Why did you join Air Force ROTC?

These quotes are from recent cadets...

I joined Air Force ROTC as a means to fulfill a commitment I made to myself early in high school that I would serve my country and live an adventure before 30.

I joined ROTC because both of my parents enlisted into the military but never became officers. It would make them proud to have an officer for a son. Plus, it gave me an opportunity to continue on to higher learning and I wanted to do something with my life.

I joined the AFROTC because I liked the idea of being a fighter pilot. I was also attracted to the business opportunities it would bring me.

It's a chance to be a part of something bigger and better and do something that is going to make a difference someday.

With all the different branches recruiting and trying to talk me into their particular branch, I just found that the Air Force would benefit me most when college was over. My reason for joining ROTC at all was in order to pay my expenses during and after college.

It is the best way I know how to serve the country I love.

I joined ROTC because I want to learn more about the opportunities the military has to offer and about the lifestyle and community. I joined the Air Force program because the Air Force offers me the best opportunities career-wise. Also, the Air Force is more family-oriented than the other branches.

I joined AFROTC as a means to a great future. For a little bit of effort, you get a lot in return.

I enjoy the military lifestyle and ROTC gives me the opportunity to fulfill a goal of becoming an officer.

What do you like most about Air Force ROTC?

The people I work and train with are the best part of the program.

I love the people! We have so much fun together and not just working out or drilling but also by doing silly things like going to the circus as a group. The cadets are definitely great friends to have.

My favorite thing about Air Force ROTC is the people. I was nervous first coming in my freshman year, but now it's like I've known these people all my life. There is a real sense of family in the wing.

The best thing about ROTC are the job opportunities at graduation. It gives you a peace of mind knowing you don't have to search for an employer once you go into the real world.

In particular, I can reflect back and say that AAS (Arnold Air Society) and summer PDT (Professional Development Training) - FREEFALL! were and still are rewarding experiences that challenge but reward.

The chance to be a pilot and serve my country.

I like the people I'm surrounded with and the organization as a whole.

Of all the great things that come out of AFROTC, I appreciate and like the training the most. The people skills, leadership skills, and life skills you learn in this program will be useful in all aspects of life.

How has the Physical Fitness training (PT) benefited you?

PT has really helped me out. I'm in much better shape than when I came in and we usually get to have a lot of fun in the process.

Good conditioning obviously enhances self-confidence and increases energy.

I have been in the best shape of my life.

I like the PT's a lot because without them I probably wouldn't exercise regularly on my own.

The Physical Fitness training not only helps keep me healthy but also serves as a release from being in class. It is also lots of fun and you are able to build camaraderie within your unit and get to know people in a different environment.

PT requires me to remain physically active. I feel that I'm in much better shape because of the physical fitness training that I have received.

Physical Fitness training has managed to keep me in shape and challenge me to be the best.

What do you think are the biggest misperceptions of Air Force ROTC?

People often think we get yelled at all the time or when we make a mistake which is totally not true. The Cadre (active duty officers) do care about you. Mistakes are made, they are corrected, and lessons are learned. Yelling is not part of that process at AFROTC.

The biggest misconception about ROTC is that everyone is a pilot. The Air Force is a diverse organization with a myriad of job fields that have parallels in the civilian world.

People think that all we do is learn how to kill people.

That we're all gonna become pilots. My goals are much different. I personally want to become a lawyer and the Air Force is an option for this that is very worthwhile and will benefit me in the long run.

I think the biggest misconception is that everyone is stiff as a board and likes to yell at each other. We're just regular college kids. (Of course, I can't speak for the Army.)

The biggest misperceptions about AFROTC is what exactly it accomplishes, but more importantly what the US military represents and undertakes daily that benefits individuals from all walks of life and nationalities, not just the United States of America.

I know when I first thought of ROTC, I thought that only dorks or nerds were involved. Once I actually looked into the program, I realized that I was wrong. In fact, some of the ROTC people I have met in the past few months have become the people that mean the most to me.

Why should a student consider joining Air Force ROTC?

There are so many reasons that I cannot think of just one. The reasons include the friendships there are to be made, the fun trips to be taken (Air Force bases, Washington, DC, etc.), the money from the scholarship (plus a $250 monthly stipend that helps pay those bills), sponsorship and leadership in the cadre (they are always around to help you if you have a problem that needs solving), and the life-long lessons that are to be learned (including very important ones about leadership, personality traits, etc.)

The Air Force creates great opportunities for every person.

A student should join AFROTC because you meet so many people and are given so many opportunities you wouldn't otherwise have. And it's free.

Students should consider joining AFROTC because you learn a lot of skills which are not taught in any college course, you get to know interesting people, you get exposed to the greatest organization in this country and you have nothing to lose.

AFROTC provides motivated students an opportunity to have their college education funded, while at the same time guaranteeing them a management-level job in the world's greatest Air Force.

The adventure and opportunities it gives you.

No one should feel unqualified or not the "military type."

Air Force ROTC is really rewarding. You gain great experience that can be used outside of the Air force. It's also a great job with great benefits which is good especially with the job market the way it is today.

What are your thoughts regarding the uniform and wearing it (only one day a week)?

When you put the uniform on each time, a new sense of pride ignites within you because you are part of a well-respected organization.

I can be very comfortable and draws lots of attention and I am proud to be wearing it.

I'm proud to be a part of something bigger than myself and the uniform reflects that.

At first, I thought it was weird to walk around campus in uniform perception of people staring and pointing fingers when I walked by. Now, I notice strangers who say hello or wave when they drive by out of respect for the uniform and it makes me proud.

The uniform is more than the ever present statement "people have died for/in this uniform." The uniform signifies that one is entering an elite organization which prides itself on the quality of its people and the strength of their character. The uniform might be simple in design and accoutrements, but like a suit of armor, it presents an image of power, discipline and integrity.

There are few times you'll feel prouder of yourself than when wearing this uniform.