Aerospace Studies
Undergraduate Program Information
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is a nationwide program that allows students to pursue commissions (become officers) in the United States Air Force (USAF) while simultaneously attending college. AFROTC classes are held on college campuses throughout the United States and Puerto Rico; students can register through normal course registration processes. AFROTC consists of four years of Aerospace Studies classes (Heritage and Values of the United States Air Force, Team and Leadership Fundamentals, Leading People and Effective Communication, and National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty), and a corresponding Leadership Laboratory for each year (where students apply leadership, demonstrate command and effective communication, develop physical fitness, and practice military customs and courtesies). College students enrolled in the AFROTC program (known as "cadets") who successfully complete both AFROTC training and college degree requirements will graduate and simultaneously commission as Second Lieutenants in the Active Duty Air Force.
Freshman and Sophomore Years (General Military Course or GMC)
This group provides a general background knowledge of the military establishment with emphasis on the Air Force. GMC courses may be taken out of sequence.
| Prefix | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AERO 121 & AERO 122 | Heritage and Values and Heritage and Values II | 4 |
| AERO 221 | Team and Leadership Fundamentals | 2 |
| AERO 222 | Team and Leadership Fundamentals II | 2 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Junior and Senior Years (Professional Officer Course or POC)
This group constitutes an in-depth study of topics that provides a broad preparation for a career as an Air Force officer. Students must have certain qualifications for entry and have a desire to be commissioned in the Air Force. These qualifications include, achieving a passing score on the Air Force Officer’s Qualifying Test, passing a physical fitness test, and successfully completing a medical exam. They must also complete a four- or five-week summer orientation course.
Students may, with departmental approval, take POC courses out of normal sequence. However, compressed or dual enrollment in upper-division POC courses is normally prohibited. Through this department, you can also earn a minor in Aerospace Studies.
| Prefix | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AERO 301 | Leading People and Effective Communication | 4 |
| AERO 302 | Leading People and Effective Communication II | 4 |
| AERO 401 | National Security, Leadership Responsibilities and Commissioning Preparation | 4 |
| AERO 402 | National Security, Leadership Responsibilities and Commissioning Preparation II | 4 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Leadership Laboratory
This is an integral and mandatory portion of the Aerospace Studies curriculum. Within the framework of the cadet wing, it provides a progression of experiences designed to develop each student's leadership potential and serves as an orientation to military life.
Lieutenant Colonel Dee Bochte, Department Head
Assistant Professors and Staff: Capt Brigitte Palacios; Major Xavier Flores; MSgt Crystal Brown; SSgt Mariah Rodriguez; and Event Planner Senior, Ms. Patti Alarcon
Aerospace Studies Courses
AERO 121. Heritage and Values
2 Credits (1.25+2P)
"Heritage and Values of the United States Air Force," is a survey course designed to introduce students to the United States Air Force and provides an overview of the basic characteristics, missions, and organization of the Air Force. Includes Leadership Lab practicum. May be repeated up to 2 credits. Restricted to Las Cruces campus only.
AERO 122. Heritage and Values II
2 Credits (1.25+2P)
"Heritage and Values of the United States Air Force," is a survey course designed to introduce students to the United States Air Force and provides an overview of the basic characteristics, and organization of the Air Force. Includes Leadership Lab practicum. May be repeated up to 2 credits. Restricted to Las Cruces campus only.
AERO 221. Team and Leadership Fundamentals
2 Credits (1.25+2P)
"Teams and Leadership Fundamentals," focuses on laying the foundation for teams and leadership. The topics include skills that allow cadets to improve their leadership on a personal level and within a team. The courses will prepare cadets for their field training experience where they will be able to put the concepts learned into practice. The purpose is to instill a leadership mindset and to motivate sophomore students to transition from AFROTC cadet to AFROTC officer candidate. Includes Leadership Lab practicum. May be repeated up to 2 credits. Restricted to Las Cruces campus only.
AERO 222. Team and Leadership Fundamentals II
2 Credits (1.25+2P)
"Team and Leadership Fundamentals," focuses on laying the foundation for teams and leadership. The topics include skills that will allow cadets to improve their leadership on a personal level and within a team. The courses will prepare cadets for their field training experience where they will be able to put the concepts learned into practice. The purpose is to instill a leadership mindset and to motivate sophomore students to transition from AFROTC cadet to AFROTC officer candidate. Includes Leadership Lab practicum. May be repeated up to 2 credits. Restricted to Las Cruces campus only.
AERO 223. Air Force Leadership Development
1 Credit (2P)
This course prepares cadets to excel in field training. Cadets are prepared in all facets of field training, including: leadership competency evaluations, the Cadet’s Guide to Field Training, individual drill evaluations, attention to detail, dining hall procedures, maintenance of living areas, and the group problem solving process. Restricted to: Main campus only.
AERO 301. Leading People and Effective Communication
4 Credits (3+2P)
"Leading People and Effective Communication," teaches cadets advanced skills and knowledge in management and leadership. Special emphasis is placed on enhancing leadership skills and communication. Cadets have an opportunity to try out these leadership and management techniques in a supervised environment as juniors and seniors. Includes Leadership Lab practicum.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of AERO 121/AERO 122 and AERO 221/AERO 222, or permission of instructor.
AERO 302. Leading People and Effective Communication II
4 Credits (3+2P)
"Leading People and Effective Communication," teaches cadets advanced skills and knowledge in management and leadership. Special emphasis is placed on enhancing leadership skills and communication. Cadets have an opportunity to try out these leadership and management techniques in a supervised environment as juniors and seniors. Include Leadership Lab practicum.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of AERO 121/AERO 122 and AERO 221/AERO 222, or permission of instructor.
AERO 401. National Security, Leadership Responsibilities and Commissioning Preparation
4 Credits (3+2P)
"National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty," is designed for college seniors and gives them the foundation to understand their role as military officers in American society. It is an overview of the complex social and political issues facing the military profession and requires a measure of sophistication commensurate with the senior college level. The final semester provides information that will prepare the cadets for Active Duty. Includes Leadership Lab practicum.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of AERO 121/AERO 122, AERO 221/AERO 222, and AERO 301/AERO 302, or permission of instructor.
AERO 402. National Security, Leadership Responsibilities and Commissioning Preparation II
4 Credits (3+2P)
"National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty," is designed for college seniors and gives them the foundation to understand their role as military officers in American society. It is an overview of the complex social and political issues facing the military profession and requires a measure of sophistication commensurate with the senior college level. The final semester provides information that will prepare the cadets for Active Duty. Includes Leadership Lab practicum.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of AERO 121/AERO 122, AERO 221/AERO 222, AERO 301/AERO 302, and AERO 401 or permission of instructor.
Website: http://airforcerotc.nmsu.edu