Air and Space Studies

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Chairman Col. Christopher O’Hara

The Department of Air and Space Studies offers an elective program to eligible male and female students who are U.S. citizens wishing to pursue commissioning as future Air Force officers. The program has two phases, a General Military Course and a Professional Officer Course. The General Military Course may be taken during the first two years or during a special six-week summer course. After the General Military Course, students compete for entry into the two-year Professional Officer Course.

Admission to the Professional Officer Course is based on demonstrated proficiency in the General Military Course, medical qualifications, academic standing, physical conditioning requirements, the successful completion of field training, aptitude for further officer training, and citizenship.

Air Force scholarships are awarded on a merit basis to high school seniors and full-time college students who meet specific program requirements. Multiple-year scholarships are available, as well as some specialized one-year programs and incentives. Refer to the Undergraduate Financial Aid section, ROTC Financial Aid Programs. For more information, you may also visit our Web site at the following address: http://www.rpi.edu/dept/afrotc or call (518) 276-6236.

Air and Space Leadership Studies Minor

The minor in Air and Space Leadership Studies is offered to any student completing the courses of study listed below. The minor not only prepares cadets for active duty service but provides any student the opportunity to study one of our country’s major organizational military instruments of power, the United States Air Force. In addition to studying Air Force organizations, missions, and operations, the student will gain a broad perspective of the military in general by studying the foundations of the Air Force, the History of the Air Force, Leadership and Management Studies, and National Security studies.

Active Duty Obligation

There is no active duty obligation for enrolling in any of the AFROTC courses per se. Students who desire to complete the courses for a minor and not pursue an Air Force commission are considered “Special Students” and will not incur any active duty service commitment. Students who complete the Air Force ROTC program and receive a commission normally incur a four-year active duty service commitment. Commissioned officers selected for flying duty will incur additional commitments from the time they complete their pilot training.

Faculty*

Professor: C. O’Hara
Assistant Professors: R. Drozd, C. Varner, L. Yeung-Wagner

*Departmental faculty listings are accurate as of the date generated for inclusion in this catalog. For the most up-to-date listing of faculty positions, including end-of-year promotions, please refer to the Faculty Roster section of this catalog, which is current as of the May 2009 Board of Trustees meeting.

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