2023 New Cadet Orientation Program (NCOP)
Cadets during NCOP 2022.
The New Cadet Orientation Program (NCOP) is a comprehensive training event focused on preparing new students for success in AFROTC. This year, NCOP will be held in two parts. The administrative day will be Friday Aug. 18, 2023 at the University of Notre Dame, and the training will be held Aug. 25-27, 2023 at the University of Notre Dame. At NCOP, new cadets are introduced to Military Culture & Heritage, Drill & Ceremony, Leadership, and Team Building.
*Note: Notre Dame/Saint Mary's/Holy Cross Cadets will have the opportunity to move into their dorms early on Aug. 17*
All cadets will participate in the following events:
- PT (Physical Training, with the condition that DoDMERB has been approved or the Detachment has a sports physical on file)
- Reveille and Retreat
- Knowledge Assessments
- Group Leadership Scenarios
- Capstone team-building exercise
NCOP will give cadets insight into what it is like to be in Air Force ROTC, as well as teach the basics of military life, and introduce them to the vast opportunities available as they work towards becoming an officer in the world’s greatest air force. NCOP will also help cadets transition from being a high school student to a college student, and provide tips and advice from upperclassmen on managing the demands of academics, ROTC, and the host of other extracurricular activities the schools offer. NCOP is an incredible opportunity to meet other new cadets and get a head start into the first semester. Note that participation in NCOP and the beginning of AFROTC does not incur a military service commitment. As such, come out and give it a try!
NOTE: You CANNOT enroll in AFROTC for Fall 2023 without talking to cadre or the Recruiting Officer, Lt Col Travis Clark, at Det 225 first.
If you are interested in joining AFROTC in the Fall 2023, please contact Detachment staff at:
Address: 211 Pasquerilla Center
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN 46556
Email: afrotc@nd.edu
Phone: (574) 631-6634
Please check the links below for more information and registration materials. If you have any questions at all, please contact Detachment staff.
Priority Links
All of the information included on this page is important for understanding and succeeding in NCOP. Nevertheless, for convenience and simplicity, the most important forms and links are included below. Please continue reading for information and instructions for each.
Attending NCOP
The following documents contain important information for all individuals planning to attend NCOP, including schedules, materials to know upon arrival, etc. Please review everything carefully and contact us if you have any questions. Refer to the Cadet/Family Biography form both in the 2023 NCOP Checklist and the Forms list below, as submitting it confirms your spot in NCOP.
Admin day will be held Friday, Aug 18, 2023 from 11 am EDT to 2 pm EDT. More information about the training weekend will be released as the school semester progresses.
Parent Information
Admin Day will begin in Room 141 of DeBartolo Hall at the University of Notre Dame. This building is directly adjacent to the Notre Dame Stadium to the west and parking will be available in the stadium lot.
After an initial briefing, parents will stay while cadets head to the ROTC building, Pasquerilla Center, for in-processing. During this time, parents will meet for a Q&A with Det 225 cadre members, including Col Culbertson, LtCol Clark, and Maj Kaminski. If a parent is unavailable to attend the information session, please email afrotc@nd.edu for Zoom information.
Cadet Information
Please arrive wearing khakis and a polo. This will be a formal military training environment, as well as your first impression in a four-year job interview, so look as presentable as possible. This means you should look respectable. Wear clothes that are modestly fitting (nothing tight, oversized, ripped, or cut off), and follow the Air Force dress and appearance standards. Gentlemen, facial hair of any form will not be permitted for the duration of Admin Day nor the training weekend.
Please review, print out, and bring to NCOP the Cadet Handbook. This contains important information to succeed in NCOP and the beginning of AFROTC. Please be strongly familiar with all the material and come having the Warrior Knowledge memorized verbatim. You will be reciting it from memory many times at NCOP and throughout your time in AFROTC. Please print and complete the Forms Checklist and include it with all of the required documentation. More information is in the Documents section.
Forms to Be Completed
This section highlights all of the forms and documents that must be completed and brought to NCOP along with simple explanations of their purposes. Please reference the 2023 NCOP Forms Checklist for a more in depth understanding of the documents. Please note that some documents may require to be downloaded and viewed using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Please note that the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer required.
Forms Checklist - Please fill this out in its entirety and place it in a manila envelope on top of all required documentation.
Cadet/Family Biography - Please fill out this online form ASAP as it confirms/declines a place at NCOP.
Uniform Sizing Form - This form allows NCOP staff to have uniforms ordered prior to the first day of NCOP.
Create a WINGS Account and Fill out AFROTC Application - Please follow the step-by-step instructions. Doing both are necessary to enroll in AFROTC.
AFROTC Form 28 Sports Physical - If you are not a scholarship cadet, you must provide this form to participate in any semi-physical AFROTC activity. Please fill this out and have it signed by a physician if you have not completed your DoDMERB prior to your arrival at your respective school. If you are unsure of the status of your DoDMERB, please contact Ms. Jen at (574) 631-6634.
DD Form 2005 - Privacy Act statement for your healthcare records.
Consent for Release of Student Records - Allows the Detachment and AFROTC to access your student records. Cadets from schools other than Notre Dame will need two of these - one for ND and one for their respective school.
Request and Consent for Release of Student Records - Allows your respective school to send the Detachment and AFROTC your student records.
DD Form 93 - Records your emergency information. Please fill out sections 1-2, 6-7 and 11-13, and all boxes included within. You’ll see that boxes 11-13 say Military Only, and they do apply to you as a cadet. Sign and date; do not have anyone sign witness signature unless you are under 18 years of age.
DD Form 2030 USAF Drug/Alcohol Certificate - You will need to download this form to see it completely. Please only complete the first page, sections II and III, but do not sign yet.
DD Form 2983 - Recruit/Trainee Prohibited Activities Acknowledgment Fill out sections 1-9 only. Cadre will fill out section 10.
The following forms are for scholarship cadets only:
Direct Deposit Form - This sets up a direct deposit for your stipend. Fill out Blocks 1, 2, 3, and 5.
W-4 - Tax Form. Fill out Steps 1 and 5; enter “0” for Steps 3 and 4.
DD Form 2058 - Records your state of legal residence for tax purposes.
SGLV 8286 - Sets the foundation to have a military life insurance policy. Fill out Blocks 1 and 5 in their entirety. For block 1, your rank would be Cadet, duty location is Detachment 225, and current amount of SGLI is 0.
If you have any questions regarding NCOP, please do not hesitate to reach out to detachment cadre, or NCOP staff! NCOP is a phenomenal experience, loved by most cadets who participate, and sets everyone up for success in the beginning of AFROTC. Fly, Fight, Win!
