Office: Industrial Studies 214

Telephone: 408-924-2960

Website: www.sjsu.edu/afrotc

Email: afrotc@sjsu.edu

Professors

Lieutenant Colonel Hayley L. Hartstein, Chair

Assistant Professors

Captain Austin S. Bullock
Captain Scott A. Reilly
Technical Sergeant Jessica G. Waller

Overview

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 045 at San Jose State University (SJSU) is a four-year program that develops cadets into leaders of character and prepares them for commissioning into the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. In tandem with fulfilling their degree requirements, cadets cultivate both physical and leadership capabilities essential for various career paths upon graduation.

AFROTC offers many exciting opportunities both during the school year and over the summer. Cadets can earn their private pilot’s license, get their parachute wings with the Air Force Academy Freefall program, intern at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, spend a semester at the U.S. Air Force Academy as an exchange student, tour Air Force bases, and travel the world through programs funded by the Department of the Air Force (DAF).

Program Overview

AFROTC is a four-year, 16-unit program divided into the General Military Course and the Professional Officer Course:

• General Military Course (GMC): In the first two years, cadets attend classes and leadership laboratories focusing on DAF history, customs, and leadership principles.

• Field Training (FT): The summer between the sophomore and junior years, cadets participate in a rigorous 3-week “bootcamp” training program at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.  Cadets compete for a competitive enrollment allocation to attend FT and can expect to be contracted prior to attending FT either through an AFROTC scholarship or by meeting all contracting requirements. Successful completion of FT is required to continue in the AFROTC program.

• Professional Officer Course (POC): During the final two years, cadets take on leadership roles within the detachment, mentor junior cadets, and prepare for commissioning as officers. You must be contracted to earn a commission and all contracted cadets commit to a minimum of four years of Active Duty service upon commissioning. 

As a SJSU or Open University student, you can enroll in AFROTC courses through the SJSU course catalog. All Aerospace Studies (AS) classes, Leadership Laboratory (LLAB), and Physical Training (PT) sessions will take place at SJSU, requiring weekly commuting to SJSU for participation.

Aerospace Studies (AS) Classes

AS classes are the academic foundation of the AFROTC curriculum. These courses are taught by trained and experienced military faculty selectively assigned to AFROTC and are designed to provide cadets with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary for effective leadership. The 16-unit curriculum is divided as follows:

• Freshman (AS100): Heritage and Values (1 unit per fall and spring quarter)

• Sophomores (AS200): Team and Leadership Fundamentals (1 unit per fall and spring semester)

• Juniors (AS300): Leading People and Effective Communication (3 units per fall and spring semester)

• Seniors (AS400): National Security and Preparation for Active-Duty (3 units per fall and spring semester)

Leadership Laboratory (LLAB)

LLAB is a hands-on, cadet-led training component conducted once a week, typically lasting two hours. It focuses on practical leadership experience, military customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, and other activities that prepare cadets for Field Training, leadership roles, and development as future military officers. Upper-class (POC) cadets are responsible for planning and executing LLAB sessions, providing them with valuable leadership experience while mentoring under-class (GMC) cadets. This structure allows cadets to take an active role in training and decision-making, with oversight and guidance from active-duty military professionals.

Physical Training (PT)

PT sessions are conducted twice per week and are designed to improve cadets’ physical conditioning, endurance, and overall health. Activities may include running, calisthenics, and other exercises aimed at meeting the physical fitness standards required for commissioning. Regular PT sessions also help build camaraderie and teamwork among cadets.

Scholarships

AFROTC offers competitive scholarships for college students to help fund their education while preparing for commissioning. The In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP) is available to eligible freshmen and sophomores based on academic performance, physical fitness, and leadership potential. Type 1 covers full tuition and fees at any AFROTC-affiliated school, plus a monthly stipend and an annual book allowance, typically awarded to technical majors. Type 2 provides up to $18,000 per year, capped at $9,000 per semester or $6,000 per quarter, with the same stipend and book allowance.

Additionally, cadets who contract and are selected for commissioning but were not previously on scholarship may be eligible to receive the General Charles McGee Leadership Award (CMLA), which currently provides up to $18,000 per year for two years. All AFROTC scholarship recipients must maintain program requirements and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Scholarships are not guaranteed, and the number, type, and value of awards are subject to change; scholarships also do not cover room and board. There is no formal application process for ICSP-cadets are evaluated and nominated by AFROTC staff. For more information, students should contact Detachment 045 or visit the official AFROTC scholarship website.

Graduate Programs

AFROTC offers cadets various avenues for advanced education and professional development. The Graduate Law Program (GLP) is a two-year pathway for law students, ensuring a position as an Air Force Judge Advocate upon successful completion. For those pursuing medical careers, options include the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), a Department of Defense medical school, and the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (AFHPSP), which supports attendance at civilian medical schools. While on active duty, officers can further their education with tuition assistance covering up to $250 per semester hour, capped at $4,500 annually. Additionally, the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) offers fully funded master’s programs in specific subjects aligned with Air Force needs. For more information, students should contact Detachment 045 or visit the official AFROTC graduate programs website.

Aerospace Studies Minor

All undergraduate students are eligible for the minor in aerospace studies. Those wishing to pursue a career as an Air Force officer after graduation should contact the Department of Aerospace Studies.

Programs

• Aerospace Studies Minor

Courses

• AS 1A - Heritage and Values
• AS 1B - Heritage and Values
• AS 2A - Team Leadership Fundamentals
• AS 2B - Team Leadership Fundamentals
• AS 131A - Leading People and Effective Communication
• AS 131B - Leading People and Effective Communication
• AS 141A - National Security, Leadership & Commissioning Prep
• AS 141B - National Security, Leadership & Commissioning Prep