November 12 | Volume 40 No. 33

Thursday, November 12, 2026

Fullerton College Expands Military Leadership Pathways Through 2 New ROTC Partnerships

FULLERTON, CA -- Fullerton College is bridging the gap between advanced technical training and military officer commissioning through new Army and Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) partnerships. Announced ahead of Veterans Day, these agreements allow students in the Bachelor of Science in Drone and Autonomous Systems program to undergo military leadership training while completing their four-year degree at the college. This initiative establishes a distinctive model within California's community college system. Traditionally, students must transfer to a university to participate in ROTC; however, crosstown agreements with California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) and Loyola Marymount University (LMU) enable students to remain enrolled at Fullerton College for their full degree. Prospective students can explore program requirements and enrollment steps at https:// drones.fullcoll.edu/rotc. Strategic Integration of Autonomous Systems The integration of robotics, artificial intelli gence, and uncrewed aircraft is fundamentally changing national defense. Jay Seidel, Director of the Fullerton College Drone Lab, noted that the program aims to develop technically proficient leaders who understand the mechan ics of these systems rather than just operating them. "As we recognize the service and sacrifices of our veterans this Veterans Day, we're also looking toward the next generation of military leaders," said Jay Seidel, Professor and Director of the Fullerton College Drone Technology Program. "Autonomous systems, robotics, and artificial intelligence are transforming military operations. We want future officers to understand these technologies, not simply use them. By combining our bachelor's degree with Army and Air Force ROTC, we're preparing technically knowledgeable leaders for the challenges of tomorrow." The pathways specifically target different branches of service: • Army ROTC (CSUF): Focuses on military leadership and commissioning opportunities within the U.S. Army. • Air Force ROTC (LMU): Prepares students for leadership roles in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.

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