Students and parents often have questions about admissions, academics, careers, college life and scholarships. You can hear directly from students and cadre at the following links:
What's the time commitment to MIT's ROTC program? ⏷
Are there any special organizations I can join? ⏷
What types of extracurricular activities are there? ⏷
Whom do I contact for more information? ⏷
What's the time commitment to MIT's ROTC program?
Each week, cadets participate in a military class and a leadership lab (LLAB). Freshmen and sophomores attend a 1-hour class and a 2-hour LLAB. Freshmen can also volunteer for roles within the cadet wing or join special programs and extracurricular activities throughout the year. Juniors and seniors attend a 3-hour class weekly, in addition to the 2-hour LLAB, and hold leadership positions within the cadet wing, with varying time commitments depending on their roles. Cadets also participate in 1-hour physical training (PT) sessions twice a week.
Are there any special organizations I can join?
Yes, one of our special organizations is the Color Guard. This joint ROTC service group honors our flag and traditions through various ceremonies in the Boston area, including the induction for the Postmaster of Cambridge, Veterans Day celebrations at Harvard and Tufts, and representing the flag and armed forces in Boston parades. The Color Guard also serves as Air Force ROTC ambassadors on campus, providing support at home sporting events.
What types of extracurricular activities are there?
Extracurricular activities offer cadets the chance to engage in Air Force and tri-service events alongside our neighboring Navy and Army ROTC units. In the fall semester, this kicks off with the New Student Orientation (NSO), a weekend retreat for new cadets interested in joining the program. The fall also features the formal Dining-In and a POW/MIA vigil on campus. In the spring semester, cadets participate in the Field Leadership Exercise and the Tri-Service Military Ball.
Whom do I contact for more information?
For contact information, please visit our Contact Us page.
Where can I attend Air Force ROTC? ⏷
Do I have to major in Aeronautical Science to become a pilot? ⏷
How long is pilot training and where? ⏷
What are the benefits of Air Force Service? ⏷
How long will I have to serve after receiving my commission? ⏷
When do I receive my commission as an Air Force Officer? ⏷
What is Air Force ROTC?
Air Force ROTC provides two pathways to earning an Air Force commission at over 700 colleges and universities across the continental United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico: the Four-Year Program and the Three-Year Program.
Where can I attend Air Force ROTC?
You can participate in Air Force ROTC at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (home of AFROTC Detachment 365), Harvard, Tufts, or Wellesley. While enrollment is as simple as signing up for an AS class through your regular course registration, we recommend reaching out to the detachment office for specific guidance on which courses to take. We're here to answer your questions and help you get started in the right direction.
Can I learn to fly?
Air Force ROTC does not offer flight training to cadets while in college. However, Air Force second lieutenant pilot candidates undergo a flight screening program that includes light aircraft training before attending Undergraduate Pilot Training. This program encompasses both ground and flight training. The ground portion covers basic aerodynamics, aircraft systems, and emergency procedures. Selection as a pilot candidate is based on three key factors: medical evaluation, test scores, and the current demand for pilots.
Do I have to major in Aeronautical Science to become a pilot?
No, your academic major does not affect pilot selection. You can pursue any bachelor's degree program at any of the schools mentioned above and still compete for a rated slot in Air Force ROTC.
How long is pilot training? And where?
Pilot training is approximately 52 weeks. Air Force pilots are trained at various locations around the country, based upon the availability of the base.
What are the benefits of Air Force service?
Active-duty Air Force members enjoy numerous benefits, including:
- Pay: A highly competitive salary and allowances, with total compensation exceeding $100,000 after 4 years of service.
- Vacation: 30 days of paid leave each year.
- Sick Leave: Unlimited, with full pay continuing during illness.
- Medical Care: Provided at no cost.
- Dental Care: Provided at no cost.
- Life Insurance: Low-cost term life insurance up to $400,000.
- Social Life: Access to officers' clubs, swimming, golf, bowling, and tennis.
- Education: Opportunities for further education with tuition assistance or full scholarships.
- Retirement: Eligible to retire after 20 years with 40% of your base pay, plus the Thrift Savings Plan (401K).
- Promotions: First Lieutenant after two years, earning over $60,000 annually; Captain after four years, earning over $84,000 annually.
- Living Quarters: Options for on-base housing or an off-base housing allowance.
- Travel: Exceptional opportunities for worldwide travel.
How long will I have to serve after receiving my commission?
Non-flying officers serve four years on active duty. Navigators serve six years following one year of training, while pilots serve ten years after completing their one year of training.
When do I receive my commission as an Air Force officer?
Graduating seniors are typically commissioned in special ceremonies either on commencement day or shortly thereafter.
Can I enroll if I didn't take Air Force ROTC as a freshman? ⏷
Am I still eligible after my freshman and sophomore years? ⏷
I'm a transfer student with no ROTC experience. Should I join the General Military Course (GMC)? ⏷
Am I committed to the government once I join? ⏷
How do I enroll?
If you wish to enroll in the General Military Course, please email: afrotc@mit.edu for further information.
Remember: There's no commitment at this time. If you are enrolled at a college with a crosstown agreement, have your advisor and registrar help you sign up for our program.
Competition factors include cumulative grade-point average, Air Force Officer Qualifying Test scores, academic history, choice of major, medical qualifications, and physical fitness assessment scores.
Can I enroll if I didn't take Air Force ROTC as a freshman?
Yes. You can be dual-enrolled in the appropriate Aerospace Studies classes during the fall and spring of your sophomore year. You must have at least 3 years (6 semesters) left in school to complete the program. Please contact the Detachment by phone at (617) 253-4475 or email: afrotc@mit.edu for further information.
Am I still eligible after my freshman and sophomore years?
Contact the detachment for more information: afrotc@mit.edu.
I'm a transfer student with no ROTC experience. Should I join the General Military Course (GMC)?
Yes, please contact the Detachment by phone at (617) 253-4475 or email: afrotc@mit.edu for further information.
Am I committed to the government once I join?
During the first two years in Air Force ROTC as a General Military Course (GMC) cadet you are not committed unless you are on an AFROTC scholarship. You can drop GMC classes just like any other class and not be committed.
What is the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)? ⏷
How often can I take the AFOQT? ⏷
Are there Air Force ROTC activities between my junior and senior years? ⏷
When do I know what job I will be doing for the Air Force as an officer? ⏷
How much physical training is there? ⏷
When will I wear my uniform? ⏷
What is the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)?
The AFOQT is a mandatory test for all AFROTC cadets. It is a standardized test similar to the SAT, but includes sections that assess aviation and flight-related knowledge. The AFOQT evaluates verbal and math skills, as well as aptitude in academic, pilot, and navigator/technical areas. The test takes approximately 4.5 hours to complete.
How often can I take the AFOQT?
The AFOQT is administered several times during the fall and spring semesters. Cadets can take the test up to two times, provided there are at least 150 days between attempts.
Are there Air Force ROTC activities between my junior and senior years?
Yes. Please refer to the following link for additional information on professional development activities: AFROTC Professional Development.
When do I know what job I will be doing for the Air Force as an officer?
You will undergo a selection process similar to the enrollment allocation for officer candidates. The factors considered will include your AFOQT scores, field-training performance rating, GPA, academic major, Physical Fitness Assessment score, and the Detachment Commander's rating. You will learn your specific Air Force job category approximately six months before your commissioning.
How much physical training is there?
Air Force ROTC cadets engage in structured physical activity three times a week. Physical fitness is a crucial component of Air Force life and provides an opportunity for both fun and enjoyment. Although attendance is mandatory, many cadets enjoy the activities so much that they choose to participate in additional voluntary PT sessions on their days off.
How do I get my uniforms?
After passing the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA), cadets are issued a complete uniform at no cost, along with instructions for free alterations. It is the cadets' responsibility to ensure their uniform remains clean and presentable in accordance with AFI 36-2903 - Dress and Appearance Standards.
When will I wear my uniform?
You are required to wear your uniform on the day you have Leadership Lab, as well as during your weekly Aerospace Studies classes. Additionally, certain military social events, such as the Military Ball and Dining-Out, also require uniform wear.
What's my obligation?
Unless you are on an Air Force ROTC scholarship, there is no obligation during your freshman or sophomore years in the General Military Course.
However, once you enter the Professional Officer Course (POC), you incur an obligation to the USAF.
To maintain your standing in Air Force ROTC, you must:
- Be enrolled as a full-time student
- Maintain good academic standing with both your university and Air Force ROTC
- Make satisfactory progress toward your degree requirements and stay in your selected major (any changes must be approved)
- Attend AS classes and Leadership Lab
- Wear your uniform to Leadership Lab and AFROTC classes as directed by your instructor
- Adhere to dress and appearance standards similar to those of active-duty personnel, including haircuts
- Remain physically qualified and meet required physical fitness and weight standards
- Comply with the Air Force drug abuse policy
- Enlist in the Obligated Reserve Section of the Air Force Reserve
After completing college and fulfilling all Air Force ROTC requirements, you will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force or Space Force.