FAQ
AIR FORCE ROTC DETACHMENT 055
University of California, Los Angeles
What is UCLA AFROTC like?
UCLA AFROTC is a program that builds a cadet’s leadership skills with the intent of a
commissioning them as officers into the US Space and Air Forces. The majority of our military
training is conducted on Fridays, beginning at 0800, on the UCLA campus. This training
includes physical training, leadership laboratory and our Aerospace Studies academic courses.
Overall, expect a formal weekly commitment of 4-6.5 hours a week.
Aerospace Studies teach cadets military education, aerospace history, leadership management
and international studies. Freshman and sophomore students will attend one hour of class per
week while junior and senior students will attend for three-hours.
Leadership Laboratory is the application portion and considered a safe training environment
designed to train cadets to respond and flex their leadership skills in various situations.
Positions in the Cadet Wing are led by upperclassmen.
Do I have to be a student at UCLA to be part of Detachment 055?
Not at all! Detachment 055 hosts a number of crosstown schools which you can attend while still
being part of the program.
Our crosstown schools include the following: California Lutheran University, California
Polytechnic Pomona, California State University Long Beach, California State University
Dominguez Hills, California State University Fullerton, California State University Los Angeles,
California State University Northridge, El Camino College, Los Angeles Mission College, Los
Angeles Pierce College, Los Angeles Southwest College, Los Angeles Valley College,
Moorpark College, Santa Monica College, University of California Irvine, and University of
California Santa Barbara
What are the basic requirements to join the program??
• Enrolled full-time at UCLA or one of our crosstown schools (12 credit hours for undergrad; 9
credit hours for graduate studies)
• Have at least three years remaining until earning your degree
• Have at least a 2.0 cumulative college GPA
• Be age 18-39 at graduation or age 18-32 if pursuing a rated (flying) career
• Must be within Air Force Accessions BMI/body fat standards to remain in the program
How do I apply for scholarships?
We offer two kinds of scholarships. The first is the High School Scholarship Program (HSSP),
for current high school seniors, and the second is the In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP)
for current college students.
HSSP applications are open from Jun 1st to Jan 17th of a student’s senior year. For college
students, there is no formal application. You simply have to be a current cadet in the program
and doing exceptionally well to be nominated for one.
For more information, see here.
FAQ
AIR FORCE ROTC DETACHMENT 055
University of California, Los Angeles
What kind of degree do I need to get a scholarship?
Scholarships are given out to all degrees. However, we do seek those pursuing a degree in the
STEM fields. Because of this, students majoring in a technical degree are more competitive, but
non-tech scholarships are still given out. If you are unsure whether a degree is technical or not,
click here for a list of college highly desired majors.
What are the costs to me to join the program?
For UCLA students, there are no additional costs to any mandatory elements of the AFROTC
program. Crosstown students will pay a small fee of $50 (per quarter) for their Aerospace
Course.
Can I participate in other activities and still do AFROTC at
UCLA?
Yes! You are a student first—you can participate in nearly any student organization that you are
interested in. In fact, we highly encourage you to do so as that will help you to gain a diverse
background and make you a better leader overall.
How do I become a pilot?
You will compete for a rated position typically the year before you graduate based on your
grades, fitness, field training performance, commander’s ranking, and other factors. Det 055 has
an excellent track record of producing pilots for the Air Force—for a freshman the best thing you
can do is focus on your grades and physical fitness. You’ll receive more information along the
way to ensure you are competitive.
I’m not interested in flying, should I still consider the Air or
Space Force?
Yes! For nearly any civilian profession, there is an equivalent in the military—and then some!
The Air Force offers careers in engineering, finance, contracting, intelligence, security forces,
space operations, nuclear missile operations, cyberspace operations and more! Look into the
opportunities here.
What happens after I graduate and complete AFROTC?
Upon successful completion of a bachelor’s degree and the AFROTC program, you will be
commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air or Space Force. The majority of
new officers will incur a 4-year active duty service commitment—which means your fulltime job
after graduation will be to serve in the United States Air or Space Force. Officers pursuing rated
career fields will have a longer commitment (10 years for pilot; 6 years for combat systems
officer, air battle manager, or remote piloted aircraft operator).
