Cadet Life
Being an ROTC cadet is a unique experience that combines college academics with military training. Cadets learn to balance coursework, leadership responsibilities, and physical training while preparing for their future careers as Air Force officers.
Daily Life
A week in the life of an ROTC cadet includes academic classes, leadership training, physical fitness (PT), and extracurricular activities.
Cadets typically enroll in two Aerospace Studies components per semester, along with regular physical training:
- Physical Training (PT)
- Classroom Instruction (Aerospace Studies Courses)
- Leadership Laboratory (LLAB)
Physical Training (PT)
Physical Training (PT) is a required component of the AFROTC program, designed to develop cadets’ physical fitness and cultivate the resilience, discipline, and teamwork essential for success as an Air or Space Force officer. PT sessions emphasize preparing cadets to meet and exceed Air Force fitness standards while fostering a culture of mutual support and personal growth.
Cadets participate in structured workouts two times per week (from 6am to 7am), which typically include:
- Strength Training: Bodyweight exercises, calisthenics, and weight-based movements to build muscular endurance and overall strength.
- Cardiovascular Training: Running intervals, distance runs, and high-intensity conditioning to improve aerobic capacity and stamina.
- Functional Fitness: Circuit-style workouts and group challenges designed to enhance agility, strength, and core stability.
PT also serves as a leadership development environment, providing cadets with opportunities to lead warm-ups, design workouts, and motivate their peers—mirroring the teamwork and accountability expected in the Air and Space Forces.
A key focus of PT is preparation for the Air Force Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA), which evaluates cadets on:
- 1.5-mile run
- Max Push-ups in One Minute
- Max Sit-ups in One Minute
Cadets are encouraged to set personal fitness goals and support each other in achieving their best performance, reflecting the AFROTC commitment to developing well-rounded leaders—physically, mentally, and professionally.
“I have been so blessed to have amazing peers to grow with throughout my AFROTC journey and to have them as lifelong friends. It makes me eager to enter active duty and see where the Space Force is going to take me as a person and as a leader.”
– C/ Berg
Classroom Instruction (Aerospace Studies Courses)
The Aerospace Studies curriculum at UNC-Chapel Hill provides cadets with the academic foundation and leadership development necessary to commission as officers in the United States Air Force or Space Force. The coursework is designed to progress alongside a cadet’s leadership journey in AFROTC and introduce cadets to military leadership, Air and Space Force operations, and national security topics.
AS 100 (Foundations of the Air Force)
Freshmen
An introduction to the Air and Space Forces, military structure, customs and courtesies, and the role of an officer.
AS 200 (Evolution of Air and Space Power)
Sophomores
A historical overview of air and space power development and its impact on warfare.
AS 300 (Leadership Studies)
Juniors
Focused on leadership, management, communication, and decision-making—equipping cadets to lead others in demanding environments.
AS 400 (National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty)
Seniors
A capstone course covering national security policy, officership, and the transition to active duty service.
The Aerospace Studies curriculum is designed not only to educate cadets on Air and Space Force operations but also to challenge them to develop the leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills needed to succeed as officers and future leaders.
“I joined AFROTC to put my natural born ability to lead and to get along with others to the best use possible. My favorite memory has to be playing gator ball during PT and throwing screamers at the goalies’ noggins. I was extremely surprised by how much of a family everyone is and how welcoming and helpful the Cadre is”
– C/ Johnson
Leadership Lab (LLAB)
LLAB is a required, non-credit course taken each semester. It offers cadets practical leadership experience through training exercises, team-building, and drill and ceremonies. It is a critical environment where cadets apply classroom concepts and develop their leadership style under the mentorship of cadre and peers.
The focuses is developing leadership skills and teaching cadets everything they need to know before going to Field Training (FT).
Activities include drill and ceremonies, team-building exercises, and leadership evaluations.
See what it’s like to be an AFROTC cadet at Carolina! Watch this quick video for a firsthand look at the camaraderie, training, and opportunities that define Cadet Life at Det 590.
Summer Programs
AFROTC summer programs offer cadets exciting opportunities to develop leadership skills, gain hands-on operational experience, and explore potential career paths within the Air and Space Forces. These programs take place at various military installations across the country and abroad, providing cadets with real-world exposure to the responsibilities and challenges of military service. Whether flying aircraft, learning about space operations, or participating in cultural immersion experiences, summer programs broaden cadets’ perspectives and strengthen their leadership abilities—preparing them to excel as future officers.
SOAR
Soaring (SOAR) is a fifteen-day program designed to give cadets the opportunity to experience the basic fundamental of flight in non-powered glider operations. Cadets receive instruction in basic flight through ground school and actual flight, leading up to and possibly including cadet solo. The majority of instruction is conducted by upperclassmen USAFA cadets trained as soaring instructors. The program assumes that cadets have no previous flight experience, and there are no special medical requirements. Training is conducted at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
FreeFall (AFAFF)
The Air Force Academy Freefall Program (AFAFF), commonly referred to as “Jump,” provides cadets the opportunity to complete the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Basic Parachutist course. Over two weeks, cadets learn essential parachuting techniques, practice proper exits and landings, and ultimately perform five solo freefall jumps to earn their Air Force Basic Parachutist Badge—commonly called “jump wings.” This rigorous and high-adrenaline program builds confidence, mental resilience, and attention to detail under pressure.
“During the Summer of 2023, I had the experience of a lifetime! I had the opportunity to visit the United States Air Force Academy and jump out of a perfectly good airplane. I was selected to attend the Freefall program and during my 2 week venture, I got to jump out of a plane 5 times, meet extraordinary ROTC and USAFA cadets, earn my WINGS, and tour the United States Air Force Academy. Not only did I meet some of the brightest cadets in the country, I made some lifelong friends. I would recommend this program and other great opportunities to anyone who is interested.“
Project GO
Project Global Officer (Project GO) is a Department of Defense-funded initiative that provides ROTC cadets with fully funded opportunities to study critical languages both domestically and abroad. Cadets can immerse themselves in cultures while learning languages such as Arabic, Russian, Chinese, Korean, and more. These programs typically occur over the summer and range from 8 to 12 weeks. Project GO enhances cross-cultural competence, strengthens communication skills, and prepares future officers to operate effectively in an increasingly global environment.
“Through ProjectGO (Global Officer) I had the unique opportunity to spend my summer in Taiwan learning Mandarin. We went on many field trips to different places such as Tainan, Hualien and Hsinchu. I also visited many “must see” locations like the night markets, Waiao beach, Alishan mountain and Taipei 101! My favorite part of the trip was not only being able to cultivate new skills but the friendships made along the way. I will continue studying Chinese and hope to achieve fluency!”
USAFA Preparatory BMT Instructor
Cadets selected to serve as Basic Military Training (BMT) Instructors at the Air Force Academy Preparatory School play a vital leadership role in shaping the next generation of future Air and Space Force officers. Over the summer, AFROTC cadets work alongside Academy leadership to train and mentor incoming Prep School students. Instructors lead physical fitness sessions, drill and ceremonies, and military customs training, helping new trainees transition into military life. This program is an excellent opportunity to develop leadership and instructional skills while having a direct impact on future officer candidates.
“The summer before my senior year involved 18 days of basic military training (BMT), 240 basic cadet candidates, 25 USAFA and 20 AFROTC senior cadet trainers. We would wake up at 0400 to bang on the basic’s doors, lead physical training sessions, march…everywhere, inspect rooms and flip beds when they didn’t meet the standard. The duty day didn’t end until 2230 most nights; it was an exhausting time, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. On our few break days, we senior cadets were able to explore Colorado Springs, CO. I was able to network with cadets and forge friendships that will last through my Air Force career.”
National Character and Leadership Symposium
The National Character and Leadership Symposium (NCLS) is one of the premier leadership development experiences hosted by the U.S. Air Force Academy. Cadets selected to attend will engage with distinguished military leaders, business professionals, and academic experts in discussions about ethical leadership, personal growth, and overcoming challenges. The symposium challenges cadets to reflect on their values and leadership styles, empowering them to lead with character and inspire others.
“This was an amazing experience to be able to hear tips and ideas from very experienced leaders, both within the military and in the civilian sector. It brings together distinguished scholars, military leaders, corporate executives, and world-class athletes to motivate and equip participants for honorable living and effective leadership. It is a two-day event held at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. As a career broadening experience, getting to meet my peers at USAFA and from other AFROTC regions during NCLS was fantastic, I was able to make some lifelong friends and to catch up with old ones.”
Azimuth (USAFA Space Program)
The Azimuth Program is a hands-on, space-focused professional development opportunity hosted by the U.S. Air Force Academy. Cadets gain direct experience with satellite systems, orbital mechanics, and space operations while working with USAFA’s FalconSAT program and the Department of Astronautics. Participants engage in mission planning, satellite design, and payload testing, giving them a practical understanding of the growing importance of space operations. Azimuth is ideal for cadets interested in the Space Force or pursuing careers in space systems and operations.
