Q:  I never participated in a Junior ROTC program. Will that hinder me?

A:  Negative. Most of our cadets have never participated in any sort of JROTC program. There are some parallels between a JROTC and a college-level program (patriotism, discipline, rank structure), but history has proven that JROTC prodigies really don't have an advantage over other cadets.

Q:  Will I be called onto active duty while I'm a cadet?

A:  Negative. You are in cadet status - you are not yet a military member. Cadets are the same as college students, just ones that have figured out that serving their country after getting their degree is a pretty sweet deal.

Now, if you happen to be a Air Guard or Reserve member, there is a possibility that you may be called up for a deployment. But joining the Guard or the Reserves is not a requirement. Some people do it because it helps them pay for a couple of years of school.

Q:  Must I get a certain type of degree?

A:  Negative. Get a degree in what interests you. The only jobs in the Air Force that requires specialized degrees are those in the medical field, chaplains, and lawyers. With all other jobs, the Air Force will give you the training you need. For example, if you wanted to be a fighter pilot in the USAF, you wouldn't necessarily have to major in a professional pilot's program (unless you wanted to). You could major in something like Golf Course Management and still qualify for a pilot slot if you're a good enough student/cadet.

Q:  I get airsick. Are there any other jobs I could do in the USAF besides fly?

A:  Definitely. 95% of the personnel in the USAF are in non-flying positions. Even though the USAF is known for its pilots, navigators, and Air Battle Managers, these are positions that you must volunteer for and be selected for. We won't put you in a cockpit if you don't want to be.

As far as other jobs, the USAF has them! Some include (but aren't limited to), Intelligence Officer, Finance Officer, Combat Recovery Officer, Logistics Officer, Public Affairs Officer, Civil Engineering Officer, Contracting Officer, Security Forces Officer, Maintenance Officer, etc. Check out www.afrotc.com for details!

Q:  If I join your program, am I obligated in any way?

A: Scholarship cadets have their first year to decide whether or not it is for them, no strings attached. If they decide at the end of that year the USAF isn't for them, then they get to walk away with one year of college paid for.

Walk-on cadets (75% of our cadet wing), have until they graduate Field Training to decide whether or not the USAF is for them. This decision traditionally comes the first day of their junior year in college. So they have two years after joining before any sort of obligation is inherited.

Q:  I didn't get an Air Force ROTC scholarship. Can I still join?

A:  Yes you can. Scholarship cadets only make up about 40% of our cadet wing. Even if you didn't get a scholarship right out of high school, you can still compete for one once you join our program. Even then, if you still don't receive a scholarship, we can still commission you into the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant. Once again, scholarships are not required to join, much less are they required to earn a commission.

Q:  Is there an application package I can fill out to join?

A:  No, there's not. Enroll in AERO 099 and AERO 110 now that you've joined. We complete application paperwork after you've become an active part of the cadet wing. We want prospective cadets to get a test drive of our program before they start filling out paperwork.

Q:  What are the vision requirements to become a pilot?

A:  You must have normal color vision. Distant vision can be uncorrected to 20/70, but must be corrected to 20/20. Near vision must be uncorrected to 20/20.

Q:  If I want to volunteer to become a pilot, how do I get selected?

A:  Your cumulative GPA, your Physical Fitness Test results, your Air Force Officer Qualifying Test results, and your cadet ranking (which is made up of the previous three variables, plus your overall performance as a cadet) will be what the cadre will review in making selections. This will be accomplished the year prior to graduation/commissioning. This is AFTER you return from Field Training and you are contracted. So if all you want to do is fly, be aware that if you are not selected for pilot training, you will required to enter active duty with another specialty. Once you are contracted, you may not back out of your military obligation.

Q:  Do I have to live in some sort of required barracks with other ROTC cadets?

A:  Negative. Cadets can live in any one of the numerous dormitories.

Q:  Do I have to wear a uniform every day?

A:  Negative. Cadets are only required to wear uniforms on Thursdays.

Q:  How does the AFROTC program fit into my college life?

A:  The week will entail 5 hours of AFROTC related activities. This is how it is broken down:

- PT Sessions (2 hours) - Monday and Wednesday mornings from 0600 - 0700
- Leadership Laboratory (2 hours) - Thursday afternoons from 1530 - 1730
- AFROTC college class (1 hour) - Wednesdays, starting either at 0930 or 1430

That's it. This will remain the same each semester of each year. Some weekends have us doing things like paintball, laser tag, or ropes courses, but that is not the norm.

Our program is designed to provide you the tool set necessary to be an effective USAF officer. It is not designed to monopolize your free time. We understand that your college degree comes first, and that you should also be provided the opportunity to enjoy your college experience. We've found we produce more balanced officers this way.

Q:  Will I have to attend some sort of Basic Training?

A:  Yes. It is called "Field Training", and it is the summer after your sophomore year of college. It is 4 weeks long, and will be located at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. You will be evaluated on your leadership potential and your physical ability. The time you spend in the cadet wing will prepare you for this hurdle. In fact, for those preparing to leave for Field Training, we dedicate the Spring semester to polishing off any inconsistencies that may lead to additional stress in an environment already soaked with pressure.

Q:  What costs are associated with joining the program?

A:  Just the cost of the one sit-down credit hour class you must enroll in. Uniforms (to include PT gear) will be supplied. So will books for the AFROTC classes.

Q:  Why K-State AFROTC Det 270?

A:  Detachment 270 has a rich tradition of producing military leaders. General Myers, retired Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman is an alumni. So is General Keys, the Air Combat Command MAJCOM Commander. Our detachment is nestled in America's heartland where patriotism runs rapid and our cadets aren't faced with anti-military sentiments. In addition, Fort Riley, the nation's premiere war-fighting center is just down the road. Our cadets get to benefit from their facilities and training opportunities.

Q:  What are your physical fitness requirements?

A:  Below are our required minimums. Achieving these minimums will earn you a 75 out of a 100-point Physical Fitness Test (PFT). It is required that you meet these minimums prior to Field Training attendance. In other words, you don't have to meet these requirements right away. With that said, the better you do on the PFT, the higher your class ranking will be, which can affect scholarship opportunities and pilot selections, among other things.

FEMALES:
1.5 Mile Run in 14:30
18 Push-ups in 1:00
35 Crunches in 1:00

MALES:
1.5 Mile Run in 12:30
33 Push-ups in 1:00
40 Crunches in 1:00



You can enroll in AFROTC whether you're a full-time student at K-State or at one of the three cross-town schools. If you choose to enroll at one of our cross-town schools, you will attend your ROTC classes in the Military Science Building at K-State.

The cross town schools include:
  - KSU-Salina
  - Manhattan Christian College
  - Washburn University