Organization
AFJROTC provides citizenship training and an aerospace science program for high school students. Secondary school students who enroll in the AFJROTC program are offered a wide variety of curricular and co-curricular activities. The program explores the historic and scientific aspects of aerospace technology and teaches high school students self-reliance, self-discipline, and other leadership characteristics. Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) concepts are also an important part of this world class program. The AFJROTC program is open to 9th-12th grade students.
AFJROTC objectives are to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship and life skills; promote community service; instill a sense responsibility, develop character, leadership, and self-discipline through education and instruction in air and space fundamentals and the Air Force’s core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do.
Curriculum
Curriculum is comprised of Aerospace Science (40%), Leadership Education (40%) and Health and Wellness studies (20%). Students who successfully complete the classes are granted credit toward graduation. Aerospace Science includes the heritage of flight, principles of aircraft flight and navigation, human requirements of flight, development of aerospace power, aerospace vehicles, rocketry, space and technology programs, aerospace industry, cultural studies of major world regions and cyber technology. STEM curriculum is introduced to help students better understand science and math related curriculum, improve critical thinking skills, and prepare cadets to be more competitive in the 21st Century. Leadership Education introduces students to military customs and courtesies, character education, citizenship in the United States, first aid, wellness, health and fitness, basic drill and ceremonies, critical thinking, effective communications, management, human relations, and college and career readiness; preparing students for life after high school.
Leadership Development Requirements (LDR)
To reinforce the curriculum, cadets are encouraged to participate in activities outside the classroom called Leadership Development Requirements (LDRs). Activities include Drill team, Cyber Defense, Model Aviation and Rocketry, Marksmanship, Raider team (formerly Spec Ops and Physical Training) team, Orienteering, Kitty Hawk Air Society, Sound team, Sabre team, Academic team, and Color Guard team. Through these LDR's, cadets continue to refine their leadership and followership skills while bringing credit to their self, unit, school and community.
Community Service
Community service is a major part of the cadet experience and helps instill a sense of civic pride and citizenship. Each year, AFJROTC cadets do more than 1800 hours of community service. Projects range from cleaning and refurnishing cemeteries to blood drives.
Other Benefits
In addition, cadets electing to enter the military immediately after graduating from high school are eligible to enlist in the services at one to two pay grades higher than other enlistees. Students completing three years in AFJROTC are eligible to enter the Air Force two pay grades higher than other enlistees, and are automatically enrolled into the Community College of the Air Force, to receive college credit toward their associate college degree.
Joining AFJROTC
The criteria for determining eligibility to participate in Air Force Junior ROTC are:
Be enrolled in and attending a regular course of instruction in grades 9 through 12 at a school hosting the unit.
Be selected by the Air Force Junior ROTC instructor with the approval of the school principal or his/her representative.
Maintain acceptable standards of academic achievement and an academic standing that warrants at least normal progression leading to graduation.
Maintain acceptable standards of conduct.
Comply with specified personal grooming standards.
Common sense and good judgment apply to the attainment of these standards. Standards will not be relaxed so as to reflect disgrace on the United States Air Force.
**Joining AFJROTC does not mean a military commitment to any branch of service upon graduation**
Bottomline
The program is designed to challenge and motivate your son or daughter, pushing them to their fullest potential intellectually, physically, and socially, instilling a high degree of personal integrity, honor, self-reliance and confidence.