Penn State Air Force ROTC earns top rating among detachments nationwide

University Park, Pa. -- The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program at Penn State earned an "outstanding" rating recently from the Air Education and Training Command's inspector general. This is the highest rating awarded, and it is given only to the elite Air Force ROTC detachments in the nation.

The Penn State AFROTC program is the only unit in recent history to earn the "outstanding" rating in back-to-back inspections. AFROTC earned the same rating during the last evaluation in October 2000.

The inspection covers a four-year period and reviews the unit's ability to comply with all laws, instructions and regulations; prevent fraud, waste and abuse; and most importantly, exhibit unit-initiated, innovative ideas to effectively train future Air Force leaders.

Penn State is the number-one producer of Air Force second lieutenants in the Big Ten.

"This rating is a fabulous credit not only to the faculty and staff of Penn State's Air Force ROTC detachment, but also to our Penn State-managed Air Force supply section and the great support received by Penn State's senior leadership," said Col. Paul Neiheisel, professor of aerospace studies and unit commander. "The real winners, however, are the 186 Air Force ROTC cadets who work so hard to succeed in college and in our program."

"This certifies what we already know: Detachment 720 and Penn State are among the elite in AFROTC," added Col. Frank Schreck, Air Force ROTC Northeast region commander. "The Northeast Region is composed of 37 AFROTC detachments covering an area from New Hampshire west to Michigan and south to Maryland."

"I am not surprised that our AFROTC received such a high rating. They are top-notch and this recognition is well-deserved," said Janis Jacobs, vice provost for undergraduate education and international programs at Penn State. "Penn State can be proud of our standing among AFROTC programs -- we continue to attract high quality students and turn out superior officers for the Air Force."

At Penn State, students may select reserve officers' training in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Air Force. Subject to the specific requirements of the service chosen, students select courses in military, naval or aerospace science. University credit is given for these courses, and they also can be applied toward a minor in military studies.

In accordance with academic rules, a minimum of six credits earned in ROTC courses applies toward graduation requirements in any baccalaureate program. Additional ROTC credits may be applied toward graduation according to the policy of the college or degree-granting unit in which the candidate is enrolled. In many programs, the category to which ROTC credit may be applied is clearly stated. In programs where the category is not predetermined, the student's adviser and the student decide which credits the ROTC credits will replace.

There is no military service obligation during the first year of the program regardless of scholarship status. Sophomore students have no obligation unless they are on a military scholarship. In addition to academic classes, ROTC students participate in a wide variety of staff and student-led activities, including physical training and professional development to further prepare themselves for a commission as an variety of technologies.

Air Force ROTC is an educational program designed to prepare undergraduate students for a commission in the Air Force while earning their baccalaureate degree. The AFROTC curriculum consists of courses within a University major, general military courses, professional officer courses, Air Force leadership laboratory and field training. The education and experience gained through the program prepares future Air Force leaders.

Anyone in any major can join AFROTC. Additionally, there are numerous scholarships and financial incentives available in all majors. Four-, three- and two-year scholarships are available to selected applicants. For students who always wanted to be pilots, the Air Force prepares many of the best pilots in the world. For students who would rather keep their feet on the ground, AFROTC has more than 50 officer career fields from which to choose. These range from highly technical engineers to hands-on leadership of people and vast resources.

Penn State's AFROTC Detachment 720 produces the largest number of officers in the Big Ten. With more than 200 cadets, Penn State commissions approximately 40 lieutenants each year, placing many in aviation positions. Of the 200 cadets, nearly 30 percent are women and 10 percent are minorities. Penn State AFROTC is big enough to offer some incredible opportunities, while being small enough so that everyone gets to know each other.

Any University Park student can join AFROTC in the spring or fall by enrolling in the appropriate class. First- and second-year students should sign up for Air 151 in the fall and Air 152 in the spring. Students in their third year or higher should contact AFROTC before registering to ensure a place in the correct class.

For more information, visit the Penn State AFROTC Web site at http://www.psu.edu/dept/acad_afrotc/