The Air and Space Studies (AERO) Program air-space-studies
The Air and Space Studies Program at UMass Lowell is designed to educate and train those men and women who desire to commission and serve in the United States Air Force and Space Force. The AERO program will develop skills and attitudes of vital importance to professional Air Force and Space Force officers.
For the latest course information, requirements, policies, course listings etc. please visit the UMass Lowell online Academic Catalog.
Heritage and Values of the U.S Air Force
Foundations of the U.S. Air Force
Team and Leadership Fundamentals
Development & Evolution of U.S. Air Force Power
Air Force Leadership Studies
National Security/Pre Active Duty
- National Security Affairs / Active Duty Prep Part I
- National Security Affairs / Active Duty Prep Part II
Leadership Lab
General Military Course general-military
The first two years of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program are known as the General Military Course (GMC). GMC Cadet obligations consist of one hour of classroom work (Aerospace Studies courses) and two hours of leadership laboratory each week.
Qualifications:
- A full-time student at UMass Lowell or one of our many cross-town schools
- Participation in both Aerospace Studies classes and Leadership Laboratory while enrolled in school
- U.S. citizen (to receive a scholarship) in good physical condition
- Good moral character
- 14 years old (17 years old to receive scholarship)
Professional Officer Course pro-officer
Upon successful completion of the General Military Course, cadets who wish to continue with the program must compete for entry into the last two years of the program, the Professional Officer Course (POC). Cadets are selected for entry into the POC based on their grade-point average, unit commander evaluation, and physical fitness assessment score. After selection, students must successfully complete a two-week summer Field Training at Maxwell Air Force base before entering the POC.
Cadets enrolled in the POC attend class three hours per week and participate in a weekly two-hour leadership laboratory. POC classes are designed to generate group discussions and provide opportunities for cadet presentations. Classroom topics include leadership, management, communication skills, and national defense policy.
In the Professional Officer Course, cadets apply what they learned in the General Military Course and at Field Training. Using their developing leadership skills, they now run the leadership laboratories, train the new GMC, and manage the detachment's cadet corps.
Qualifications:
- Good moral character
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be 18 years old or older (or) 17 years old with parent or guardian consent
- Be in good academic standing
- Participate in both Aerospace Studies classes and Leadership Laboratory while enrolled in school
- Meet the age requirements:
- Rated (pilot or navigator)-commissioned by age 31
- Rated (RPA)-commissioned by age 39
- Scholarship candidates- age 30 for activation, must not reach his/her 31st birthday by 31 Dec. of the year he/she commissions
- Non-rated-commissioned by age 39
- Be physically qualified
- Meet Air Force height/weight standards
- Pass the Air Force Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
- Have a military certified physical
- Pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)
- Complete a two week Field Training Encampment
Physical Training physical
In order to ensure that cadets are in proper shape for the Physical Fitness Assessment, Physical Training (PT) is conducted from 0630 to 0730 every week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Physical Training is mandatory for all cadets.
The Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) is a test taken at least twice an academic year (during the fall and spring terms) to ensure cadets maintain an acceptable level of physical fitness. The PFA consists of three events: push-ups, sit-ups and a 1.5 mile run. Cadets who are in the General Military Course (GMC), but not on a scholarship, must attempt the test each term. Cadets on scholarship and cadets in the POC must pass the test each fall and spring term.
Cadets must earn a minimum combined score of 75 points in order to pass the PFA. The total score is cumulated between pushups, sit-ups, and run scores.
The Fitness Assessment (FA) comprises the MANDATORY physical fitness standards required by AFROTC to:
- Activate or retain an AFROTC scholarship
- Meet the POC Selection Program (PSP) Board
- Attend Field Training (FT)
- Successfully complete FT
- Remain in good standing as a Professional Officer Course (POC) cadet through commissioning.
The FA is comprised of four events, which will be performed in the following order:
- Height, Weight, and Abdominal Circumference Measurements
- Push-ups
- Sit-ups
- 1.5 mile run
Minimum & Maximum Repetitions - Per Event
| Event | Age | Male Score | Female Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Push-ups (1 minute) | <25 | 30-67 | 15-47 |
| 25-29 | 27-62 | 14-47 |
| Event | Age | Male Score | Female Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sit-ups (1 minute) | <25 | 39-58 | 35-54 |
| 25-29 | 38-56 | 31-50 |
| Event | Age | Male Time | Female Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 Mile Run | <25 | 9:12-15:50 | 10:23-18:56 |
| 25-29 | 9:22-16:22 | 10:37-19:43 |