Training and management skills are just some of the positives for Mississippi State students in the Air Force ROTC.Aside from receiving college credits, ROTC students are immersed in opportunity. A potential job is available for some graduating cadets in a highly advanced field with the U.S. Air Force as a second lieutenant officer.
“If you’re looking for a job right out of school, I think it’s one way to find a really good career when you leave school. You don’t have to go through the job search process when you leave school and get out in the real world,” senior Michael Rutledge said.
Job security is an immediate plus for students, according to Capt. John Shapleigh, the Mississippi State Air Force Unit Admission Officer.
“When students graduate and become officers, they outrank 75 percent of the Air Force,” Shapleigh said. These new officers will be in charge of various subordinates, making leadership a number one priority for the Air Force. This pursuit of leaders is reflected by the curriculum developed by the Air Force ROTC.
Freshmen and sophomore cadets take a one-hour class in ROTC, along with a leadership laboratory. Juniors and seniors take three 50-minute sessions in ROTC, along with a leadership laboratory. It is in these labs that ordinary students become leaders.
According to Shapleigh, the Air Force cadet core is self-sufficient as the upperclassmen run the day-to-day operations and the faculty provides oversight and direction. The upperclassmen are molded into leaders as a result of this role.
“Not only do we produce leaders for the Air Force, but we also produce better citizens for America,” Shapleigh said.
Aside from career development and guaranteed job security, the Air Force ROTC can also help students financially through scholarships.
With a four-year commitment, a qualifying freshman would receive an out-of-state and general tuition waiver, $255 for books per semester, $250 per month as a tax-free stipend and, in some cases, free room and board.
According to Shapleigh, there are opportunities for anyone of any age with the Air Force ROTC. The program is looking for individuals that “possess leadership style and skills” from any age bracket at MSU.