In one form or another, ROTC has been a part of The University of Alabama since World War I. From 1916 to 1946, cadets received commissioning as officers in the Army’s Air Corp. During World War II, Major General Oliver Lewis, Lieutenant Thomas H. Borders, and hundreds more trained for war through the Air ROTC branch of the Army, including Lieutenant Maxwell, for whom Maxwell Air Force Base is named.
Alabama's military programs present many opportunities for students. It is a great way for college students to pursue higher education while developing leadership skills as they prepare to serve their country.
Programs
Air Force Studies (Air Force ROTC)
The program in Air Force Studies affords students opportunities to learn about the United States Air Force and its role in national security while exploring the opportunity to earn an Air Force officer's commission concurrent with a college degree. Freshman and sophomore courses are open to all students and incur no military obligation. The courses are fully accredited, one-hour electives. To enroll in Air Force ROTC, a student simply registers for a course in Air Force Studies. Air Force ROTC courses are currently not offered through distance learning.
Officer Training Corps Studies (Army ROTC)
Army ROTC is a college elective that focuses on leadership and management skills. The ROTC program consists of the Basic Course and the Advanced Course. The Basic Course provides college students the opportunity to learn about and experience the U.S. Army without incurring any military obligation during their freshman and sophomore years. The Advanced Course prepares juniors, seniors and graduate students for commissioning as officers in the active U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard. Army ROTC courses are currently not offered through distance learning.