Core Values
Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do
Whoever you are and wherever you fit in the Air Force and Space Force teams, the core values are what you will live by and learn to cherish.
The core values remind us what it takes to get the mission done. They inspire us to do our very best at all times. They are the common bond among all comrades in arms, and they are the glue that unifies the forces and ties us to the great warriors and public servants of the past.
Heritage
A Tradition of Honor, and a Legacy of Valor
Our United States Air Force and Space Force reflect the vision of the founders of airpower. We foster ingenuity in the development of the world’s best air and space professionals. These warriors are the heart and soul of our unique fighting force. We will continue to transition new technologies into joint warfighting systems and integrate our capabilities to produce decisive warfighting effects.
Our Air Force and Space Force are the greatest in the world because of the generations of Airmen and Guardians who devoted their lives to serving their country. Men and women of the Air Force and Space Force today recognize and honor historic achievements and unique contributions to fighting and winning America’s wars.
Whether you are active duty, guard, reserve or civilian, you are America’s Airmen and Guardians. We are confident in your ability to protect and defend the United States of America.
Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) History
AFROTC is the largest and oldest source of commissioned officers for the Air Force and Space Force. Its headquarters is located at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama. The program recruits, educates and commissions officer candidates through college campus programs based on Air Force and Space Force requirements. Students can attend classes through host or crosstown enrollment programs or consortium agreements.
Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) was established when the National Defense Act of 1916 was passed. The first Air Force ROTC (then called Air ROTC) units were established between 1920 and 1923 at the University of California at Berkeley, Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Illinois, the University of Washington, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Texas Agricultural and Mechanical College.
After World War II, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, chief of staff of the War Department, signed General Order No. 124, establishing Air ROTC units at 77 colleges and universities throughout the nation.
Women were accepted in the Senior Program starting in 1969. Eligible Air Force and Space Force enlisted men and women pursuing a college degree who are interested in becoming commissioned officers are given that opportunity through competition in the AFROTC Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program, established in 1973.
In 1978, Air Training Command assumed responsibility for AFROTC programs. On July 1, 1993, Air Training Command merged with Air University to form Air Education and Training Command and AFROTC realigned under Air University.
In February 1997, Air Force ROTC and Officer Training School merged under the new parent organization, Air Force Officer Accession and Training Schools (AFOATS). This restructuring placed oversight for three-quarters of Air Force officer production under one organization. It facilitated the sharing of manpower and expertise with minimum effect on the day-to-day operations of either organization. In June 2008, AFOATS was renamed the Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accession and Citizen Development Center, or Holm Center.
There are currently 145 Air Force ROTC detachments nationwide.