Enlisted Commissioning Programs
Generally, as an Active-Duty member you are not able to participate in ROTC, however, there are some programs that allow you to attend college full time as a cadet and receive your commission through ROTC:
- Scholarship for Outstanding Airmen (SOAR)
- Airman Scholastic Commissioning Program (ASCP)
- POC Early Release Program (POC-ERP)
In addition to these options there are programs that allow you to attend college as an Active-Duty member and commission through Officer Training School after completion of your 4-year degree program:
- Senior Leader Enlisted Commissioning Program Active Duty Scholarship (SLECP-A)
- Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program (NECP)
Speak with your leadership team if you desire to attend college and commission as an officer to see you if you are a candidate for any of the programs listed above.
If you decide to attend college full time after separating, Air Force ROTC would be an excellent option and you would join other prior enlisted members who provide valuable contributions and perspectives to the Detachment (see How to Join for next steps).
Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen and Guardians to ROTC (SOAR)
SOAR allocates scholarship quotas to MAJCOMs, field operating agencies and direct-reporting units for outstanding RegAF Airmen. If qualified and selected by the AFROTC board, Airmen and Guardians receive scholarships to a college or university offering AFROTC for a time period ranging from two (2) to four (4) years. Commanders are encouraged to seek out their strongest performers with exceptional potential, motivating them to complete college degrees and be commissioned through AFROTC. RegAF personnel are discharged from the RegAF and enlisted in the AFR-Obligated Reserve Section to accept the scholarships and enroll in AFROTC.
Selection Board: MAJCOM or Wg/CC
How to Apply: Follow MAJCOM or Wg/CC guidance
Airman Sscholarship & Commissioning Program (ASCP)
ASCP offers RegAF enlisted personnel the opportunity to earn a commission while completing their bachelor’s degree as an AFROTC cadet. Scholarships range from two (2) to four (4) years in length. Participants receive payment for tuition and scholarship fees, an annual textbook allowance, and a monthly stipend when the scholarship is activated. AFROTC scholarships do not pay for room and board costs.
Selection Board: HQ AFROTC
How to Apply: Use the ECP Package Checklist and see AFROTC Enlisted Application for more details.
Professional Officer Course-Early realease Program (POC-ERP)
POC-ERP is an avenue for RegAF Airmen to attend college in order to finish earning their baccalaureate degree. The POC-ERP allows Airmen with no more than two (2) years of college remaining to apply for early release from the RegAF to pursue a commission through AFROTC. Selected applicants attend college full time at universities offering AFROTC.
Selection Board: HQ AFROTC
How to Apply: Use the ECP Package Checklist and see AFROTC Enlisted Application for more details.
Senior Leader Enlisted Commissioning Program Active Duty Scholarshi (SLECP-A)
SLECP-A is for candidates who do not possess a baccalaureate degree but have completed at least 24 semester hours or equivalent by the end of the SLECP selection window with plans for completing a bachelor’s degree within three years from an accredited institution. This program provides an opportunity for enlisted members to complete their degree while in an active-duty status. Airmen and Guardians must complete all degree requirements within three (3) years and attend an accredited school with an associated funding agreement and/or affiliated crosstown AFROTC (for personnel administrative management purposes only) with a tuition cap of $18,000/year. The degree earned must qualify for the AFSC classification or the member will be reclassified into a qualifying AFSC. After graduation, the Airman attends OTS to earn their commission.
Selection Board: Air Force Senior Leaders
How to Apply: See myFSS for detailed instructions (requires login or CAC)
Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program (NECP)
The NECP program sponsors RegAF enlisted members to complete the upper-division curriculum toward a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Maximum program participation may not exceed 24 months. The Base Education and Training Office can assist those interested in applying with their education packages.
Selection Board: AFPC/DP2NN
How to Apply: See myFSS for detailed instructions (requires login or CAC)