Air Force ROTC
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a college program that allows students to earn a degree while training to become an Air Force or Space Force officer, offering leadership and management skills development, and potentially leading to a commission as a second lieutenant.
Hinds students can enroll in Air Force ROTC at Jackson State University (JSU) while attending Hinds as a regular student. AFROTC activities include attending class and one leadership lab per week on the JSU campus. Students can commission as Officers in the United States Air Force after completing four years in the program. ROTC is an excellent way to enjoy the college experience and prepare to serve your country at the same time. For more information, visit https://www.jsums.edu/afrotc/
While at Hinds, students attend the two-year-long General Military Course (GMC).
GMC consists of a 1-credit hour lecture focused on Air Force history and foundational military knowledge. All cadets also attend a weekly Leadership Laboratory, where they develop practical skills through activities like group leadership projects and drill and ceremonies. Additionally, cadets participate in physical training sessions twice a week to maintain fitness and build resilience.
A variety of scholarships are available for participating students. More information is available at https://www.afrotc.com.
Course Offerings
AFR1112 Heritage and Values of The United State Air Force I
One-hour lecture. A survey course (w/lab) designed to introduce students to the United States Air Force and provides an overview of the basic characteristics, missions, and organization of the Air Force. Two-hour lab. A dynamic and integrated grouping of leadership development activities designed to meet the needs and expectations of prospective Air Force second lieutenants and complement the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFROTC) academic program.
AFR1121 Department of the Air Force (DAF) Professionalism
An integral part of the program that provides the opportunity for cadets to practice officership skills and develop leadership and management techniques. This class centers on the organized cadet wing where activities are planned and conducted by cadets and supervised by detachment officers. This course also builds esprit de corps within the cadet organization and allows cadets to make errors and be given feedback on how they can correct them without serious consequences.
AFR1212 Department of Air Force Heritage and Values
One-hour lecture. A survey course designed as an introductory-level exploration of national security, encompassing a broad perspective on the military’s involvement in all facets of national security, ranging from cooperation to armed conflict.
AFR1221 Leadership Lab II
An integral part of the program that provides the opportunity for cadets to practice officership skills and develop leadership and management techniques. This class centers on the organized cadet wing where activities are planned and conducted by cadets and supervised by detachment officers. This course also builds esprit de corps within the cadet organization and allows cadets to make errors and be given feedback on how they can correct them without serious consequences.
AFR2112 Team Leadership and Fundamentals I
A focus on laying the foundation for teams and leadership. The topics include skills that will allow cadets to improve their leadership on a personal level and within a team. The course will prepare cadets for their field training experience where they will be able to put the concepts learned into practice. The purpose is to instill a leadership mindset and to motivate students to transition from AFROTC cadet to AFROTC officer candidate.
AFR2121 Leadership Lab III
An integral part of the program that provides the opportunity for cadets to practice officership skills and develop leadership and management techniques. This class centers on the organized cadet wing where activities are planned and conducted by cadets and supervised by detachment officers. This course also builds esprit de corps within the cadet organization and allows cadets to make errors and be given feedback on how they can correct them without serious consequences.
AFR2212 Team Leadership and Fundamentals II
One-hour lecture. Lecture provides a fundamental understanding of both leadership and team building. The lessons and course flow are designed to prepare cadets for field training and leadership positions in the detachment. A dynamic and integrated grouping of leadership development activities designed to meet the needs and expectations of prospective Air Force second lieutenants and complement the AFROTC academic program.
AFR2221 Leadership Lab IV
An integral part of the program that provides the opportunity for cadets to practice officership skills and develop leadership and management techniques. This class centers on the organized cadet wing where activities are planned and conducted by cadets and supervised by detachment officers. This course also builds esprit de corps within the cadet organization and allows cadets to make errors and be given feedback on how they can correct them without serious consequences.
Contact Information
The AFROTC program is housed within JSU’s Department of Aerospace Science,
College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. If you are interested or have questions, contact:
Michael L. Palmore, Lt Col, USAF
Department Chair & Professor, Aerospace Studies
Commander, Air Force ROTC Detachment 006
Jackson State University
1400 John R. Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39217
tel: 601-979-1620
email: michael.l.palmore@jsums.edu
Department of Aerospace Science – Jackson State University
Graden P. Gribble, Capt., USAF
Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies
Recruiting and Education Officer
tel: 601-979-0232
email: graden.p.gribble@jsums.edu
Marcille McLendon
Academic Dean
Hinds Community College
tel: 601-857-3927
email: Marion.McLendon@hindscc.edu



