Aerospace Studies Department

Baylor University

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor participates in a cross-town agreement with Baylor University which allows UMHB students to take Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFROTC) / Aerospace Studies classes. Students who participate in the AFROTC program are eligible to receive a waiver for two hours of required Exercise and Sport Science activity courses.

Leadership Laboratory

The AERO 1111, AERO 1112, AERO 2111, AERO 2112, AERO 3111, AERO 3112, AERO 4111, and AERO 4112 classes are collectively referred to as the Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) which is required of any student pursuing a commission in the Air Force. Instruction is conducted within the framework of an organized cadet corps with a progression of experiences designed to develop leadership potential. LLAB involves a study of Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, career opportunities in the Air Force, and the life and work of an Air Force commissioned officer. Physical training and fitness evaluations are also included as well as field trips to Air Force installation throughout the United States when funding permits. Students enrolled in LLAB are required to submit documentation of twice-weekly, 1 hour physical training (PT) sessions. Students must attend at least 80% of LLAB activities (i.e., practical military training) which averages two hours per week throughout a student’s entire enrollment in the AFROTC program.

General Military Course

The AERO 1101, AERO 1102, AERO 2101, and AERO 2102 classes are collectively referred to as the General Military Course (GMC) which is intended to acquaint students with Air Force organizations, missions, functions, history, and career opportunities. The classes do not incur a military service obligation and are normally completed sequentially over the first 2 years of undergraduate studies; however, the fall semester (i.e., AERO 1101 and AERO 2101) and spring semester (i.e., AERO 1102 and AERO 2102) courses can be taken concurrently if a student doesn’t start AFROTC during their first semester of undergraduate studies. Upon selection by the Air Force, the GMC culminates in a 4-week, off campus training course called field training whereas successful completion enables students to enroll in the Professional Officer Course.

Field Training

Eligible students compete, on a nationwide basis, to attend field training during the summer months at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Students usually compete for a field training enrollment allocation in the spring of their sophomore year and attend field training that summer. Field training expenses are paid by the Air Force and successful completion of field training enables students to enroll in the Professional Officer Course.

Professional Officer Course

The AERO 3301, AERO 3302, AERO 4301, and AERO 4302 classes are collectively referred to as the Professional Officer Course (POC) which is intended to prepare students to be second lieutenants in the Air Force through the study of leadership, professional development, communication skills, national security affairs, and preparation for active duty. As students enrolled in the POC are voluntarily obligated to at least 4 years of active military service, they are entitled to a monthly subsistence allowance, new uniforms, and certain other benefits. Upon successfully completing a baccalaureate degree, a POC student is appointed as a commissioned officer and enters extended active duty (i.e., full-time military service) within 365 days of their commissioning date.

AFROTC Courses for Other Students

Students who are not pursuing a career as an Air Force officer may take the AERO 1101, AERO 1102, AERO 2101, AERO 2102, AERO 3301, AERO 3302, AERO 4301, and AERO 4302 classes for credit. These students will not register for the leadership laboratory portion (i.e., AERO 1111, AERO 1112, AERO 2111, AERO 2112, AERO 3111, AERO 3112, AERO 4111, AERO 4112) of the AFROTC program.

AFROTC College Scholarship Program

Students with at least 3 years of undergraduate studies remaining are eligible to compete, on a nationwide basis, for AFROTC scholarships. Students selected for AFROTC, in-college scholarships are required to voluntarily obligate to serving at least 4 years of active military service and are provided funds for tuition, books, and fees plus a monthly subsistence allowance for the period of the scholarship. More detailed information about the Air Force ROTC scholarship program can be found at www.afrotc.com or by contacting the Department of Aerospace Studies.

Additional Information

More detailed information about the AFROTC program may be obtained by writing: AFROTC Detachment 810, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97070, Waco, TX 76798, or by visiting the Department of Aerospace Studies located in the Baylor University Speight Plaza Building and Parking Garage, Suite 100, 1521 S. 4th Street, Waco, Texas. The e-mail address is afrotc@baylor.edu and telephone number is (254) 710-3513.