Air Force and Space Force ROTC Comprehensive Academics Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering Air Force and Space Force ROTC academics, including GLPs, drill evaluations, inspections, organizational structures, creeds, codes of conduct, uniform and grooming regulations, customs and courtesies, and leadership chains of command.

Group Leadership Project (GLP)

A short, challenging activity led by one individual designed to test leadership, communication, problem-solving, and delegation skills under specific time limits, rules, and constraints. In comparison to Troop Leading Procedures (TLP), the GLP represents the actual mission the team must accomplish.

Troop Leading Procedures (TLP)

The eight-step process used to accomplish a mission: 1. Receive Mission, 2. Issue Warning Order, 3. Make Tentative Plan, 4. Initiate Movement, 5. Conduct Reconnaissance, 6. Complete Plan, 7. Issue Operations Order, 8. Supervise/Refine.

Four Phases of Debriefing

The structured reflection process following a mission or GLP consisting of: 1. Identify the Mission / Reconstruction & Analysis, 2. Identify Focal Points / Contributing Factors, 3. Determine Root Cause, and 4. Instructional Fix / Lessons Learned.

Debrief Focus Point (DFP)

The major point or points that need to be addressed during a debrief; focuses learning directly towards the specific areas where the mission failed to meet its objectives.

Contributing Factor (CF)

An event, occurrence, or action that potentially contributed to a Debrief Focus Point (DFP) or Learning Point (LP).

Root Cause (RC)

The single contributing factor that, if not present, would not have prevented mission success; often identified as the earliest contributing factor in a chain of events.

Learning Point (LP)

A significant debrief point that did not result in mission failure, but could lead to mission failure in the future if left unaddressed.

Lessons Learned (LL)

An all-encompassing solution formulated by analyzing the Root Cause and Contributing Factors, focusing on controllable areas to create an actionable course of action.

Instructional Fix (IF)

The instructor's corrective guidance, action plan, or feedback provided to address a contributing factor.

AFROTC Form 2

The standardized evaluation form used at Field Training to assess cadet performance across five core areas: Professionalism, Communication, Warfighting, Leadership, and Mission Execution; requires an overall OLA competency score of $\ge +1$ to pass.

Flight Drill Evaluation (FDE)

An evaluation assessing a flight commander's drill leadership, command presence, formation control, and multitasking ability by executing 20 randomized drill movements within pad boundaries within a 5-minute time limit.

Open Ranks Inspection (ORI)

A formal military inspection procedure where a flight commander sizes the flight, commands open ranks, aligns elements, reports the flight to an inspector, and shadows the inspector to record uniform and appearance discrepancies.

"Count, HOFF" (ORI Execution)

A command given twice by the flight commander positioned one pace in front and one pace to the right of the guidon bearer facing the flight; upon command, each row turns their heads $45^\circ$ to the right and counts off in numerical sequence.

"Open ranks, HARCH"

Command given by the flight commander positioned centered six paces in front of the flight; each element takes steps forward corresponding to the number of elements behind them (fourth element stands fast) and automatically executes dress right dress.

"Close ranks, HARCH"

Command given by the flight commander following inspection feedback; elements take the appropriate steps forward to close intervals, dress right dress, and automatically return to the position of attention without further commands.

Air Force Mission

"To fly, fight, and win – airpower anytime, anywhere."

Space Force Mission

"Secure our Nation's interests in, from, and to space."

Air Force Vision

"The World's Greatest Air Force - Powered by Airmen, Fueled by Innovation."

Holm Center Mission

"We build leaders."

Holm Center Vision

"To sustain a diverse culture of leadership development focused on Continuous Learning, Enthusiasm, Pride, Compliance, and Tradition."

AFROTC Mission

"Develop Air and Space Force leaders of character whom we expect to fight and win our nation’s wars."

Detachment 220 Mission

"Develop Purdue University cadets as United States Air and Space Force leaders of character whom we expect to fight and win our nation’s wars."

Cadet Honor Code

"We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does."

Air Force Core Values

Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do.

Space Force Core Values (Guardian Values)

Character, Connection, Commitment, Courage.

Airman's Creed

A 4-stanza declaration of warrior ethos introduced on 18 April 2007 by former Air Force Chief of Staff General T. Michael Moseley to reinvigorate pride and commitment across the Total Force.

Airman's Creed (First Stanza)

"I am an American Airman. / I am a Warrior. / I have answered my Nation's call."

Airman's Creed (Second Stanza)

"I am an American Airman. / My mission is to Fly, Fight, and Win. / I am faithful to a Proud Heritage, / A Tradition of Honor, / And a Legacy of Valor."

Airman's Creed (Third Stanza)

"I am an American Airman. / Guardian of Freedom and Justice, / My Nation's Sword and Shield, / Its Sentry and Avenger. / I defend my Country with my Life."

Airman's Creed (Fourth Stanza)

"I am an American Airman. / Wingman, Leader, Warrior. / I will never leave an Airman behind, / I will never falter, / And I will not fail."

Code of Conduct

A set of six articles outlining the ethical duties and obligations of U.S. service members in combat or captivity; formally established through Executive Order 10631 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on 17 August 1955 following experiences in the Korean War.

Code of Conduct - Article I

"I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense."

Code of Conduct - Article II

"I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist."

Code of Conduct - Article III

"If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy."

Code of Conduct - Article IV

"If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way."

Code of Conduct - Article V

"When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause."

Code of Conduct - Article VI

"I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America."

Air Combat Command (ACC)

Major Command located at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia; mission is to organize, train, and equip combat-ready Airmen to control and exploit air, cyberspace, and the electromagnetic spectrum in support of the Joint Force.

Air Education and Training Command (AETC)

Major Command located at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas; mission is to recruit, train, and educate disciplined Airmen.

Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC)

Major Command located at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana; mission is "Airmen providing long-range precision strike … anytime, anywhere!"

Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC)

Major Command located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; mission is to power the world's greatest Air Force by delivering readiness and war-winning capabilities for today and tomorrow.

Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC)

Major Command located at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia; mission is to provide combat-ready forces to fly, fight, and win.

Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC)

Major Command located at Hurlburt Field, Florida; mission is to raise and retain disciplined professionals as Air Commandos ready for any challenge.

Air Mobility Command (AMC)

Major Command located at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois; mission is "Rapid Global Mobility … Right Effects, Right Place, Right Time!"

Pacific Air Forces (PACAF)

Major Command located at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; mission is to provide PACOM with continuous unrivaled air, space, and cyberspace capabilities to ensure regional stability and security.

U.S. Air Forces in Europe / Air Forces Africa (USAFE/AFAFRICA)

Major Command located at Ramstein Air Base, Germany; mission is to protect the U.S. homeland with Allies and partners, project combat-ready airpower in Europe and Africa, and deter aggression.

Space Systems Command (SSC)

Field Command located at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California; mission is to develop and field dominant space capabilities by advancing an expert workforce.

Combat Forces Command (CFC)

Space Force Field Command located at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado; mission is to protect America and its allies in, from, and to space now and into the future.

Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM)

Field Command located at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida; mission is to forge the world's most combat-credible space force.

United States Space Force (USSF) Birthday

December 20, 2019; the official date the sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces was founded.

Air Force Five-Tier Organizational Structure

The structural command hierarchy of the Air Force: Major Command (MAJCOM, commanded by Lt General/General [$O\text{-}9/O\text{-}10$]), Numbered Air Force (NAF, commanded by Major/Lt General [$O\text{-}8/O\text{-}9$]), Wing (WG, commanded by Colonel [$O\text{-}6$]), Group (GP, commanded by Colonel [$O\text{-}6$]), and Squadron (SQDN, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel [$O\text{-}5$]).

Space Force Three-Tier Organizational Structure

The organizational hierarchy of the Space Force: Field Command (commanded by a Brigadier/Major General [$O\text{-}7/O\text{-}8$]), Delta (commanded by a Colonel [$O\text{-}6$]), and Squadron (commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel [$O\text{-}5$]).

Space Force Specialty Codes (SFSCs)

Officer career classification identifiers within the USSF: 13S (Space Operations Officer), 14N (Intelligence Officer), 17S (Cyberspace Operations Officer), 63A (Acquisitions Officer), and 62E (Developmental Engineer).

Air Force Enlisted Airmen Tier (E-1 to E-4)

Airman Basic (E-1, no insignia), Airman (E-2, chevron of 1 stripe), Airman First Class (E-3, chevron of 2 stripes), and Senior Airman (E-4, chevron of 3 stripes).

Air Force Enlisted NCO Tier (E-5 & E-6)

Staff Sergeant (E-5, chevron of 4 stripes) and Technical Sergeant (E-6, chevron of 5 stripes).

Air Force Enlisted Senior NCO Tier (E-7 to E-9)

Master Sergeant (E-7, 6 stripes with 1 inverted), Senior Master Sergeant (E-8, 7 stripes with 2 inverted), and Chief Master Sergeant (E-9, 8 stripes with 3 inverted; includes Command Chief Master Sergeant and CMSAF).

Space Force Specialist Tier (E-1 to E-4)

Specialist 1 (E-1, delta only), Specialist 2 (E-2, delta with 1 horizontal stripe), Specialist 3 (E-3, delta with 2 horizontal stripes), and Specialist 4 (E-4, delta with 3 horizontal stripes).

Space Force NCO Tier (E-5 & E-6)

Sergeant (E-5, chevron of 3 downward stripes under a delta and orbit) and Technical Sergeant (E-6, chevron of 4 downward stripes under a delta and orbit).

Space Force Senior NCO Tier (E-7 to E-9)

Master Sergeant (E-7), Senior Master Sergeant (E-8), Chief Master Sergeant (E-9), and Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force (special E-9).

Air Force / Space Force Company Grade Officers (CGO)

Second Lieutenant (2d Lt, O-1; gold bar), First Lieutenant (1st Lt, O-2; silver bar), and Captain (Capt, O-3; two connected silver bars).

Air Force / Space Force Field Grade Officers (FGO)

Major (Maj, O-4; gold oak leaf), Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col, O-5; silver oak leaf), and Colonel (Col, O-6; silver eagle).

Air Force / Space Force General Officers

Brigadier General (Brig Gen, O-7; 1 star), Major General (Maj Gen, O-8; 2 stars), Lieutenant General (Lt Gen, O-9; 3 stars), and General (Gen, O-10; 4 stars).

General of the Air Force (GAF)

A special five-star general officer rank ($\text{O-11}$) in the United States Air Force, indicated by 5 stars in a pentagonal arrangement and reserved exclusively for wartime use.

Navy / Coast Guard Officer Ranks (O-1 to O-6)

Ensign (ENS, O-1), Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG, O-2), Lieutenant (LT, O-3), Lieutenant Commander (LCDR, O-4), Commander (CDR, O-5), and Captain (CAPT, O-6).

Navy / Coast Guard Flag Officer Ranks (O-7 to O-11)

Rear Admiral lower half (RDML, O-7; 1 star), Rear Admiral upper half (RADM, O-8; 2 stars), Vice Admiral (VADM, O-9; 3 stars), Admiral (ADM, O-10; 4 stars), and Fleet Admiral (FADM, O-11; 5 stars, reserved for wartime).

AFROTC Cadet Officer and GMC Ranks

Cadet ranks depicted on epaulet marks and utility pins: Cadet Colonel (C/Col), Cadet Lieutenant Colonel (C/Lt Col), Cadet Major (C/Maj), Cadet Captain (C/Capt), Cadet First Lieutenant (C/1Lt), Cadet Second Lieutenant (C/2Lt), Cadet Third Class (C/3C), and Cadet Fourth Class (C/4C).

Key Chain of Command Leadership

President: Donald J. Trump; Secretary of War: Pete Hegseth; Secretary of the Air Force: Dr. Troy E. Meink; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: General Dan Caine; Chief of Staff of the Air Force: General Kenneth S. Wilsbach; Chief of Space Operations: General Douglas A. Schiess.

Key Senior Enlisted Advisors

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force: CMSgt David R. Wolfe; Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force: CMSgt John F. Bentivegna.

AFROTC and Training Command Leadership

AETC Commander: Lieutenant General Clark J. Quinn; Air Force Accessions Center & AFRS Commander: Major General Jeffrey W. Nelson; Holm Center Commander: Brigadier General Christopher T. Lay; AFROTC Commander: Colonel Gabe Fleming; AFROTC Northeast Region Commander: Colonel Frank Welton; Detachment 220 Commander: Colonel Jason W. Wild.

Transitory Drill - Road Guard Procedures

Procedures for moving a flight across an intersection: the flight is halted 6 paces before the road; the flight commander clears traffic and steps into the intersection; road guards (last cadets in the flight, except C/Flt/CD) post in the road at parade rest with right arm extended; the flight traverses expeditiously; the flight commander calls "Road guards, in!" and is the first in and last out of the intersection.

"At ease, march"

A marching command where calling cadence is not required, but strict silence, interval, and element distance must remain unchanged.

"Route step, march"

A marching command utilized primarily on unimproved surfaces where cadence and silence are not required; element leaders maintain spacing.

DAFI 36-2903

Department of the Air Force Instruction governing Dress and Appearance Standards for all Air Force and Space Force personnel.

Male Hair Grooming Standards

Hair must not exceed $2\frac{1}{2}\text{ inches}$ in bulk and no more than $\frac{1}{4}\text{ inch}$ at the natural termination point, with a tapered appearance on the sides and back; sideburns must not extend past the top of the ear orifice; mustaches must not extend beyond the corners of the mouth; beards are prohibited except with a medical or religious waiver.

Female Hair Grooming Standards

Maximum bulk of $4\text{ inches}$; hair must end above the bottom edge of the collar, and ponytails or braids may not extend past the horizontal line running between the sleeve inseams.

Uniform Cosmetic and Jewelry Standards

Fingernails must not extend past $\frac{1}{4}\text{ inch}$ beyond fingertips; a maximum of 3 rings are allowed (none on thumbs); one bracelet up to $\frac{1}{2}\text{ inch}$ wide is permitted (except POW/MIA/KIA bands); watches must be conservative with a maximum width of $1\text{ inch}$; female cadets and transparent spacer wearers may wear one pair of matching studs on ear lobes.

Military Tattoo Policy

Tattoos are prohibited on the head, face, tongue, lips, eyes, and scalp, or if containing obscene content; one tattoo is authorized on the neck or hands not exceeding $1\text{ inch}$ in diameter, and one ring tattoo is authorized per hand.

Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) Wear Rules

Worn with tucked boot laces, trousers bloused or tucked, coyote brown (Tan 499) t-shirt and boots, DLA green or coyote brown socks, spice brown embroidered tapes and patches, rank centered on the chest, HHQ patch centered on the left sleeve, and U.S. flag centered on the top right sleeve.

Seven Standard Responses

The only authorized responses during formal training: 1. "Yes, Sir/Ma'am." 2. "No, Sir/Ma'am." 3. "Sir/Ma'am, I do not know." 4. "Sir/Ma'am, I do not understand." 5. "Sir/Ma'am, may I ask a question?" 6. "Sir/Ma'am, may I make a statement?" 7. "No excuse, Sir/Ma'am."

Greeting of the Day Protocol

Initiated by the junior member at six paces away: "Good morning" (0000–1159), "Good afternoon" (1200–1659), and "Good evening" (1700–2359); rendered in order of rank, then gender, then alphabetical order.

Calling the Room

Protocol to bring a room to attention when the highest-ranking officer enters or exits; suspended while academics is actively in session; required in the POC and GMC lounges when an $O\text{-}6$ or higher enters (with the exception of Colonel Wild).

Military Flag Protocol

Personnel stand at parade rest when Reveille or Retreat is played. When The National Anthem or To the Colors is played, personnel face the music/flag and salute (in uniform) or place their right hand over their heart (in civilian clothing). The flag must be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.