ROTC detachment. Selectees also receive a monthly living expense stipend and an annual book stipend.
For additional information on AFROTC scholarship opportunities, please visit the AFROTC Website at www.afrotc.com or call 1-800.4AFROTC.
Field Training (FT)
Cadets completing the General Military Course attend four weeks of field training (FT) during the summer at a selected Air Force base. Those who have not completed the GMC attend an extended FT Unit. This rigorous program of leadership training, physical conditioning and academics assesses the cadet’s potential to be an Air Force officer. Cadets also receive survival and firearms training and career information. Cadets receive travel pay and daily pay for FT.
Flight Orientation Program
All cadets can volunteer to participate in a joint Air Force ROTC/Civil Air Patrol flight orientation program. This consists of eight flights, four in the front seat of a small passenger aircraft and four additional flights in the back seat as an observer. In addition, an abbreviated flying ground school course is taught in the ROTC classrooms using FAA textbooks. The flight orientation and ground school course are both free for all cadets.
Physical Fitness Training
Cadets meet twice per week at the University of Houston Alumni Center to perform physical fitness training. The training is mandatory and emphasizes push–ups, sit–ups, and running in order to pass the USAF physical fitness test.
Professional Development Training (PDT)
Cadets are eligible to compete to attend PDT during the summer months. PDT consists of several programs, including:
- Tours of nearby active duty Air Force bases
- Soaring and free–fall parachuting at the United States Air Force Academy(USAFA)
- Cultural and Foreign Language Immersion
- Hands–on research at Air Force laboratories
- Shadowing a Air Force officer in Operation Air Force
- Internships at NASA and other government organizations
Cadets receive travel pay and daily pay for the majority of these programs.
For more information contact Unit Admissions Officer at 713–746–3703/4932, or visit the University of Houston Air Force Website at www.uh.edu/afrotc.
Summary
During this time of war, our mission of producing Air Force second lieutenants of character, commitment, and courage is more important than ever.
AFSC classes below are University of Houston listings.
