Recent enrollments in the college programs have ranged from a high of 22,067 in 1988 to an estimated low of 10,231 in 1993. This system uses qualitative factors such as grade-point average, unit commander evaluation and aptitude test scores to determine a student's officer potential. After selection, students must complete a four-week, field training encampment at an assigned Air Force base before entering the course. Cadets enrolled in the professional officer course attend class three hours a week and participate in a weekly leadership laboratory lasting from one to two hours. In the Professional Officer Course, cadets apply what they have learned in the General Military Course and at field training encampments.
Cadets conduct the leadership laboratories and manage the unit's cadet corps.
Each unit has a cadet corps based on the Air Force organizational pattern of flight, squadron, group and wing. Professional officer course classes are small, with emphasis on group discussions and cadet presentations. Classroom topics include management, communication skills and national defense policy. Once enrolled in the professional officer course, cadets are enlisted in the Air Force Reserve and assigned to the obligated reserve section. Entrance into the professional officer course is highly competitive and two-year applicants must be selected through the selection system described above.