Carroll County Schools offers Air Force JROTC at Central High School. The AFJROTC program provides citizenship training and an aerospace science program for high school students. Enrollment is open to those students in grades 9-12 who are physically fit and are United States citizens. Classes are taught by retired Air Force commissioned and noncommissioned officers who are full time faculty members at the high school.
Student cadets receive credit toward high school graduation by attending and passing AFJROTC classes. Students participate in aerospace science study, geography, and leadership. Additionally, they learn about character development and citizenship through the discussion of character-building topics. Cadets are introduced to the Air Force organizational structure, uniform wear, military customs and courtesies, flag etiquette, citizenship in the United States, leadership, first aid, health and wellness, survival skills, individual self-control, basic drill and ceremonies, effective communications, personal awareness, team building, career development, and basic financial skills. Students also learn the importance of management, decision-making, and problem solving.
To reinforce what is learned in the classroom, cadets participate in many outside activities such as field trips to military bases, aerospace facilities and industries, museums, and civilian airports. Cadets also participate in parades, summer leadership schools, drill team competitions, military balls, honorary academic groups, and other community activities.
Participation in JROTC programs may afford students an opportunity to earn scholarships for postsecondary colleges. Other branches of military service have been invited to establish JROTC programs at Carroll County high schools, and these applications are pending final approval.