Discussion of Program Goals

USC DEPARTMENT OF AEROSPACE STUDIES

February 2019

I NT ROD UCT I ON

The was the last of the military services to be formed, but has evolved into the most dynamic and comprehensive fighting force on the planet, constantly innovating to meet the challenges of rapidly developing technology and changes in how war is waged. The vision for the 60th Cadet Wing is to become the program that produces strategic leaders: Cadets who will grow into senior leaders. In order to accomplish this, our mission becomes producing quality officers who are the most educated and globally-attuned. Exposing them to experiences that will help shape the way they think and collaborate in a diverse environment. Aligning with USC’s Strategic Vision, we aim to transform our ROTC program into the premier detachment by enhancing the cadet experience with special opportunities and connecting them to the world through foreign and domestic engagement.

The opportunities listed in this proposal are prioritized starting with those experiences that we believe will offer the greatest benefit. Dollar figures in this proposal are based on a current enrollment of 80 cadets. Future projections are based on an enrollment goal of 150 cadets.

ELEVATED TRAINING EXPERIENCES

Trip to Our Nation’s Capital, Washington D.C. (for 16 cadets, 2 cadre) An opportunity to visit our nation’s seat of government will have a profound effect on their commitment to becoming the future leaders of our military. They will be able to connect to our heritage by visiting the memorials and historical places in the area, as well take a tour of , the Department of Defense’s main headquarters, and meet with their assigned Congressman. Our cadets will swear an oath “to support and defend the Constitution of the United States” – to give their lives to protect the system of government established by it, if called upon to do so. A trip to Washington D.C. would certainly include a visit to the National Archives to lay eyes on the document itself. While at the Pentagon, our students will sit down with senior leaders and gain their perspective on current issues, leadership, and how the Air Force mission evolves to meet the needs of the nation. They will learn about the challenges of balancing the needs of Airmen, limited resources, and the public’s right to information and access. Finally, a meeting with a Congressional representative will offer a perspective most military officers rarely experience in person until they attain the most senior ranks – the Legislative Branch perspective on worldwide military operations, the military intelligence apparatus, and defense spending.

Flights (5-day roundtrip, LAX – DCA): $10,800 ($600 per person) Lodging (5 days): $10,800 ($600 per person) Meals: $6,750 ($75 per person x 5 days) Transportation: $1,040 ($520 per 15-pax van, 2 vans) Estimated Total: $29,390

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Trip to , DE (for 16 cadets, 2 cadre) One of the primary missions at Dover AFB is Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, also known as the Department of Defense Port Mortuary. AFMAO's mission is to fulfill the nation's sacred commitment of ensuring dignity, honor and respect to the fallen, and care, service and support to their families. A solemn dignified transfer of remains is conducted upon arrival, from the aircraft to a transfer vehicle, to honor those who have given their lives in the service of the country. The vehicle then moves the fallen to the Port Mortuary at the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs. Touring the Port Mortuary and potentially witnessing a dignified transfer will be a humbling and unforgettable experience, exposing cadets to the costs of war. Other missions at Dover include the Eagle Wing, which provides strategic airlift capabilities with the C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III aircrafts, the DoD’s largest Aerial Port, moving more cargo than any other airlift hub in the military, and the multitude of mission support functions that exist on most bases. Cadets do not get many opportunities to visit Air Force bases prior to graduating, so the opportunity to meet Air Force officers and see what they are doing abroad is influential to their career choice decisions, which they make at the end of junior year.

Flights (4-day roundtrip, LAX – PHL): $7,200 ($400 per person) Lodging (on base, 4 days): $4,320 ($240 per person) Meals: $5,400 ($75 per person x 4 days) Transportation: $1,180 ($590 per 15-pax van) Estimated Total: $18,100 Note: Could combine D.C. and Dover trip (7 days), estimated cost ~$47,490

Trip to Ramstein Air Base, , during summer break (8 cadets, 1 cadre) An overseas trip provides the opportunity to not only see how the U.S. military operates abroad, but also an opportunity for cultural immersion and understanding. Germany is a centrally located European nation with a diverse population, hosting one of the largest overseas bases in our Air Force, possibly DoD. While at Ramstein, cadets will learn more about the significance of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and working with allied nations to maintain security, and get to see what that looks like in the operational environment. Ramstein is headquarters for U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), which supports both U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).

Flights (7-day roundtrip, LAX – FRA): $18,000 ($2,000 per person) Lodging: Ramstein Inns (DoD rate $60 x 5 $1,800 ($200 per person) rooms, 2 cadets per room, 6 nights): Meals: $4,725 ($525 per person) Transportation: ~$2,000 (~$222 per person) Estimated Total: $26,525 at current Detachment size $53,050 doubled for Detachment growth (2 trips or 16 cadets, 2 cadre)

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Trip to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI, during summer term (8 cadets, 1 cadre) An overseas trip provides the opportunity to not only see how the U.S. military operates abroad, but also an opportunity for cultural immersion and understanding. Hawaii offers exposure to people from all over the world, as well as an extensive military presence of all four branches of the military and is home to a Joint Base with an array of missions. Joint Base Pearl Harbor- Hickam is the seat of strategic air mobility and operational missions for U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), and (PACAF), one of ten Major Commands that comprise the Air Force. Cadets do not get many opportunities to visit Air Force bases prior to graduating, let alone Joint Bases, so the opportunity to meet officers from all branches will be influential on their understanding of the interoperability and cultural differences of all the services.

Flights (7-day roundtrip, LAX – HNL): $6,939 ($771 per person) Lodging: Navy Lodge Pearl Harbor (Rate $99 $2,970 ($330 per person) Note: Can only reserve x 5 rooms, 2 cadets per room, 6 nights) NET 30 days out Meals: $4,725 ($525 per person) Transportation: $1,503 ($167 per person) Estimated Total: $16,137 at current Detachment size $32,274 doubled for Detachment growth (2 trips or 16 cadets, 2 cadre)

Trip to Creech AFB and Nellis AFB, NV, ideally during a RED FLAG (80 cadets, 3 cadre) On this trip, our cadets will get special insight into Remotely Piloted Aircraft missions, as Creech is home to the 432nd Operations Group which employs remotely piloted aircraft in 24/7/365 Combat Air Patrols in support of combatant commander needs and deploys combat support forces worldwide. “RED FLAG” is an international training exercise where flying squadrons from all over the world go to Nellis AFB to practice air superiority and engage in a mock war to hone pilots so they are prepared for real missions. There are many opportunities to see how different functions come together to complete missions, and see firsthand what our Air Force is capable of.

Transportation: $6,000 (charter bus for a day trip) Meals: $6,557 ($79 per person) Estimated Total: $12,557 at current Detachment size $25,114 doubled for Detachment growth

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Trip to Vandenberg AFB, CA, ideally during a launch (80 cadets, 3 cadre) The main mission at Vandenberg AFB is the 30th Space Wing. If timed right, we could expose our cadets to a rocket launch, and learn more about experimental launch technologies and capabilities of the Air Force. While on base, we can coordinate with officers involved in the launch and learn how the Air Force provides affordable, reliable, and assured access to space for the United States.

Transportation: $3,200 (charter bus for a day trip) Meals: $6,557 ($79 per person) Estimated Total: $9,757 at current Detachment size $19,514 doubled for Detachment growth Note: Could rotate between local base’s each year, i.e. visit Creech/Nellis in Fall ‘19, Vandenberg in Fall ‘20

Catalina Expeditionary Training Fri-Sun trip (80 cadets, 3 cadre) The intent of this training would be to provide the cadets with basic survival skills and build esprit de corps within the cadet wing. It would also provide many opportunities for cadets to practice logistical and mission support functions, as well as accomplish community service by volunteering for the Catalina Island Conservancy. This type of program combines traditional military training with fun and has the potential to attract prospective students to join Detachment 060, if it becomes an Airmen of Troy tradition.

Notes: Securing campsite access would require coordination from the Catalina Island Conservancy and may incur additional fees. Furthermore, in exchange for volunteering with the conservancy (manual labor such as erosion repair or brush clearing), we may be able to negotiate a deal for reduced rates. Ideally, we would land and camp at White’s Landing, and then ruck up to Black Jack Peak for physical training on one of the highest points on the island.

Boat: $7,150 - Mainland to island $73.50 per person, round trip; island to campsite $350 per boat (seats 39) Logistics: Tents (outdoor rec rental $10.50 per 3-person tent) - $294; sleeping bags ($9 each) - $747; total - $1041 Meals: $9,960 ($120 per person) Estimated Total: $18,151 at current Detachment size $36,302 doubled for Detachment growth

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National Character and Leadership Symposium (for 20 cadets, 2 cadre) The Annual National Character and Leadership Symposium, one of the premier national symposia in the field of Character and Leadership development, brings together distinguished scholars, military leaders, corporate leaders, world-class athletes, and others to explore a character-related theme based on the United States Air Forces Academy Outcomes. This two-day symposium provides an opportunity for all Academy personnel, visiting university students and faculty, and community members to experience dynamic speakers and take part in group discussions to enhance their own understanding of the importance of sound moral character and good leadership. This is an invaluable experience for our cadets and cadre alike.

Flights (4-day roundtrip, LAX – COS): $12,210 ($555 per person) Lodging at Rampart Inn (DoD Rate $60 x $1980 (two people per room) 11 rooms for 3 nights): Meals: ~$4000 (may eat some meals at Mitchell Hall) Transportation: 5 economy sedans for 4 days at $58 per day = $1160 Estimated Total: $19,350

Total Cost for Experiences: $149,967 at current Detachment size $299,934 when Detachment is larger

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SCHOLARSHIPS

Supplement cadets with Type 2/Partial Air Force scholarships 95% of awarded AFROTC scholarships are either Type 2 or Type 7, covering up to $18,000 for 3 or 4 years, which is basically one third of the cost to attend USC. 70% of these scholarships are given to students pursuing technical degrees, which severely limits cadets pursuing non-technical degrees from receiving financial aid from the Air Force. At Detachment 060, some of our top performers are non-tech students, and we know that leadership requires more than a technical mind. We would like to be able to supplement excellent cadets who do not have full tuition scholarships, especially those who were not competitive for Type 1 scholarships because of their major choice, and reduce the chances of them dropping out of the program due to financial burden.

USC tuition is $55,320 next year (AY 18-19), and AFROTC Type 2 scholarships are $18,000/ year. Cost per cadet to cover the gap is: $37,320 annually. To supplement 25 cadets, it would cost: $933,000 annually.

Supplement scholarship cadets for room and board Air Force scholarships pay a portion of tuition, as well as university fees and a $600 book stipend. However, no Air Force scholarships, at any award level, cover room and board. Given the extremely high cost of living in the Los Angeles area, supplementing room and board will enable more cadets to attend USC, and permit our current cadets to focus more on their classes and ROTC programs than their part-time jobs. To get the greatest value out of the program, ROTC alone becomes a part-time job as they assume more responsibilities in the wing during their upperclassmen years.

According to USC Financial Aid Office:

2018-2019 Undergraduate Estimate of Costs Tuition $55,320 Fees $905 Room and board* $15,395 Books and supplies $1,200 Personal and miscellaneous $1,452 Transportation $553 Total** $74,825

* Includes average rent and the standard meal plan for students living in on-campus freshman housing. ** Add $450 New Student Fee for your first semester.

There are $15,395 in additional room and board costs on top of tuition and fees to attend USC for the 2018-2019 school year. Cadets on Air Force scholarship will have to pay approximately $61,580 room and board alone over the span of a four-year degree, necessitating that many of our cadets will take out a sizable student loan simply to cover the costs of living.

We currently have 41 cadets on Air Force scholarships, which would cost an estimated $631,195

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for the 2018-2019 school year.

As we attract more high-caliber officer candidates, we can safely assume that our scholarship numbers will increase. At 55 cadets on scholarship, the annual cost to supplement room and board will be $846,725.

C-17 Flight Simulator Access at March ARB (per cadet) A primary mission of the Air Force is to fly, but many cadets never get an opportunity to practice those skills before applying for the pilot career field or attending undergraduate pilot training. Having the opportunity to get into an operational flight simulator will not only inspire them to pursue a flying career, but also provide practical experience. Our goal is to develop a partnership with March ARB in Riverside County, so that our cadets can schedule time on the simulator at least once a semester, but ideally more often than that. We would like to be able to reimburse cadets on their travel costs so there are no limitations on their ability to participate.

Transportation: $72.76 (mileage reimbursement for there and back to USC) Meals: $40 Estimated Totals: $113 (1 cadet) $1,130 (10 cadets driving individually)

Estimated projections: $2,260/year (1 trip/semester for 10 cadets driving individually)

FAA Ground School (all pilot-eligible 200-400 cadets) A primary mission of the Air Force is to fly, but many cadets never get an opportunity to practice those skills before applying for the pilot career field or attending undergraduate pilot training. Having the opportunity to attend a Federal Aviation Administration ground school will not only inspire them to pursue a flying career, but also provide practical experience. According to the FAA site, “the ideal study program would be to enroll in a formal ground school course. This offers the advantages of a professional instructor as well as facilities and training aids designed for pilot instruction. Many of these schools use audiovisual aids or programmed instruction materials to supplement classroom instruction.”1 We would like to be able to provide this training to our cadets on the pilot track so they are better prepared for undergraduate pilot training after graduation.

Enrollment: $800 per course Personally procured logistics Estimated Total for Summer 2019: $6,400 (currently 8 cadets committed to competing for/have rated slots) Estimated projections: $12,000 (15 cadets in summer 2018) $16,000 (20 cadets in summer 2019)

1 https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/training/pilot_tips/

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STEM/Cyber/Program Specific Conferences and Competitions

In order to capitalize on our location and access to industry giants, we would like to be able to send our cadets to conferences or participate in competitions hosted by STEM organizations and corporations. Support for this function will primarily go towards any registration costs/fees.

Estimated Total: $5,000 (one competition/conference, 5 cadets) $10,000 (two events or 10 cadets)

Values-Based Scholarships At Detachment 060, cultivating the very best leaders for our Air Force means enculturating and rewarding behaviors of the highest moral and ethical character. We would like to establish a series of scholarships in the name of prominent friends of USC and the Airmen of Troy that reward cadets who demonstrate these values. We plan to hold these scholarship awards sacred – not necessarily awarding every scholarship every year, but only when they are truly deserved.

The ______Award for Moral Courage - $10,000 – For a singular act of moral courage in the face of adversity or history of strong moral character. The ______Award for Transformational Change - $10,000 – For leading the cadet wing successfully through a significant change. The ______Award for Innovation - $10,000 – For devising and successfully implementing innovative solutions to cadet wing challenges. The ______Warrior-Scholar Award - $10,000 – For the cadet who demonstrates the deepest commitment to critical thinking and analysis in problem solving. The ______Award for Commitment - $10,000 – For demonstrating the greatest commitment to the success of the cadet wing through participation in and leadership of voluntary program events. The ______Award for Servant-Leadership - $10,000 – For displaying the greatest drive to serve those outside the cadet wing through volunteerism and community service. The ______Team Builder Award - $10,000 – For displaying leadership in building successful teams within the cadet wing, either through encouraging esprit de corps or as the linchpin in team achievements.

Estimated Total: $20,000 if only 2 scholarships are awarded $70,000 if all 7 are awarded

Total Cost for Scholarships (per year): $1,172,973 at current Detachment size $1,803,130 when Detachment is larger

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RESOURCES

Technical Upgrade for Cadet Day room In the lower level of the Physical Education building, we have a dayroom which functions as a meeting room, study space, office, storage room, and breakroom for the Airmen of Troy. It is often visited by guests of the cadets and detachment, and is highly utilized. We would like to be able to upgrade the audio/visual system, PA system, printer, get the cadets a copier for their ROTC needs, furniture and provide annual projected maintenance. Estimated Total: $5,000

CONCLUSION

The Airmen of Troy are seeking to build the most elite Cadet Wing in the nation by fostering unique cadet experiences in order to attract, retain and develop the best officer candidates. These programs are designed to happen over the course of a cadet’s 4 or 5-year career, creating a cyclical budgetary need. Not only will these trips and scholarship supplements motivate our current cadets to work harder, but they will be monumental recruiting tools that most ROTC detachments do not have at their disposal. We believe that if we can achieve this level of programming, it will give USC a competitive recruiting advantage over the United States Air Force Academy, which offers a multitude of programs to its cadets, but is lacking in the real- world experiential value of attending a Tier 1 university in the heart of one of America’s largest cities. Establishing a program of this caliber will undoubtedly attract more students to USC, and increase the number of USC cadets that comprise the Airmen of Troy.

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OVERALL TOTALS, PROGAM GOALS, AND COST PROJECTIONS

$1,378,492 – At our current level of enrollment, this is the estimated annual cost based on taking the most cadets per trip, supplementing Air Force Type 2 scholarships for tuition, and supplementing cadets on Air Force scholarship for room and board.

As our detachment size increases, projected annual cost to maintain the same level of opportunity would increase to $2,182,919 annually.

Table 1. AFROTC Detachment 060 Program Goals and Cost Projections

Cost at Current Projected Cost Detachment for Larger Program Goal Size Detachment Experiences D.C. and Dover AFB, DE $ 47,490 $ 94,980 Ramstein AB, Germany (assumes reduced military lodging cost) $ 26,525 $ 53,050 JB PHH, Hawaii (assumes reduced military lodging cost) $ 16,137 $ 32,274 Creech/Nellis AFB, NV $ 12,557 $ 24,114 Vandenberg AFB, CA $ 9,757 $ 19,514 Catalina Expeditionary Training $ 18,151 $ 36,302 NCLS (assumes reduced military lodging cost) $ 19,350 $ 38,700 Total Cost for Experiences $ 149,967 $ 299,934

Scholarships Supplement Tuition for Type 2 scholarships (15 current cadets vs 25 projected cadets) $ 559,800 $ 933,000 Supplement R&B for scholarship cadets (41 current cadets/year vs 55 projected cadets) $ 631,195 $ 846,725 C-17 Sim @ March ARB, CA $ 1,130 $ 2,260 FAA Ground School $ 6,400 $ 16,000 STEM/Cyber/Program-specific Conferences/Competitions $ 5,000 $ 10,000 Scholarships based on Values $ 20,000 $ 70,000 Total Cost for Scholarships (per year) $ 1,223,525 $ 1,877,985

Resources Tech Upgrade in Dayroom $ 5,000 $ 5,000 Total Cost for Resources $ 5,000 $ 5,000

OVERALL ANNUAL OPPORTUNITY COST $ 1,378,492 $ 2,182,919

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