AFROTC DETACHMENT 225: Home of the Flying Irish

Cadre

Detachment 225 has been privileged to have had excellent cadre throughout its history, and we are pleased to introduce those currently ushering in the new generation of Air Force officers.

• Colonel Cernicky: Professor of Aerospace Studies (PAS)/AS400 Instructor
• Captain Williams: Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies (APAS)/Recruiting Flight Commander/Education Flight Commander/AS100 & AS200 Instructor
• Captain Moffett: Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies (APAS)/Operations Flight Commander/AS300 Instructor
• SSgt Bailon: Non-Commissioned Officer, Knowledge Operations Management
• SSgt Crawford: Non-Commissioned Officer, Personnel

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History

1947: After its inception as a separate military service, the US Air Force established an Air Force ROTC four-year commissioning program at the University of Notre Dame.

1972: Beginning with the freshman class of 1972, women were fully integrated into life at Notre Dame. Two women were enrolled in AFROTC.

1990: The three Notre Dame ROTC branches move into their new, state-of-the-art home -- Pasquerilla Center

1993: A Cadet Joint Staff was created with the cadet chair coming from the year's lead service. Joint cadet operations began with the 1993-94 academic year. Key events include: POW/MIA Retreat, Veterans' Day Retreat, Joint Ball, Annual Presidential Parade and Awards Ceremony, and Commissioning.

Current Status: The Department of Aerospace Studies is under the jurisdiction of the University Provost. The Department Chairman/Professor of Aerospace Studies reports to the Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies.

Crosstown/consortium agreements are in effect between the US Air Force and the following schools: University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary's College, Indiana University-South Bend, Holy Cross College, Bethel College, Valparaiso University, and Trine University. Students enrolled at these institutions are eligible to participate in the program at Detachment 225.

Detachment 225 was awarded the Air Force Right-of-Line Award in 1983, 1985, and 1990, recognizing it as the top unit in the nation. Its last Headquarters AETC inspection rated the unit "Excellent" overall with one outstanding and three excellent sub-ratings.

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Cadet Life

Simply put, Air Force ROTC is a college program that prepares you to become an Air Force Officer. It's a challenge. It's an opportunity. It's a head-start to a lifetime of success within the Air Force, and a dedication to succeed in all you choose to do.

What does this mean to you?

• The opportunity to get the money you need for college
• Making the most out of your college experience and out of life
• The chance to earn a college degree while working toward becoming an officer in the United States Air Force
• The chance to experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities
• The chance to form life-long friendships

Air force ROTC provides you with a challenging program to hone your time management, physical fitness and analytical skills, and helps you push yourself to achieve your goals. For those who are up to the challenge, the rewards last a lifetime.

    Qualifications

        To qualify for entry into the Professional Officer's Course (POC), you must:

                -  Pass a physical fitness test

                -  Pass a medical examination

                -  Be in good academic standing

                -  Complete a summer Field Training course

                -  Meet commissioning age requirements

    Getting Started

        To launch an Air Force career through AFROTC, simply enroll in the appropriate AS (Aerospace Studies) class and corresponding Leadership Laboratory. AFROTC courses are accredited and offered to the entire student body. Once students have enrolled, they are eligible to begin the application process, which includes a physical exam. We encourage interested students to visit the detachment and talk with cadets. Call or stop by anytime!

    Program Details

        The General Military Course (GMC) is taken during the freshman and sophomore years. This is a chance to take the Air Force out for a test-drive with no service commitment. GMC students are eligible to compete for in-college scholarships. The GMC classes are 1 credit hour and include an introduction to the Air Force and the history of US airpower. Students who complete the GMC progress into the second half of the program, the Professional Officer's Course (POC). Prior to entry into the POC, students must complete a 4-week summer Field Training encampment. Both GMC and POC participate in a Leadership Laboratory once a week with POC playing a more active role in coordinating unit activities. Cadets will also participate in physical training twice a week.

    Scholarships

        Four-Year Scholarships

            Air Force ROTC offers scholarships to high school seniors and graduates. These scholarships are competitive, and are based on the whole person concept. Once contracted, in addition to receiving the scholarship, awardees receive book money and a monthly tax-free stipend. Applications and information regarding scholarships can be found at www.afrotc.com.

        In-College Scholarships

            Air Force ROTC offers scholarships on a limited basis from 3.5 to 2 years. All cadets on scholarship receive a $300 - $500 monthly nontaxable stipend during the school year and additional money for books. Applications are submitted locally through the AFROTC Detachment, and are considered based on performance and merit.

    Cadet Activities

        In addition to AFROTC duties, cadets can take on a variety of military extra-curricular activities to further expand their development as future officers.

        -  New Student Orientation (NSO): NSO is conducted before university freshmen orientations. This optional, four-day program is a great start to the AFROTC program.

        -  Honor Guard & Drill Team: Cadets have the opportunity to participate in military Honor Guard and Drill Team events -- even presenting the colors at various sporting events!

        -  Arnold Air Society (AAS): As the professional, honorary service organization of AFROTC, AAS offers a chance to develop as leaders through community service projects.

        -  Orientation Flights: These flights give cadets a chance to experience the thrill of aviation in light aircraft.

      Active Duty

        Service and Obligation

            After earning a degree and completing all required AFROTC requirements, cadets are commissioned into the United States Air Force as Second Lieutenants. The total military service obligation is 8 years - all graduates are called to active duty for 4 years and are subject to recall for an additional 4 years as in-active reservists. Officers who attend additional training, including pilot training, incur different lengths of commitment. Initially enrolling in an AFROTC class carries no obligation.

        Pay and Benefits

            When friends are struggling to find jobs after college, you will already have a job waiting for you where you come in at a position equivalent to civilian upper management! The benefits include:

                    -  A military commission (requires college degree and completion of f AFROTC requirements)

                    -  Appointment by the President of the United States

                    -  The possibility of world travel 

                    -  Tax-free Housing and Subsistence allowance each month in addition to base pay

                    -  You will also receive 30 days of vacation plus government holidays.
 

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