Department of Aerospace Studies

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program at Texas A&M University is the largest in the United States and designed to prepare students to be commissioned officers in the United States Air Force and Space Force. AFROTC curriculum includes classroom instruction and hands-on activities.

The first two years include Aerospace Studies (AERS) 100- and 200-level courses with a focus on the culture and organization of the Air Force, followership, teamwork, and professionalism. Cadets attend class one hour per week and Leadership Lab two hours per week each semester. These courses prepare cadets to lead as juniors and seniors and for selection to Field Training.

During their sophomore year, cadets may apply for continued enrollment for their junior and senior year. Competitive selection is limited to students of high moral character who are academically qualified, are physically fit, and have demonstrate aptitude and leadership potential.

Cadets selected to continue in AFROTC enlist into the Air Force Reserve and sign a contract with the government agreeing to complete the course and, upon graduation, accept a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force or Space Force. They also must agree to serve on active duty for no less than four years after being commissioned or ten years after completion of flying training if selected for aviation. Continuing cadets must attend Field Training during the summer months typically between the sophomore and junior years.

AERS 300- and 400-level courses focus on critical thinking, effective supervision and feedback, communication, leadership, ethics, joint operations, national security affairs, military justice system, and air and space competencies. Junior and senior attend class three hours per week and Leadership Lab two hours per week during each semester.

Leadership Laboratory includes practical instruction conducted within the framework of an organized cadet unit with a progression of experiences designed to develop each student’s leadership potential. Leadership Laboratory involves a study of Department of the Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, physical fitness activities and Air Force and Space Force career opportunities. Students develop leadership skills in a supervised laboratory environment.

Students enrolled in the four-year program may compete for two- or three-year AFROTC scholarships. Four-year scholarships must be applied for during the senior year of high school. AFROTC scholarship students are eligible to receive tuition payment, textbook allowance, and monthly subsistence allowance. Contracted cadets receive a monthly subsistence allowance.

Upon completion of AFROTC and graduation from the University, students are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Air Force or Space Force. Instructors are active duty officers assigned to the University by the Department of the Air Force. Information about the AFROTC program may be obtained by contacting the Detachment or visiting the AFROTC website.

Aerospace Studies (AERS)

AERS 101 Air Force Heritage and Values I

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. Introduction to the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC); overview of officership, officer opportunities and benefits, and DAF heritage and values and operations. Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in AERS 105.

AERS 102 Air Force Heritage and Values II

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. Continuation of AERS 101; introduction to the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC); overview of officership, officer opportunities and benefits, and DAF heritage and values and operations. Prerequisites: AERS 101; concurrent enrollment in AERS 106.

AERS 105 AFROTC Leadership Lab I

Credit 1. 2 Lab Hours. Dynamic leadership development activities designed to prepare prospective Department of the Air Force second lieutenants and complement the AFROTC academics with experiential learning. May be taken six times for credit. Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

AERS 106 AFROTC Leadership Lab II

Credit 1. 2 Lab Hours. Continuation of AERS 105; dynamic leadership development activities designed to prepare prospective Department of the Air Force second lieutenants and complement the AFROTC academics with experiential learning. May be taken four times for credit. Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisites: AERS 105.

AERS 201 Team and Leadership Fundamentals I

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. Fundamental survey of leadership and team building through topics such as followership, listening, ethical decision-making, and conflict management. Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AERS 102; concurrent enrollment in AERS 105; or approval of department head.

AERS 202 Team and Leadership Fundamentals II

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. Continuation of AERS 201; fundamental survey of leadership and team building through topics such as followership, listening, ethical decision-making, and conflict management. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AERS 201; concurrent enrollment in AERS 106 if seeking a military contract; or approval of department head.

AERS 303 Leading People and Effective Communication I

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. In-depth look at leadership through topic-guided discussions and verbal communications in Department of the Air Force formats; leadership, management fundamentals, professional knowledge, Air Force personnel and evaluation systems, and leadership ethics with case studies of leadership and management situations as a means of demonstrating and exercising practical application of concepts. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AERS 202; concurrent enrollment in AERS 105 if seeking a military contract; or approval of department head.

AERS 304 Leading People and Effective Communication II

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Continuation of AERS 303 with an in-depth look at leadership through topic-guided discussions and verbal communications in Department of the Air Force formats; leadership, management fundamentals, professional knowledge, Air Force personnel and evaluation systems, and leadership ethics with case studies of leadership and management situations as a means of demonstrating and exercising practical application of concepts. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AERS 303; concurrent enrollment in AERS 106 if seeking a military contract; or approval of department head.

AERS 403 National Security Affairs, Leadership Responsibilities, and Commissioning Preparation I

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Examination of the Constitution, national security processes, the military's role in society, and the military justice system; preparation for life as a second lieutenant in the Department of the Air Force. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AERS 304; concurrent enrollment in AERS 105 if seeking a military contract; or approval of department head.

AERS 404 National Security Affairs, Leadership Responsibilities, and Commissioning Preparation II

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Continuation of AERS 403; examination of the Constitution, national security processes, the military's role in society, and the military justice system; prepares students for life as a second lieutenant in the Department of the Air Force. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AERS 403; concurrent enrollment in AERS 106 if seeking a military contract; or approval of department head.

AERS 485 Directed Studies

Credits 1 to 3. 1 to 3 Other Hours. Directed study of problems in the field of aerospace studies. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AERS 404; Air Force ROTC Cadet; approval of department head.