Chapter 1 - General Provisions and Background

Chapter 1

GENERAL PROVISIONS AND BACKGROUND

SECTION A – AUTHORITY, MISSION AND OBJECTIVES

1.1. Authority: The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Vitalization Act of 1964 tasks each military department to establish and maintain units of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Corps at public and private secondary institutions. Such schools must provide a course of military instruction not less than 3 years in length as prescribed by the military department concerned. Schools are selected upon the basis of fair and equitable distribution throughout the nation. Each Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) unit must maintain an enrollment of at least 100 students or 10 percent of the school enrollment, whichever is less and above the 8^th grade. The law further authorizes the use of retired officers and noncommissioned officers as instructors.

1.2. Mission Statement:

1.2.1. AFJROTC: Develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community.

1.2.2. TX-20016: Our mission is to “Develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community”. We will achieve this through the attainment of aerospace knowledge, participation in community service, development of positive character traits, and practice of leadership skills. We ARE NOT a recruiting program for the military!

1.2.3. TX-20016 Designation: Our Cadet Corps is uniquely identified by our designation of “TX-20016.” This designation is first broken down by the State, TX for Texas. The second part is the year and the number of corps designated and our sequence in that number. In this case, 20016, represents the year of 2001 in which we were created, and we were the 6^th corps established in 2001.

1.3. AFJROTC Goals: To instill values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a

sense of accomplishment in high school students.

1.4. AFJROTC Objectives. Cadets will develop:

1.4.1. An appreciation of the basic elements and requirements for national security.

1.4.2. Respect for and an understanding of the need for constituted authority in a democratic society.

1.4.3. Patriotism and an understanding of their personal obligation to contribute to national security.

1.4.4. Habits of orderliness and precision.

1.4.5. A high degree of personal honor, self-reliance, and leadership.

1.4.6. A broad-based knowledge of the aerospace age and fundamental aerospace doctrine.

1.4.7. Basic military skills.

1.4.8. A knowledge of and appreciation for the traditions of the Air Force.

1.4.9. An interest in completing high school and pursuing higher educational goals.

1.4.10. An understanding of the Air Force and military as a possible career path.

1.5. Instructor Staff. JROTC instructors are retired Air Force commissioned and noncommissioned officers (NCOs). The Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (SASI) is typically a commissioned officer and senior instructor. He or she manages and administers the AFJROTC program. The SNCO/NCO is employed as an Aerospace Science Instructor (ASI) who reports directly to the SASI. His or her major task is to coteach Aerospace Science and/or Leadership Education curriculum. Both are certified for their positions by the US Air Force and are members of the school faculty.

SECTION B -- ENROLLMENT AND DISENROLLMENT

1.6. Enrollment. Cadets must be a full-time student in good standing enrolled at Cy-Springs High School; a US citizen or an immigrant applying for permanent residence; at least 14 years old; of good moral character; and physically fit for training. THERE IS NO MILITARY SERVICE OBLIGATION FOR AFJROTC ENROLLMENT!

1.6.1. AFJROTC Reserve Cadet. An active cadet who completed an entire AFJROTC Academic year and is not participating in an AFJROTC course during the current semester of the school year may be designated, with AFJROTC instructors’ concurrence, as a Reserve Cadet. Reserve Cadets may participate in all AFJROTC activities (drill team, color guard, etc.). Time in reserve status does not count towards the Certificate of Completion. Reserve cadets may participate in all after school activities.

1.6.2. Reserve Cadets who completed the entire AFJROTC Academic Program during a previous academic year/term cannot count towards minimum enrollment or unit funding.

1.6.3. Reserve Cadets who will complete an AFJROTC course during one semester, but are not participating in an AFJROTC course during the current semester, may retain their uniform for the entire academic year.

1.6.4. Reserve cadets may be issued a uniform and participate in all activities, fundraisers, and field trips.

1.7. Disenrollment. Cadets may be disenrolled by either their parent/guardian or the SASI. A parent may request a release from the course in coordination with Cy-Springs School administration. Cadets who are consistently deficient in one or more areas or demonstrate a negative pattern of behavior are disruptive to the overall corps operations must be disenrolled. In addition, the SASI can disenroll a cadet who does not:

1.7.1. Wear the uniform (to include Physical Training and Spirit wear) when required.

1.7.2. Pass any aerospace course. Continued enrollment will be on a space available basis when approved by the SASI, with no certification of completion credit for military training for failed AFJROTC courses.

1.7.3. Maintain personal appearance and uniform standards after many attempts to correct the deficiencies by the SASI, ASI, or senior cadets.

1.7.4. Abide by Cy-Springs High School Student Code of Conduct. History of suspensions and any expulsion are reasons for disenrollment.

1.7.5. Follow classroom rules; maintain a positive attitude towards training; comply with classroom procedures; and maintain self-control.

1.7.6. Abide by the Cadet Code of Conduct, Honor Code, or Cadet Creed. Any cadet who shows an inaptitude or indifference to

training may be disenrolled.

1.7.7 Cadets who fail to meet course standards (conduct and/or academic) will first be counseled by the SASI or ASI and documented on a counseling form. If the cadet fails to self-correct then the parent/guardian will be contacted to discuss the issue. This conversation will be further documented on the counseling form. If the cadet still fails to comply with course requirements then the SASI may take action to disenroll the cadet from the course. This process should take roughly 3 weeks to complete but will depend on the specific circumstances.

DISENROLLED CADETS RECEIVE NO COURSE CREDIT.

SECTION C -- CONTRACT, CODE OF CONDUCT, HONOR CODE, AND CADET CREED

1.8. Cadet Contract. All cadets will complete annually or upon enrollment the cadet contract shown in Figure 1.1, which will be filed in their Cadet Personnel Record.

1.9. Cadet Code of Conduct, Honor Code, and Creed These codes are closely related and supplement each other. They belong to the cadets and guide them as they strive to become productive citizens in a society with demanding and often conflicting standards and questionable role models. Cadets should instill these values in themselves and their fellow cadets to the best of their ability always.

1.9.1. Cadet Code of Conduct. This code, a general guide for a cadet's conduct, is not all inclusive but expected to be followed by all cadets. It encompasses the Honor Code, Cadet Creed and the Air Force Core Values in the following section.

1.9.2. Cadet Honor Code. "A Cadet will not Lie, Cheat, or Steal nor Tolerate Among Them, anyone who Does." These simple words are the basis for a code to live by that will last the remainder of a cadet's life. These are simple but tough rules to live by as reflected in the troubling and alarming number of students who freely admit they cheat in school. However, these words are specific and clear in their demands and are still relevant in our society. A cadet should be HONEST in both words and deeds. A cadet should not make quibbling and evasive statements, should do their own work, and assist others in a sense of cooperation to meet corps' goals. Trustworthiness not just in battle but also throughout life is not only noble but also necessary for the welfare and continued existence of our civilized society. The code requires self-control and a conscious effort to not take the easy road to short term success, but to instead take the road that requires challenging work for long-term success. Eventually, living by the code will become an ingrained habit and a part of the cadet's total lifestyle. The Honor Code stresses that lying, cheating, or stealing is not tolerated and that HONOR is a noble, moral standard that is the essence of not only the Corps but also our civilized society.

1.9.3. Cadet Creed. I am an Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet. I am connected and faithful to every Corps of Cadets who served their community and nation with patriotism. I earn respect when I uphold the Core Values of Integrity First, Service before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. I will always conduct myself to bring credit to my family, school, Corps of Cadets, community, and to myself. My character defines me. I will not lie, cheat, or steal. I am accountable for my actions and deeds. I will hold others accountable for their actions as well. I will honor those I serve with, those who have gone before me, and those who will come after me. I am a Patriot, a Leader, and a Wingman devoted to those I follow, serve, and lead. I am an Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet.

1.10. Air Force Core Values: The fundamental principles by which we must perform our work and live our lives are called core values. The core values of the Air Force and our unit are:

1.10.1. Integrity First: Integrity is the unfaltering devotion to honesty, truthfulness and doing what's right. It's made up of

several traits including moral courage, responsibility, accountability, justice, openness, self-respect and humility.

1.10.2. Service Before Self: Service before self means sacrificing personal goals for the good of the service and nation, something Air Force people have done for years and will continue to do. Professional duties take precedence over personal desires. Discipline and self-control are paramount, and we must keep faith in our system.

1.10.3 Excellence In All We Do: Excellence means we strive to do our best in everything for which we're responsible, both personally and professionally. We maintain a passion for continuous improvement and innovation. We work together on the basis of trust and mutual respect.

SECTION D -- ORGANIZATION

1.11. Organization. The AFJROTC TX-20016 Cadet Corps is organized as a Cadet Group. The group staff is responsible for operations of the cadet corps and the JROTC program is designed to be cadet operated. Cadets can hold positions in different areas focused on operating the Cadet Corps.

1.12. Chain of Command. Each cadet will know the chain of command and the names of the people assigned to the positions contained in Figure 1.2.a Cadets should use the chain for cadet business such as questions on uniforms, customs and courtesies, drill, cadet evaluations and promotions, cadet awards, extracurricular activities, and class rules and procedures. A PERSONAL MATTER, INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT BY ANY CADET, OR QUESTIONS ON ACADEMICS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED DIRECTLY AND IMMEDIATELY TO ONE OF THE AFJROTC INSTRUCTORS.

1.13. Corps Motto. The corps motto reflects the cadets' commitment to AFJROTC. The motto will appear on stationary and other cadet clothing, awards, and symbols. The AFJROTC TX-20016 motto is "Continuing the Excellence".

Figure 1.1 Cadet Contract. (page 1 of 2)

CADET MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

I, _____________________________ STUDENT ID _______________ voluntarily enrolled in the Cy-Springs High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program and I will:

1. Wear the uniform issued to me every Wednesday and clean the uniform when necessary and/or as directed by the SASI/ASI during the school year unless a valid excuse is documented by either a parent or guardian. Cadets are also required to wear the issued physical fitness uniform on PT day, Friday. Failure to wear the required uniform continually will result in disenrollment (See section 1.7).

1. Maintain my hair and/or personal appearance within published standards when enrolled in AFJROTC and while wearing the uniform. Failure to maintain established standards will affect your inspection grade and possibly your enrollment.

1. Abide by Cy-Springs High School student rules of conduct and will refrain from behavior that will discredit Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District, Cy-Springs High School or the Cadet Corps.

1. Be prepared for Leadership Education and Aerospace Science classes. This includes bringing writing supplies, appropriate books, and your cadet guide to class each day. This is a part of a daily grade.

1. Attend all classes unless excused in accordance with school policy.

1. Pay an activity fee of $50.00. This mandatory fee will pay for the purchase of a “spirit shirt” and curriculum supplies not funded by HQ AFOATS, Cy-Springs High School or Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District. This fee is non-refundable if cadet is not able to complete the course.

1. Participate in JROTC fundraising activities. All funds raised pay for activities not normally funded by the school or HQ AFOATS such as; field trips, extracurricular corps activities, student classroom supplies, etc...

1. Accept monetary responsibility for the issued uniforms, books, equipment, or other items lost or stolen. Lost or stolen items must be paid for by the cadet. Failure to do so will result in the cadet being added to the school’s Fees and Fines List.

1. Maintain published Cy-Springs High School and AFJROTC academic standards.

1. Turn-in issued uniform(s) when no longer enrolled in JROTC or when requested. Failure to return items will result in placement on the school’s Fee and Fines List.

1. Wear physical training uniform and participate in physical training activities on established PT days, unless a medical condition prohibits participation and is documented by a physician. Each student must have a copy of their current Parental Consent for Fitness Program Participation form on file for this school year. An actual physical by a family doctor is highly recommended for participation in any physical fitness activities.

1. Attend the AFJROTC Military Ball/Military Awards Banquet and Pass-In-Review. These activities are filled with military tradition and are essential to good unit esprit de corps. Activity Fee and Fundraising activities defray the cost for cadets attending the Military Awards Banquet/Military Ball. Additionally, each student must participate in the annual end-of-year district wide parade. These activities are mandatory and part of the semester grade.

Fig. 1.1 Cadet Contract (Cont’d., page 2 of 2)

STUDENT:

I understand that failure to abide by this agreement may result in demotion and removal from cadet jobs, not participating in AFJROTC field trips and extra-curricular activities, any military training credit and/or disenrollment from AFJROTC.

__________________________________________

CADET SIGNATURE / DATE

PARENT/GUARDIAN:

I give permission for my child, ______________________________ to enroll in Cy-Springs High School AFJROTC and will encourage his or her participation. I have discussed the above information with my son/daughter. I assume responsibility for the cost of issued uniforms, books, and/or items issued if my son/daughter, damages them beyond fair wear and tear, does not return these items at the end of the school year, upon disenrollment, or at the request of the ASI or SASI. I understand there is no military obligation for participation in AFJROTC. I understand the high standards expected of a student in this program to include supervised physical fitness training, and I will help my child achieve these standards. I will allow Cy-Springs High School and AFJROTC to take photographs of my child engaged in AFJROTC activities for use in student publications, photo boards, exhibits, etc. and on the Cy-Springs High School web site. I also authorize the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor or the Aerospace Science Instructor during approved school trips and/or functions to execute any or all documents necessary for my son/daughter to be treated by medical personnel during a medical emergency.

I agree to pay the $65.00 activity fee. The fee will pay for the purchase of a “spirit shirt” and curriculum supplies not funded by HQ AFOATS, Cy-Springs High School or Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District. This fee is non-refundable if cadet is not able to complete the course.

PARENT/GUARDIAN PRINTED NAME: _______________________________________________________________________

PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE: _____________________________________________________DATE: _______________

Please provide the following information below so we may contact you when necessary and in the event of any emergencies.

Address: ____________________________________________ Primary Phone: ___________________________

____________________________________________ Alternate Phone: ___________________________

Email Address: __________________________________________