2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Air Force Aerospace Studies, ROTC (AES)

AFROTC is a nationwide program that allows students to pursue commissions (become officers) in the United States Air Force (USAF) while simultaneously attending college. AFROTC classes are held on college campuses throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Students can register through normal course registration processes. AFROTC consists of four years of Aerospace Studies classes (Foundations of the USAF, Evolution of USAF and Space Power, Air Force Leadership Studies and National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty) and a corresponding Leadership Laboratory for each year (where students apply leadership skills, demonstrate command and effective communication, develop physical fitness, and practice military customs and courtesies). College students enrolled in the AFROTC program (known as “cadets”) who successfully complete both AFROTC training and college degree requirements will graduate and simultaneously commission as Second Lieutenants in the Active Duty Air Force.

The AFROTC program is currently offered at Wright State University, which has a crosstown agreement that allows our students to enroll in AFROTC and become full-fledged cadet participants. As a University of Dayton (UD) student you have the opportunity to become an Air Force officer through a cooperative agreement with Wright State University's (WSU) Department of Aerospace Studies. WSU is the home of Detachment 643 and the host site for local colleges and universities to provide the AFROTC program. Although you’ll register for ROTC through UD, all courses are taught at WSU. UD provides transportation.

For more information on the AFROTC program, please see the website.

Courses

AES 120. General Military Course (GMC), Leadership Laboratory. 0 Hours

Applied Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) training. This lab provides an opportunity for students to apply Air Force procedures, techniques, and knowledge. Students will learn the Air Force organizational structure as well as customs and courtesies. GMC cadets will also develop their followership and teamwork skills in a cadet led, cadre supervised Lab environment. Requires participation in two weekly physical training sessions. Taken concurrently with 100-level AES courses. (Pass/Fail).

AES 121. Heritage and Values of the United States Air Force I. 1 Hour

This is a survey course designed to introduce students to the United States Air Force and provide an overview of the basic characteristics, missions, and organization of the Air Force. Corequisites: AES 120.

AES 122. Heritage and Values of the United States Air Force II. 1 Hour

This is a continuation of AES 121. It is a survey course designed to introduce students to the United States Air Force and provide an overview of the basic characteristics, missions, and organization of the Air Force. Prerequisites: AES 120 and AES 121. Corequisites: AES 130.

AES 130. General Military Course Leadership Lab. 0 Hours

Applied Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) training. This lab provides an opportunity for students to apply Air Force procedures, techniques, and knowledge. Students will learn the Air Force organizational structure as well as customs and courtesies. GMC cadets will also develop their followership and teamwork skills in a cadet led, cadre supervised Lab environment. Requires participation in two weekly physical training sessions. Taken concurrently with 100-level AES courses. (Pass/Fail). Prerequisite(s): AES 120.

AES 220. Field Training Preparation (FTP) Leadership Laboratory. 0 Hours

Applied Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) training. This lab further develops skills and concepts introduced in the General Military Course Leadership Laboratory. Students are prepared mentally and physically for the demanding requirements of upcoming Field Training summer program. Training is cadet led where students will display their ability to apply Air Force concepts and procedures. Requires participation in two weekly physical training sessions. Taken concurrently with 200-level AES courses. (Pass/Fail).

AES 221. Team and Leadership Fundamentals I. 1 Hour

Focuses on laying the foundation for teams and leadership. The topics include skills that will allow cadets to improve their leadership on a personal level and within a team. The courses will prepare cadets for their field training experience where they will be able to put the concepts learned into practice. The purpose is to instill a leadership mindset and to motivate sophomore students to transition from AFROTC cadet to AFROTC officer candidate. Corequisites: AES 220.

AES 222. Team and Leadership Fundamentals II. 1 Hour

This course is a continuation of AES 221 and focuses on laying the foundation for teams and leadership. The topics include skills that will allow cadets to improve their leadership on a personal level and within a team. The courses will prepare cadets for their field training experience where they will be able to put the concepts learned into practice. The purpose is to instill a leadership mindset and to motivate sophomore students to transition from AFROTC cadet to AFROTC officer candidate. Prerequisites: AES 220 and AES 221. Corequisites: AES 230.

AES 230. Field Training Preparation (FTP) Leadership Lab. 0 Hours

Applied Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) training. This lab further develops skills and concepts introduced in the General Military Course Leadership Laboratory. Students are prepared mentally and physically for the demanding requirements of upcoming Field Training summer program. Training is cadet led where students will display their ability to apply Air Force concepts and procedures. Requires participation in two weekly physical training sessions. Taken concurrently with 200-level AES courses. (Pass/Fail). Prerequisite(s): AES 220.

AES 330. Intermediate Cadet Leadership (ICL) Laboratory: Applied Air Force ROTC Training. 0 Hours

The ICL lab builds the foundation of leadership skills required as an Air Force Officer. Cadets apply leadership/management concepts learned in Field Training and previous aerospace studies classes and labs to assist in training the General Military Course cadets. Requires participation in two weekly physical training sessions. Taken concurrently with 300-level AES courses. (Pass/Fail).

AES 331. Leading People and Effective Communication I. 3 Hours

This course teaches cadets advanced skills and knowledge in management and leadership. Special emphasis is placed on enhancing leadership skills and communication. Cadets have an opportunity to try out these leadership and management techniques in a supervised environment as juniors and seniors. Corequisites: AES 330.

AES 332. Leading People and Effective Communication II. 3 Hours

Continuation of AES 331, teaches cadets advanced skills and knowledge in management and leadership. Special emphasis is placed on enhancing leadership skills and communication. Cadets have an opportunity to try out these leadership and management techniques in a supervised environment as juniors and seniors. Prerequisites: AES 330 and AES 331. Corequisites: AES 340.

AES 340. Intermediate Cadet Leadership (ICL) Leadership Lab. 0 Hours

The ICL lab builds the foundation of leadership skills required as an Air Force Officer. Cadets apply leadership/management concepts learned in Field Training and previous aerospace studies classes and labs to assist in training the General Military Course cadets. Requires participation in two weekly physical training sessions. Taken concurrently with 300-level AES courses. (Pass/Fail). Prerequisite(s): AES 330.

AES 430. Senior Cadet Leadership (SCL) Laboratory: Applied Air Force ROTC Training. 0 Hours

This lab prepares students for progression into active duty life. As in the Intermediate Cadet Leadership Lab, students take leadership roles in execution of leadership labs for the cadet wing. Students hone leadership fundamentals learned in previous courses and labs to a level commensurate to entry into the active duty Air Force. Requires participation in two weekly physical training sessions. Taken concurrently with 400-level AES courses. (Pass/Fail).

AES 431. National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty I. 3 Hours

This course is designed to give college seniors the foundation to understand their role as military officers in American society. It is an overview of the complex social and political issues facing the military profession and requires a measure of sophistication commensurate with the senior college level. Corequisite(s): AES 430.

AES 432. National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty II. 3 Hours

This course is a continuation of AES 431 and is designed to give college seniors the foundation to understand their role as military officers in American society. It is an overview of the complex social and political issues facing the military profession and requires a measure of sophistication commensurate with the senior college level. Prerequisites: AES 430 and AES 431. Corequisites: AES 440.

AES 440. Senior Cadet Leadership (SCL) Laboratory: Applied Air Force ROTC Training. 0 Hours

This lab prepares students for progression into active duty life. As in the Intermediate Cadet Leadership Lab, students take leadership roles in execution of leadership labs for the cadet wing. Students hone leadership fundamentals learned in previous courses and labs to a level commensurate to entry into the active duty Air Force. Requires participation in two weekly physical training sessions. Taken concurrently with 400-level AES courses. (Pass/Fail). Prerequisites: AES 430.