Zero Week

Zero Week is a cadet-run event designed to welcome new cadets into the AFROTC program and accomplish administrative requirements. You do not have to attend Zero Week, but it is highly recommended. If you attend Zero Week, you will be afforded an early move-in several days early at no additional cost to you. Most importantly, it provides an opportunity for students and parents to see what our program is all about. Zero Week 2025 is scheduled to run from Aug. 17 to Aug. 20. Please regularly check this page for updates to Zero Week.

Cadet Micah Oliver

Zero Week Commander

Hometown: Plano, Texas

Major: Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautics Track

Cadet Emma Layaoen

Zero Week Deputy Commander

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii

Major: Meteorology

Cadet Zackary Mello

Zero Week Chief of Staff

Hometown: Sacramento, California

Major: Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Track

Applicant Checklist

There are several steps to becoming a cadet at Detachment 028. For your convenience, they are listed below in an easy-to follow format. Please read this information over in its entirety, as it's essential to the application process.

• Apply to, and be accepted by, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott Campus by visiting our Apply Now page.
• Create an account in WINGS.
• Fill out the Detachment 028 online check-in.

Required Documents

AFROTC requires several documents for membership that are listed in the applicant checklist.

• Birth Certificate or Naturalization Certificate — Must be original or certified true copy.
• If you were born abroad and acquired citizenship at birth or through naturalization of parents, a valid Passport/FS Form 240/DS Form 1350/INS Form N-560A or N-561 can be used.
• Note: Documents will be verified and returned.
• Non-US citizens must provide Immigration Form I-551 and Permanent Resident Card to become an applicant.
• Social Security Card — Must be original
• If over 18, ensure that it is signed.
• Note: Documents will be verified and returned.
• AFROTC Form 28, Sports Physical — Signed by a physician/medical authority
• Note: Exam date must be no earlier than August 1 before the beginning of each semester (January 1 for Spring applicants)
• You are not authorized to participate in AFROTC physical activities until one is turned in.
• HSSP Scholarship Recipients: A sports physical is not required if your status on the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB) site reflects "qualified." We already have your certified, qualified physical on file.
• Copy of Immunization Record
• Must reflect MMR x2 and Varicalla x2 (chicken pox) vaccines (or positive blood titer).
• Copy of ACT Score Report or SAT Score Report
• Turn in the following items if applicable. These documents can also be uploaded to your online AFROTC application:
• Copy of unofficial college transcripts for any college credits received and college board AP credits.
• Copy of AFJROTC certificates (Form 310/1256) or JROTC certificate/high school transcripts for other services
• Copy of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) certificates — Earhart, Mitchell or Spaatz awards only
• Copy of Eagle Scout/Gold Award certificate or card
• Copy of high school transcripts (unofficial) — Only required for applicants with 3-4 years JROTC/CAP awards/Eagle Scout/Gold Award
• Copy of Private Pilot's License (PPL)
• HSSP Scholarship recipients — Bring a copy of airline tickets and itinerary if you flew here
• Copy of DD Form 785, Record of Disenrollment From Officer Candidate-Type Training
• Prior service applicants must also provide:
• Copy of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty
• Copy of DD Form 4, Enlistment/Reenlistment Document Armed Forces of the United States
• Note: Applicants who were prior service members of any brand of the armed forces must have their prior service verified prior to granting membership to verify reenlistment eligibility.

Note: Submitting documents to Embry-Riddle or through the official AFROTC application does not fulfill the requirements for Detachment 028 onboarding. These are separate processes. Due to privacy regulations, Detachment 028 does not have access to all documents submitted to AFROTC Headquarters or ERAU. You should assume we have none of your materials; you are responsible for bringing physical copies of all required documents to Zero Week, regardless of previous submissions.

Uniform Items

Applicant Cadets are required to wear a modified uniform during AFROTC Activities until they receive a uniform. They will also be required to wear modified physical training gear. As a cadet progresses through the program, they will be issued uniform items. Arriving cadets should expect to start the program wearing the following items.

Modified Uniform

• Polo Shirt: Detachment 028 Polos will be available for purchase at the beginning of Zero Week. This will be every cadet’s uniform until they are issued official uniform items.
• Trousers: Trousers will be without cuffs, regular fit and khaki in color (shorts are not authorized).
• Belt: Belt will be black with a silver clasp.
• Footwear: Socks will be black in color. Shoes will be plain black business casual low quarters or plain black athletic style shoes.

Physical Training Uniform (PTG)

• T-shirt: Solid-color light heather grey T-shirt with no symbols.
• Shorts: Solid-color navy blue athletic shorts with small symbol (no bigger than 5 inches) authorized.
• Socks: Socks will be solid color black, white, dark blue, gray, desert sand, tan, DLA‐issued green or coyote brown and may have small trademark logos.
• Athletic Shoes: There are no restrictions on the color of athletic shoes.
• Applicants may wear personally owned Air Force PTUs (e.g., prior service).
• Cold weather attire will be solid dark blue or black sweats with no symbols.

Other Items

• Solid black, brown, gray or dark blue backpacks may be worn with any uniform combination.
• Backpacks will not have ornamentation, high gloss, designs or hanging/dangling objects. Small gold or silver clasp is authorized, but chains are not authorized.
• Watches must be a conservative, solid color like black, brown, silver or gold.
• Bands cannot exceed 1 inch in width.
• Smartwatches are authorized but must be within above requirements.
• Sunglass or eyeglass frames will have a conservative color: black, brown, white, dark blue, gray, or transparent material, or silver/gold wire.
• Brand name glasses may be worn with small logo on frames or lenses. Logo may contrast with frame color or lenses in conservative colors such as black, brown, or matte silver/gold.
• Conservative, clear, slightly tinted, mirrored or photosensitive lenses are authorized.
• Sunglasses, to include darkened photosensitive lenses, are not authorized while in formation.

Zero Week Events

Zero Week consists of many events that serve many purposes, from morale to administrative requirements. Be prepared to grow closer to your flight, learn a lot about the Air Force, and get a jump start on your career as a student! If you are unable to attend Zero Week but would still like to join Detachment 028, please still fill out the form appropriately. This will help us prepare for your arrival and ensure you are caught up to speed.