Department of Air Force Science
The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) was activated at the University of Texas in September, 1947. The program is designed to commission career-oriented officers who meet specific Air Force requirements. The AFROTC objective is to place on active duty lieutenants who demonstrate dedication to their assignments, willing acceptance of responsibility, critical and creative thinking, and the ability to speak and write effectively.
AFROTC courses are taught by Air Force officers and are approved for college credit toward the cadet’s degree program in amounts determined by the college concerned.
AFROTC scholarships are available to selected cadets. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of overall merit, with particular attention paid to academic achievement. Recipients must maintain academic standards in order to retain the scholarships. Other scholarships are also available for upper-division cadets. Additional information is available from the chair of the department.
Extracurricular activities available through AFROTC include; intramural athletics, parades, ceremonies, formal military functions, field trips to Air Force installations, and membership in national military societies.
Air force science courses are designed to prepare selected students for a commission in the United States Air Force through the AFROTC program. Students who do not hold AFROTC scholarships may take lower-division courses with no military obligation. Scholarship students and selected students who elect to take upper-division courses are on contract. Upon graduation and commissioning he/she will enter active duty in the United States Air Force.
Air Force Science: AFS
Lower-Division Courses
AFS 100. Leadership Laboratory.
Various leadership techniques, including drill and ceremonies, customs and courtesies, and uniform standards. Two laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered on the pass/fail basis only.
AFS 102K. The Foundations of the United States Air Force I.
Provides an introduction to the Air Force (AF), allowing students to examine general aspects of the Department of the Air Force, AF Leadership, AF benefits, and opportunities for AF officers; lays the foundation for becoming an Airman, including AF customs and courtesies, AF dress and appearance, team building, communication skills, AF Core values, and more. Provides a knowledge-level understanding of United States military operations, principles of war, and airpower from an institutional, doctrinal, and operational perspective. One lecture hour a week for one semester. Offered in the fall semester only. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Air Force Science 100.
AFS 102L. The Foundations of the United States Air Force II.
Continuation of Air Force Science 102K. One lecture hour a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Air Force Science 100.
AFS 111K. The Evolution of USAF Air and Space Power I.
Examines general aspects of the operational employment of air and space power through a historical and institutional lens. Utilizing these perspectives, the course examines principles of war and tenets of air and space power, summarizes the importance of joint operations to the military operating environment, and explores concepts of interpersonal leadership through the use of operational examples. One lecture hour a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Air Force Science 100.
AFS 111L. The Evolution of USAF Air and Space Power II.
Continuation of Air Force Science 111K. One lecture hour a week for one semester. Offered in the spring semester only. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Air Force Science 100.
Upper-Division Courses
AFS 120L. Leadership Laboratory.
Leadership laboratory course for upper-division students. Further development of leadership skills through leadership positions within the cadet corps. Includes training of freshman and sophomore students as well as a practicum in Air Force unit operation. Two laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered on the pass/fail basis only.
AFS 321. Air Force Leadership Studies I.
Study of leadership, management fundamentals, professional knowledge, Air Force personnel and evaluation systems, leadership ethics, and communication skills required of an Air Force officer. Case studies throughout the course examine Air Force leadership and management situations as a means of demonstrating and exercising practical application of the concepts being studied. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Air Force Science 102K, 102L, 111K, and 111L; concurrent enrollment in Air Force Science 120L; and completion a of field training course or equivalent ROTC or military training.
AFS 322. Air Force Leadership Studies II.
Continuation of Air Force Science 321. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered in the spring semester only. Prerequisite: Air Force Science 321 and concurrent enrollment in Air Force Science 120L.
AFS 333. Senior Air Force Studies I.
Examines national security policy making, decision, and execution processes, regional studies, advanced leadership ethics, and Air Force doctrine. Special subjects of interest focus on the military as a profession, officership, military justice, civilian control of the military, preparation for active duty, and current issues affecting military professionalism. Within this structure, continued emphasis is given to refining communication skills. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Air Force Science 331 and 333 may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Air Force Science 322 and concurrent enrollment in Air Force Science 120L.
AFS 335. Senior Air Force Studies II.
Continuation of Air Force Science 333. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Air Force Science 332 and 335 may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Air Force Science 333, and concurrent enrollment in Air Force Science 120L or consent of the department chair.