Stanford
Office for Military-Affiliated Communities
Detachment 045 in Class A uniform

Air Force ROTC

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 045 at San Jose State University (SJSU) is a four-year program that develops cadets into leaders of character and prepares them for commissioning into the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. In tandem with fulfilling their degree requirements, cadets cultivate both physical and leadership capabilities essential for various career paths upon graduation.

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"A misconception that I held before joining ROTC was that I wouldn’t have time for other extracurriculars. However this is far from the truth – many cadets are athletes, student leaders, and involved in different clubs on campus, while still performing very well academically."

More About the AFROTC

AFROTC offers many exciting opportunities both during the school year and over the summer. Cadets can earn their private pilot’s license, get their parachute wings with the Air Force Academy Freefall program, intern at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, spend a semester at the U.S. Air Force Academy as an exchange student, tour Air Force bases, and travel the world through programs funded by the Department of the Air Force. For more information, visit the AFROTC Professional Development Training (PDT) page. Cadets can also compete for a variety of scholarships offered by Detachment 045, Arnold Air Society (AAS), and other organizations.

Stanford University has a crosstown agreement with host institution San Jose State University (SJSU) - Detachment 045. Typically, this means you’ll be enrolled as a full-time student at Stanford University and take your ROTC classes each week at SJSU.

For more information about the Detachment, offered programs, obligations, requirements, and contact information, please reference the SJSU website, or reach out to:

San Jose State University

Instagram: @det_045

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  • Freshmen (ROTCAF 11): Focus on introduction to the U.S Air Force and Space Force. Topics include qualities of an officer and professionalism, career opportunities, military customs and courtesies, and communication skills.
  • Sophomores (ROTCAF 21): Students study air and space power through historical analysis and examine the capabilities, function, and doctrinal employment of aerospace forces. The course emphasizes oral and written communication skills.
  • Juniors (ROTCAF 131): Focus on leadership studies. Topics include leadership, management fundamentals, professional knowledge, Air Force personnel system, ethics, and communications.
  • Seniors (ROTCAF 141 & 142): Course covers two subjects, National Security Affairs (fall quarter) and Preparation for Active Duty (winter & spring quarter). Students learn about international and regional relations, advanced leadership ethics, military justice, civilian control of the military, and current issues affecting the military. Preparation for active duty emphasizes skills to facilitate a smooth transition from civilian to military life.
  • Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) (ROTCAF 1): Required for all students every quarter. Students participate in hands-on exercises to learn drill and ceremony, Air Force customs and courtesies, leadership and followership skills, and  hear from guest speakers on a variety of Air Force topics.

My day begins at the sound of my 0420 alarm. For just a second, before the rush begins, I lay in bed and mentally prepare myself for the day.  I pull on my PT uniform and slip on sweats for the chilly morning. Some mornings, I offer a “Good night!” to my roommate who is just returning to the room to sleep, and I head out the door. Learn more here

AFROTC offers a four-year program that not only equips cadets with the necessary skills and knowledge for military service but also fosters leadership qualities, critical thinking abilities, and a deep sense of duty and honor. 

  • General Military Course (GMC) - The first two years of AFROTC, the General Military Course (GMC), introduce cadets to the Air Force and develop future leaders. Freshmen and sophomores are part of the GMC, each with distinct roles.
    • Initial Military Training (IMT) - Freshman cadets learn the basics of being an AFROTC cadet. They familiarize themselves with Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremony, and core values.
    • Field Training Preparation (FTP) - Sophomore cadets undergo more focused training aimed at preparing them for Field Training, an intense, two-week program typically attended between sophomore and junior year.
  • Field Training - Field Training is a key milestone in AFROTC, taking place between sophomore and junior years at Maxwell AFB. It immerses cadets in Air Force scenarios, testing them mentally and physically. Completing it is necessary for commissioning.
  • Professional Officer Course (POC) - By junior year, cadets complete Field Training and are contracted, incurring at least 4 years of Active Duty. Juniors and seniors, as POC cadets, lead within the wing. Their curriculum emphasizes leadership development and officer preparation.
    • Leadership Roles - POC cadets have the opportunity to lead and mentor younger cadets, either through direct command positions or in support roles on the cadet staff.
    • Career Field Selection -  Throughout junior year, cadets apply for their desired career fields within the Air Force or Space Force. Final decisions are released in the following months, determining each cadet's career path upon commissioning.
    • Commissioning - Upon successful completion of the program, cadets take the oath of office and are sworn in as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force.