Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) at UC Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz offers students the opportunity to join the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) through a crosstown agreement with Detachment 045 at San José State University (SJSU). This program prepares cadets for commissioning into the U.S. Air Force (USAF) or U.S. Space Force (USSF). In tandem with fulfilling their degree requirements, AFROTC cadets cultivate both physical and leadership capabilities essential for various career paths in the military upon graduation. AFROTC is a four-year, 16-unit program divided into the General Military Course (GMC) and the Professional Officer Course (POC):

• General Military Course (GMC): In the first two years, cadets attend classes and leadership laboratories focusing on Department of the Air Force (DAF) history, customs, and leadership principles.
• Field Training (FT): Between the sophomore and junior years, cadets participate in a rigorous 3-week “bootcamp” training program at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. Cadets must successfully complete Field Training to commission through AFROTC.
• Professional Officer Course (POC): In the final two years, cadets assume leadership roles within the detachment, mentor junior cadets, and prepare for commissioning as officers. Once contracted upon return from Field Training, cadets incur a minimum service commitment of four years on Active Duty.

As a UC Santa Cruz student, you can enroll in AFROTC courses offered at SJSU. This involves commuting to SJSU for weekly Aerospace Studies (AS) classes, Leadership Laboratories (LLAB), and Physical Training (PT) sessions. While this commitment requires additional time and coordination, it provides invaluable leadership experience and the opportunity to serve as a commissioned officer upon graduation.

Weekly Training Schedule

Participation in AFROTC requires a consistent weekly commitment, typically totaling 6-10 hours per week, across three core components: Aerospace Studies classes, Leadership Laboratory, and Physical Training. The time commitment typically increases each year as cadets take on greater leadership responsibilities within the Cadet Wing. These activities primarily take place at SJSU, which serves as the host campus for Det 045. In addition, cadets may have opportunities to participate in occasional off-campus training events at nearby military installations, local parks, or crosstown campuses, which provide additional leadership experiences and exposure to operational environments. Each component serves a distinct purpose—academic instruction, hands-on leadership development, and physical conditioning. Together, they form a structured training program that cadets follow throughout the academic year in preparation for commissioning.

The table below summarizes the typical weekly AFROTC training schedule by academic year and enrollment track, providing an overview of class requirements, leadership labs, physical training, and total time commitments.

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 / semester)
Sophomores (AS200): Team and Leadership Fundamentals (1 unit / semester)
Juniors (AS300): Leading People and Effective Communication (3 units / semester)
Seniors (AS400): National Security and Preparation for Active-Duty (3 units / 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. Cadets must take and pass the Department of the Air Force Physical Fitness Assessment every academic term to remain in good standing and continue progressing in the program.

Contact Information

To learn more about Detachment 045, AFROTC, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Space Force, visit their official websites:

Air Force ROTC Detachment 045 at SJSU
Air Force ROTC
Space Force ROTC
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Space Force

For more details or to express interest in joining AFROTC, please contact:

Air Force ROTC Detachment 045 at SJSU

Phone: (408) 924-2960
Email: afrotc@sjsu.edu
Website: SJSU AFROTC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjsuafrotc/
YouTube: Air Force ROTC Detachment 045 Campus Tour at San Jose State University