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Aerospace Studies (Air Force ROTC) Courses

AEST 10001 - Leadership Lab*

The Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) includes studying the culture of an Air Force officer and learning about opportunities available to commissioned officers. LLABs also include interviews, guidance, drill, customs & courtesies and other information aimed at increasing understanding, motivation, and performance as AF officer candidates. The AS 300 and AS 400 LLABs consist of activities classified as leadership and management experiences. They involve the planning and controlling of military activities of the cadet corps; and the preparation and presentation of briefings and other oral and written communications. (This course is only offered as P/NC.)

*For students in the Air Force ROTC Aerospace Studies program, this course may be used to fulfill the General Studies Kinesiology requirement for an additional activity course (KNES 1102-1122).

AEST 10211(fall)/10221(spring) - Foundation of the United States Air Force

A survey course designed to introduce students to the U.S. Air Force and Air Force ROTC. Featured topics include: mission and organization of the Air Force, officership and professionalism, military customs and courtesies, Air Force officer opportunities, group leadership problems, and an introduction to communication skills. In addition, Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for all Air Force ROTC cadets and complements this course by providing cadets with followership experiences. LLAB is only for cadets; it is not for special students (non-cadets) who are only attending AEST classes as electives (i.e. not pursuing a commission into the USAF).

AEST 20211(fall)/20221(spring) - Team and Leadership Fundamentals

A survey course designed to provide a basic understanding of both leadership and team-building fundamentals. In this course, students will apply learned leadership perspectives while completing team-building activities and discussing various leadership topics (i.e., conflict management, motivation, ethical decision-making, etc.). Additionally, students will be introduced to, and practice, basic verbal and written communication skills to develop effective thinking, writing, and speaking proficiencies. Students are taught from the beginning that there are many layers to leadership, including aspects that are not typically associated with these topics. Such aspects include listening, self-assessment/self-reflection, being a good follower, and problem-solving efficiently. As a whole, this course provides the student with a knowledge level understanding of the general elements of leader development and effective teamwork. Furthermore, students will continue to discuss the importance of the Air Force Core Values with the use of operational examples and historical Air Force leaders. Leadership Laboratory (AEST 10001) is mandatory for Air Force ROTC cadets and complements this course by providing cadets with followership experiences.

AEST 30113(fall)/30123(spring) - Leadership Studies

Case studies are used to examine Air Force leadership and management situations as a means of demonstrating and exercising practical application of the concepts being studied. In addition, Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for Air Force ROTC cadets (not special students) and complements this course by providing advanced leadership experiences in officer-type activities, giving students the opportunity to apply the leadership and management principles of this course.

AEST 40113(fall)/40123(spring) - National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty

Special topics of interest focus on the military as a profession, officership, military justice, civilian control of the military, preparation for active duty, and current issues affecting military professionalism. Within this structure, continued emphasis is given to refining communication skills. In addition, Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for Air Force ROTC cadets (not special students) and complements this course by providing advanced leadership experiences in officer-type activities, giving students the opportunity to apply the leadership and management principles of this course