Aerospace Studies Department
Kenneth R. Sterling, Lt Col, USAF Chairperson
Baylor University
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor participates in a cross-town agreement with Baylor University, which allows UMHB students to take Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFROTC) / Aerospace Studies classes offered at Baylor. Effective January 1, 2020, AFROTC/Military Science students will not be able to waive the Exercise Activity courses required in the academic core curriculum.
Leadership Laboratory (LLAB)
The AERO 1111, AERO 1112, AERO 2111, AERO 2112, AERO 3111, AERO 3112, AERO 4111, and AERO 4112 classes are collectively referred to as Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) and are required for cadets pursuing a commission in the Air Force or Space Force. LLAB is a dynamic and integrated grouping of leadership developmental activities designed to meet the needs and expectations of prospective Air Force and Space Force second lieutenants and complement the AFROTC academic program. LLAB involves a study of Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, career opportunities in the Air Force and Space Force, and the life and work of an Air Force commissioned officer. Field trips to Air Force and other U.S. Department of Defense installations may be included when funding permits. Physical training and fitness evaluations are required. Cadets enrolled in LLAB are required to submit documentation of twice-weekly, 1-hour physical training (PT) sessions. Cadets must also attend at least 80% of LLAB activities (i.e., practical military training), which averages two hours per week throughout a cadet’s entire enrollment in the AFROTC program.
General Military Course (GMC)
The AERO 1101, AERO 1102, AERO 2101, and AERO 2102 classes are collectively referred to as the General Military Course (GMC) and have Leadership Laboratory co-requisites for cadets. The GMC concentrates on two major themes: (1) Heritage and Values and (2) Team and Leadership Fundamentals. Students will survey general aspects of the Department of the Air Force, opportunities for Air Force and Space Force officers, employment of air and space power, and leadership and team building. Cadets who begin AFROTC with an expectation to complete the program and their baccalaureate degree in less than 4 years may concurrently take AERO 1101 and 2101 or AERO 1102 and 2102 in order to preserve at least 2 full years in the Professional Officer Course.
Field Training Eligible cadets compete, on a nationwide basis, to attend Field Training during the summer months at an Air Force training site in the United States. Students usually compete for a Field Training enrollment allocation in the spring of their sophomore year and attend Field Training that summer. Field Training will train and evaluate cadets in Air Force Institutional Competencies to prepare them for the Professional Officer Corps Successful completion of Field Training enables students to enroll in the Professional Officer Course.
Professional Officer Course (POC)
The AERO 3301, AERO 3302, AERO 4301, and AERO 4302 classes are collectively referred to as the Professional Officer Course and have Leadership Laboratory co-requisites for cadets. The POC concentrates on two major themes: (1) Leading People & Effective Communication and (2) National Security Affairs, Leadership Responsibilities, & Commissioning Preparation Students will learn advanced skills in management and leadership and will be provided the foundation to understand the role of military officers in American society. For cadets, successful completion of the POC and a baccalaureate degree results in commissioning as an Air Force second lieutenant and a call to extended active duty (i.e. full-time military service) within 365 days of the commissioning date.
Additional Information
Scholarships and abbreviated commissioning programs may exist for qualified candidates. To inquire about any of the traditional or abbreviated programs and for more information about scholarship opportunities, contact afrotc@baylor.edu.
The Department of Aerospace Studies is located in the Baylor University Speight Plaza Building and Parking Garage, Suite 100, 1521 S. 4th Street, Waco, Texas. The telephone number is (254) 710-3513. Additionally, the mailing address is AFROTC Detachment 810, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97070, Waco, TX 76798