AIR FORCE JROTC
The AFJROTC Curriculum is offered on a 4-year rotational schedule. First Year, Second Year, Third Year, and Fourth Year Cadets are enrolled in the same course. The courses are designed to work as a four-year rolling course load (ex. Freshman may start in year 3, then 4, then 1, then 2) Each year the curriculum in the AFJROTC includes an Aerospace Science (AS) component, a Leadership Education (LE) component, and a Wellness/PT component that rotates throughout the four-year cycle.
Within the Leadership Education (LE) portion of the program is a Drill and Ceremonies component. Citizenship, leadership, character and community service are the core tenets of the program. Coursework includes aerospace science, military history, customs and courtesies, drills and ceremonies and building upon student’s skills such as leadership, self-confidence and discipline – qualities that are necessary to thrive in any career.
AFJROTC is not a military recruitment program, and students are in no way obligated to join the military upon graduation. High school students who successfully complete at least three years in the program may be able to enter the military at a higher pay grade than most enlistees. College-bound students can compete for an Air Force Academy nomination or an Air Force ROTC scholarship through their Air Force Junior ROTC unit.
Aerospace Science 100: Milestones in Aviation History 2nd Ed. Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
This is the recommended first AS course for all new cadets. It is an aviation history course focusing on the development of flight throughout the centuries. It starts with ancient civilizations and flight, then progresses through time to future developments in aerospace, with an introduction into cyber technologies. The intent of this textbook is to bring alive the significant discoveries in flight a reality. This book tells the story of why we are so proud of our Air Force heritage ─ laying the foundation for future Air Force JROTC aerospace science courses. Throughout the course 21st -century learning is adopted with readings, video clips, hands-on learner centered activities, and chapter project-based learning opportunities.
Aerospace Science 200: The Science of Flight: A Gateway to New Horizons 2 nd Ed. Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
A Gateway to New Horizons, 2nd Edition, course has been completely rewritten to include the latest information and teaching philosophies, incorporating 21st century learning strategies. This new course provides students with up-to-date information on exploring the fundamentals of the science of flight. It all starts with an introduction to the principles of flight. Students will explore aircraft design, flight control, and aircraft power options. In addition, students explore weather concepts, the effects of flight on the human body, and how to navigate during flight. Finally, students will investigate the safety of flight and possible career options in the aviation industry.
Aerospace Science 220: An Introduction to Global Awareness, 2nd Edition Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
The contents of this course have been completely rewritten and are structured around the Twelve Domains of Culture model developed by the Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC). The cultural domains in this model include family and kinship, political and social relations, sex and gender, economics and resources, sustenance and health, technology and material, religion and spirituality, aesthetics and recreation, language and communication, time and space, history and myth, and learning and knowledge. This new course provides students with up-to-date information on exploring the concept of global awareness and the cultures of other regions throughout the world. It starts with an introduction of what global awareness is and the effects of technology on global culture. Students are then taken on a journey around the world, through different cultures in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Finally, the students will be provided cultural information regarding Canada and Mexico.
Aerospace Science 300: Exploring Space: The High Frontier 2nd Edition Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Exploring Space: The High Frontier, Second Edition is typically the third/fourth-year science course in the high school sequence of Aerospace Science courses for AFJROTC. This course has been completely rewritten to include the latest information and teaching philosophies, incorporating 21st‐century learning strategies. This new course provides students with the latest information on exploring space and an introduction to cybersecurity and technology. It begins with early astronomy and the basic interest in the universe from the Greeks through the Renaissance and Enlightenment ages. Students will be provided with an in-depth view of the solar system, including Earth, the Sun, the Moon, and planets. The text also discusses the history of space travel and more modern space probes and robotics. Students will examine the effects of space on the human body. The text also investigates the history of rockets, launch vehicles, and the coordinated systems required for a successful launch into space. Finally, the text will offer a cybersecurity chapter that outlines the importance of cybersecurity in space and in daily life.
Aerospace Science 400: Management of the Cadet Corps Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
The cadets should be in a leadership position, managing cadet corps programs by their fourth year in the AFJROTC program. Not every leadership position needs to be held by fourth year cadets and AS 400 is intended for 4th year cadets who hold corps management positions. However, if necessary due to the low number of 4th year cadets, 3rd year cadets may be placed in corps management positions and enrolled in AS 400. AS 400 is not intended for cadets who do not hold corps management/leadership positions and instructors should ensure only those cadets holding corps management/leadership positions are enrolled in the course. This handson experience affords cadets the opportunity to put theories of previous leadership courses into practice. Planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, controlling, and decision-making will be done by cadets. They will put into practice their communication, decision-making, personal interaction, managerial, and organizational skills. Instructors should keep in mind that since there is no textbook for this course, the course syllabus will be structured so that cadets achieve course objectives by completing corps management activities.
Leadership Education 100: Traditions, Wellness, and Foundations of Citizenship Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
LE 100 is a component of JROTC leadership education. It is intended for students who are entering the AFJROTC program and beginning their high school studies. It introduces cadets to history, organization, mission, traditions, goals, and objectives of JROTC for all services. It also introduces key military customs and courtesies, describes how to project a positive attitude, and examines the principles of ethical and moral behavior. It provides strategies for effective note taking and study skills for academic success. Lessons cover how to be emotionally, mentally, and physically healthy. Avoiding and preventing violence in today’s society is also covered. Recognizing types of bullying and how to advocate for prevention of this type of behavior. It covers healthy living, physical fitness, and how to make safe, drug free, and responsible decisions. This textbook also examines the negative effects of air and water pollution, and how to help keep the environment safe. Cadets will be introduced to civics and our national government, including a historical understanding of the American flag and other important national symbols. The final chapter covers how the US Constitution protects our rights and freedoms as American citizens.
Leadership Education 200: Communication, Awareness, and Leadership 2nd Ed. Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Communication, Awareness, and Leadership, Second Edition, is a customized course designed to improve communication, enhance awareness of self and others, and provide fundamentals of leadership and followership. The course focuses on the AFJROTC mission to “develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community.” Woven throughout is the underlying theme of developing personal integrity. The course also emphasizes leadership and values such as service and excellence. This update incorporates 21st -century teaching, learning, and skills of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.
LE-300: Life Skills & Career Opportunities Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Life Skills and Career Opportunities, Second Edition provides an essential component of leadership education for today’s high school students. This course is designed to prepare students for life after high school in the high-tech, globally oriented, and diverse workplace of the 21st -century. Students will learn how to save, invest, and spend money wisely, as well as how to avoid credit traps. They learn about real-life issues such as contracts, leases, warranties, legal notices, personal bills, money-saving strategies for grocery shopping, apartment selection, and life with roommates. In addition, students learn how to select a school that is right for them; how to apply for admission to a vocational or technical school, community college, or college/university; and how to succeed in these learning environments. Information is provided on how to conduct the job search for students who wish to enter the workforce right after high school or after additional education and training. They learn how to prepare a winning résumé, and how to develop effective interviewing skills. The text also provides information on working for the federal government to include careers in the military, aerospace industry, and public service. Finally, students will consider the most important elements of life skills for all Americans: civic responsibilities, such as volunteering, registering to vote, jury duty, and draft registration.
Leadership Education 400: Fundamentals of Management Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Fundamentals of Management is a customized course designed for the fourth-year Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) cadet. Its aim is to provide cadets with an introduction to basic management concepts and skills, especially as they relate to managing in a JROTC unit. Along the way cadets will learn some of the history of management studies and encounter elements of more-recent management research. Each lesson includes a “Quick Write” reading and writing activity related to the lesson, a “Learn About” that tells cadets what they will learn from the lesson, and a list of vocabulary words. “Management Tips” and “Ethical Compass” boxes in the margins contain useful related information, while occasional “Tech Tips” point out how to use technology to your benefit as a manager. Each lesson closes with a “Checkpoints Lesson Review” that will allow cadets to review what they have learned. At the end of the “Checkpoints” is an “Applying Your Learning” section with a discussion question that will provide cadets with an opportunity to apply what they have learned. This provides another way to reinforce understanding of the lesson's content.
Drill and Ceremonies: Drill Curriculum (Cumulative) Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
The Drill and Ceremonies manual is used to teach the Drill Curriculum (Cumulative) course by providing an in-depth introduction to drill and ceremonies. The course concentrates on the elements of military drill, and describes individual and group precision movements, procedures for saluting, drill, ceremonies, reviews, parades, and development of the command voice. Cadets are provided detailed instruction on ceremonial performances and protocol for civilian and military events and have the opportunity to learn drill. Though each class will follow an established lesson plan, most of the work is to be hands-on. Instructors are provided DAF Pamphlet 34-1203 to teach the Drill and Ceremonies course and may download the latest version from Air Force e-pubs website (https://www.e-publishing.af.mil/). In addition, instructors may order the Army Field Manual 3-21.5 and the Interservice Cross-Index Drill Manual to supplement the teaching of Drill and Ceremonies.
Wellness Program Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Wellness is an official and integral part of the Air and Space Force Junior ROTC program. Wellness curriculum is instrumental in developing citizens of character dedicated to serving our nation and communities. The program is provided as a tool to help develop individualized fitness programs for your cadets. Cadets will be given the opportunity to put into practice the wellness concepts that are taught in Leadership Education 100. Instructors are encouraged to include team sports to keep the Wellness Program fun and motivating. Team sports also provide cadets the opportunity to develop leadership skills and build esprit de corps.