STEPHENVILLE (March 30, 2017) — Tarleton State University and the Texan Corps of Cadets have partnered with the U.S. Air Force and Texas Christian University to offer aerospace studies and an opportunity to commission in the Air Force.
Starting this fall, cadets can enroll in TCU’s Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) and compete for AFROTC scholarships while completing their degree at Tarleton. Depending on the course of study selected and completion of AFROTC requirements, cadets can graduate as commissioned second lieutenants in the Air Force.
“This is a great opportunity for Tarleton students,” said Dr. Alex del Carmen, executive director of the university’s School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Strategic Studies—home of the Department of Military Science and the Texan Corps of Cadets. “Participation in AFROTC develops leadership and builds self-confidence.”
Air Force Lt. Col. Darin Greg, professor of Aerospace Studies at TCU, is equally optimistic. “We are excited about the partnership with Tarleton and the opportunity to become part of the university’s rich military history as we move forward together to provide an avenue for Texan cadets to pursue an Air Force commission,” he said.
Enrollment in the General Military Course (first two years) is voluntary and does not obligate non-scholarship students to further military service. The Professional Officer Course (last two years) requires a service commitment and provides a monthly stipend to students as they complete their path to become an Air Force officer.
AFROTC classes will take place on the TCU campus in Fort Worth.
“AFROTC program benefits are invaluable,” explained retired U.S. Air Force Col. Kenny Weldon, commandant of Tarleton’s Texan Corps of Cadets. “In addition to leadership and academic learning, there are opportunities to receive an excellent scholarship and participate in unique summer training.”
Tarleton’s Texan Corp of Cadets originally started in 1917, when enrollment was required for all male students, and was reinstated in fall 2016.
For more information on Tarleton’s new AFROTC program, email Col. Weldon at kweldon@tarleton.edu or call him at 254-968-9531.
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