Air Force ROTC at De Anza

Air Force Thunderbird jets flying in close formation against blue sky

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 045 is a four-year program, based at San José State University, that develops cadets into leaders of character and prepares them for commissioning into the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.

Cadets can fulfill their degree requirements while cultivating both physical and leadership capabilities essential for various career paths upon graduation.

De Anza College has a crosstown agreement with host institution San José State University (SJSU) Detachment 045. This means you can be enrolled as a student at De Anza and take your ROTC classes each week at SJSU.

For more information about the detachment, offered programs, obligations, requirements and contacts, please visit the SJSU Air Force ROTC website, or contact Detachment 045:

Aerospace Studies Courses at San José State

Aerospace Studies (AS) classes are the academic foundation of the Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) curriculum. These courses are taught by trained and experienced military faculty members, selectively assigned to AFROTC, and are designed to provide cadets with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary for effective leadership. The 16-unit curriculum is divided as follows:

  • Freshmen (AS100): Heritage and Values (1 unit / semester)
  • Sophomores (AS200): Team and Leadership Fundamentals (1 unit / semester)
  • Juniors (AS300): Leading People and Effective Communication (3 units / semester)
  • Seniors (AS400): National Security and Preparation for Active-Duty (3 units / semester)

Leadership Laboratory 

Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) is a hands-on, cadet-led training component conducted once a week, typically lasting two hours. It focuses on practical leadership experience, military customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, and other activities that prepare cadets for Field Training, leadership roles, and development as future military officers. Upper-class (POC) cadets are responsible for planning and executing LLAB sessions, providing them with valuable leadership experience while mentoring under-class (GMC) cadets. This structure allows cadets to take an active role in training and decision-making, with oversight and guidance from active-duty military professionals.

Physical Training (PT)

Physical Training (PT) sessions are conducted twice per week and are designed to improve cadets' physical conditioning, endurance and overall health. Activities may include running, calisthenics, and other exercises aimed at meeting the physical fitness standards required for commissioning. Regular PT sessions also help build camaraderie and teamwork among cadets. Cadets must take and pass the Department of the Air Force Physical Fitness Assessment every academic term to remain in good standing and continue progressing in the program.

Curriculum and Program

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.

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