Air Force/Space Force ROTCDrill TeamColor GuardAir Force ROTC at Florida A&M University
Detachment 159B Florida A&M University · Rattlers · 159B
AFROTC Detachment 159B sits at Florida A&M University and serves cadets across Florida.
About this program
Operating out of Florida A&M University, Detachment 159B Florida A&M University commissions cadets into the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force under Air Force ROTC (Holm Center). Cadre and cadets commonly identify by the unit's nickname — the Rattlers. The program traces its lineage on this campus to 1972.
Cadets from Florida State University and Tallahassee Community College cross-enroll into Detachment 159B Florida A&M University on a typical once-per-week schedule, with leadership labs, PT, and Military Science classes held on the Florida A&M University campus. AFROTC General Military Course (GMC) and Professional Officer Course (POC) blocks both flow through the host detachment, with consortium shuttles or carpools handling the commute.
Funding paths into this detachment include AFROTC HSSP Type 1 (full tuition) and AFROTC HSSP Type 2 ($18k cap), with AFROTC HSSP Type 7 (in-state) also available. Florida A&M University's academic strengths in nursing and health professions and computer science and cybersecurity give contracted cadets flexible major options on either side of the technical/non-technical line.
Scholarships available here
Tuition + fees capped at $18,000/yr, plus $900/yr textbook allowance and monthly stipend ($300-$500); may convert to a housing scholarship (up to $10,000/yr). AY27-28 minimums: SAT 1310 / ACT 28 / CLT 93, GPA 3.3. Window: July 1 - December 11, 2026. Award type is fixed at selection - no upgrades.
Service obligation: 4 years
In-College Scholarship Program for freshmen/sophomores already enrolled in AFROTC. Merit-based with fall and spring selection phases; same capped/uncapped structure as HSSP plus the $10,000/yr housing conversion. The General Charles McGee Leadership Award (CMLA) covers non-scholarship cadets who receive an enrollment allocation.
Service obligation: 4 years
Tuition + fees capped at $36,000/yr, plus $900/yr textbook allowance and monthly stipend ($300-$500); may convert to a housing scholarship (up to $10,000/yr). Type 4 replaced the old in-state Type 7 award in the current HSSP structure. AY27-28 minimums: SAT 1310 / ACT 28 / CLT 93, GPA 3.3. Window: July 1 - December 11, 2026.
Service obligation: 4 years
Full tuition with no cap + $900/yr textbook allowance + monthly stipend ($300 freshman to $500 senior); may convert to a housing scholarship (up to $10,000/yr). Most competitive tier. AY27-28 minimums: SAT 1310 / ACT 28 / CLT 93, unweighted GPA 3.3, single test sitting. Window: July 1 - December 11, 2026; two boards (Oct 2026, Mar 2027). 4-year active-duty obligation (longer for rated career fields).
Service obligation: 4 years
Cross-town & partner schools served
Students at these schools can commission through Detachment 159B Florida A&M University by commuting to Florida A&M University.
Cross-enroll students take Aerospace Studies courses at Florida A&M University.
Cross-enroll students take Aerospace Studies courses at Florida A&M University.
Contact & location
Located at: Florida A&M University, FL
Air Force ROTC FAQ
Where is Detachment 159B Florida A&M University located?
Detachment 159B Florida A&M University is hosted at Florida A&M University in Florida. The detachment's training events, classes, and PT all run on the Florida A&M University campus.
Which colleges and universities can attend Detachment 159B Florida A&M University?
In addition to Florida A&M University, students enrolled at Florida State University and Tallahassee Community College can contract through Detachment 159B Florida A&M University via cross-town agreements. Cross-town cadets keep their primary academics at the partner school and travel to the host for ROTC-side coursework.
Is Florida A&M University an HBCU?
Yes — Florida A&M University is a Historically Black College or University. Detachment 159B Florida A&M University commissions officers from a population the services have actively prioritized in their accession-source mix.
What scholarships are available through Detachment 159B Florida A&M University?
AFROTC cadets at this detachment compete for AFROTC HSSP Type 1 (full tuition), AFROTC HSSP Type 2 ($18k cap), AFROTC HSSP Type 7 (in-state), ICSP (in-college). National awards apply out of high school; on-campus side-loads kick in once a cadet is enrolled and contracted.
Can students at other schools join Detachment 159B Florida A&M University?
Yes — Detachment 159B Florida A&M University accepts cross-town and partner students from 2 other institutions, including Florida State University, Tallahassee Community College. See the cross-town options for distance and enrollment paths.
Can I commission through Detachment 159B Florida A&M University as any major?
Air Force programs accept students from most academic majors at Florida A&M University. Some scholarships and commissioning options (e.g., nursing, engineering, foreign-language) carry major requirements — confirm with the unit before declaring.
When was Detachment 159B Florida A&M University founded?
Detachment 159B Florida A&M University was established in 1972.
How do I contact Detachment 159B Florida A&M University?
See the contact section for current cadre information.
Interested in Detachment 159B Florida A&M University?
Send your details and the cadre can reach out about visits, scholarships, and next steps.
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