These are the courses that are currently offered in Air Force ROTC at the University of South Carolina.  The courses shown give you an idea of  what Air Force ROTC teaches in both academic and military realms of instruction.  The end result is clear: when a person gets the gold bars of a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force through the AFROTC program at the University of South Carolina he or she is a superb officer and leader with an understanding of of the American government, our democratic principles, the social contract associated with citizenship, and a practical understanding of how to contribute to society in civilian and military roles.  If you want leadership training in an exciting, evolving way...you'll find it here.  We have the flexibility to work officer candidates into the curriculum at a number of points along the way because AFROTC uses Field Training as a way to "catch up" cadets that haven't had the full four years.  Moreover, some cadets can receive credit for some of the General Military Courses (GMC) if they attended Junior ROTC classes in high school.  To find out how this fits you, call the UAO at (803) 777-3450 or by email at AirForceROTC@sc.edu.

General Military Courses

·          AERO 101   The Foundation of the U.S. Air Force I.(1) (Coreq for cadets only: AERO 101L or permission of instructor) Survey course introducing students to the U.S. Air Force and AFROTC.  Topics include mission and organization of the Air Force, officership, professionalism, military customs and courtesies, and officer career opportunities.

·         AERO 101L   Initial Military Training Cadet Leadership Laboratory I. (0) (Prereq: permission of instructor)  Provides cadets the basic skills/knowledge to be functional members of the cadet corps, and activities to build camaraderie and esprit-de-corps.  Includes mandatory physical fitness program.  Restricted to cadets.  Graded Pass/Fail.

·           AERO 102   The Foundation of the U.S. Air Force II. (1) (Coreq for cadets only:  AERO 102L or permission of instructor) Continuation of AERO 101.  Additional topics include Air Force core values, leadership principles, group leadership dynamics, and an introduction to verbal and written communications skills.

·       AERO 102L   Initial Military Training Cadet Leadership Laboratory II. (0) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Continuation of AERO 101L.  Exposure to additional information on an Air Force career.  Scenarios and problems teach followership and leadership skills.  Includes mandatory physical fitness program.  Restricted to cadets.  Graded Pass/Fail.

·           AERO 201   The Evolution of the U.S. Air Force I. (1) (Coreq for cadets only: AERO 201L or permission of instructor) Examines USAF air and space power from a historical perspective.  Covers the earliest aircraft, both World Wars, the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, air and space employment during the Cold War.

·         AERO 201L   Field Training Preparation Cadet Leadership Laboratory I. (0) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Prepares cadets mentally and physically for rigorous field training.  Emphasizes individual/flight drill, military customs and courtesies, dress and grooming standards.  Includes mandatory physical fitness program.  Restricted to cadets.  Graded Pass/Fail.

·          AERO 202   The Evolution of the U.S. Air Force II. (1) (Coreq for cadets only: AERO 202L or permission of instructor) Continuation of AERO 201.  This course continues to explore Air Force history, beginning with the Vietnam era and culminating with the application of air and space power in recent conflicts.

·          AERO 202L   Field Training Preparation Cadet Leadership Laboratory II. (0) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Continuation of AERO 20lL.  Focuses on AFROTC Honor Code, Field Training Manual/procedures, and expeditionary skills required at field training.  Includes mandatory physical fitness program.  Restricted to cadets.  Graded Pass/Fail.

Professional Officer Courses

·           AERO 301   Air Force Leadership Studies I. (4) (Coreq for cadets only:  AERO 301L or permission of instructor) Study of leadership, management fundamentals, the profession of arms, personnel evaluation systems, ethics, motivation, team building, change management, and communication skills.  Analyses of leadership and management case studies.

·           AERO 301L   Intermediate Cadet Leader Leadership Laboratory I. (0) (Prereq:
permission of instructor) Provides cadets opportunities to develop leadership and followership skills, as well as sharpen their planning, organization, and communication ability.  Includes mandatory physical fitness program.  Restricted to cadets.  Graded Pass/Fail.

·          AERO 302      Air Force Leadership Studies II. (4) (Prereq: AERO 301; Coreq for cadets only:  AERO 302L or permission of instructor) Continuation of AERO 301.  Topics include developing subordinates, conflict management, counseling, influence, authority and responsibility, accountability, and moral leadership.  Includes case studies on effective supervision and accountability.

·           AERO 302L   Intermediate Cadet Leader Leadership Laboratory II. (0) (Prereq:
AERO 301L or permission of instructor) Continuation of AERO 301L.  Allows intermediate cadet leaders to further develop leadership and management skills essential in Air Force officers.  Includes mandatory physical fitness program.  Restricted to cadets.  Graded Pass/Fail.

·         AERO 401   National Security Affairs. (4) (Prereq: AERO 302 or permission of Instructor; Coreq for cadets only: AERO 401L or permission of instructor) Study of U. S. Constitution, the Armed Forces, civilian control of the military, elements of national security, USAF doctrine, Total Force, the Joint environment, terrorism, and regional and cultural studies.

·           AERO 401L   Senior Cadet Leader Leadership Laboratory I. (0) (Prereq: AERO
302L or permission of instructor) Provides senior cadet leaders opportunities to develop leadership and supervisory skills, and to effectively manage resources toward mission accomplishment.  Includes mandatory physical fitness program.  Restricted to cadets.  Graded Pass/Fail.

·         AERO 402   Preparation for Active Duty. (4) (Prereq: AERO 401 or permission of instructor; Coreq for cadets only: AERO 402L or permission of instructor) Continuation of AERO 401.  Topics include additional regional studies, military justice, personnel feedback, evaluation and promotion systems, the military profession, current issues affecting the military, and preparation for active duty.

·          AERO 402L   Senior Cadet Leader Leadership Laboratory II. (0) (Prereq: AERO
401L or permission of instructor) Continuation of AERO 401L.  Allows senior cadet leaders advanced opportunities to hone their leadership in preparation for entering active duty.  Includes mandatory physical fitness program.  Restricted to cadets.  Graded Pass/Fail.

·         AERO 499L   Extended Cadet Leader Leadership Laboratory. (0)(Prereq: permission of instructor) Provides extended cadet leaders opportunities to continue developing leadership, managerial, and communication skills, and to mentor junior cadet corps members.  Includes mandatory physical fitness program.  Restricted to cadets.  Graded Pass/Fail.

Air Force ROTC Scholarship Information