College of Letters and Science
218 Student Activities Center
Box 951611
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1611
Aerospace Studies – Air Force ROTC
310-825-1742
Air Force ROTC e-mail
In accordance with the National Defense Act of 1920 and with the concurrence of the Regents of the University of California, a unit of the Army Senior Division Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) was established on the Los Angeles campus of the University of California in July 1920. Navy and Air Force units were established in 1938 and 1949 respectively.
This voluntary training in the Air Force ROTC program allows students to qualify for an officer’s commission in the Air Force while completing their college education. The ROTC curricula are not considered academic majors, but ROTC courses may be taken as free electives and applied toward the total course requirements of a major. For students contracted in the Aerospace Studies Department, 36 units of aerospace studies credit may be applied toward the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. The ROTC program is also available through UCLA Extension.
All three ROTC departments offer voluntary four- and three-year programs for first years and sophomores. All have leadership laboratories that teach leadership and management skills.
All commissions are reserve commissions. Active duty obligation following commissioning varies depending on branch of service and designated career field or occupational specialty.
ROTC scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to U.S. citizens regardless of parents’ income. Scholarships cover tuition, a book allowance, fees, and a tax-free monetary allowance during the academic year. Applications for scholarships may be obtained online or by calling 310-825-1742. Completed applications should be submitted prior to August 15 for early consideration and no later than December 1 of the year preceding college matriculation.
Air Force ROTC offers selected students the opportunity to develop those attributes essential to positions of high responsibility as commissioned officers in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force. This includes understanding Air Force history, doctrine, operating principles, and national security policies, demonstrating the ability to apply modern principles of management and human relations in the Air Force environment, and mastering of leadership theory and techniques. Students must demonstrate dedication to their assignments, willingness to accept responsibility, and the ability to think critically and communicate with clarity and precision.
The Air Force ROTC program is available to full-time students with at least three years of undergraduate and/or graduate study remaining and consists of one to two years of the General Military Course, or GMC (Aerospace Studies 1A, 1B, 1C, 20A, 20B, and 20C), followed by a two-year Professional Officer Course, or POC (Aerospace Studies 130A, 130B, 130C, 140A, 140B, and 140C). For students completing the program in four years, GMC participation requires one hour of academic class and two hours of leadership laboratory each week during the academic year. For students completing the program in three years, GMC participation requires taking one course from Aerospace Studies 1A, 1B, or 1C, one course from 20A, 20B, or 20C, and two hours of leadership laboratory each week during the academic year. Students incur no military obligation for GMC participation unless they qualify and accept an Air Force ROTC scholarship during or after their sophomore year.
Students who complete the GMC and wish to enter the POC attend a field training course the summer following GMC completion. There is no obligation to apply. U.S. citizenship is required. Students are selected on a competitive basis with consideration given to academic major, grade-point average, aptitude examination scores, performance during an officer board interview, and a physical fitness test. Students selected for summer field training are given meals, quarters, clothing, and travel and incidental expenses. Subjects covered at field training include junior officer training, aircraft and aircrew orientation, career orientation, survival training, base functions, Air Force environment, and physical training.
POC participation requires three hours of academic class and two hours of leadership laboratory each week during the academic year. Students enrolled in the POC incur a military obligation and are paid a monthly stipend during the academic year. Graduation and successful completion of the POC leads to a commission as a second lieutenant. Cadets then report to one of the challenging assignments in the Air Force or Space Force.
Aerospace Studies courses are organized by number into the categories shown.
| Course Numbers | Category |
|---|---|
| A, 1 | First Year |
| 20 | Sophomore Year |
