Chapter 7

Chapter 7

AFJROTC TX-20016 CLUBS AND CO-CURRICULAR/LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES

7.1. General. There are several voluntary cadet extracurricular activities which supplement aerospace or leadership experiences. Additionally, these activities bring cadets together with common interests, build esprit de corps, are ways to create lasting friendships, and guarantee an enjoyable time to those who get involved. Involvement teaches leadership, responsibility, teamwork, and cooperation. It is also a positive, visible way to publicize to the community the values at work that we teach to our cadets. The SASI and/or ASI will monitor all activities and will serve as advisors. Additionally, active duty military and sponsors may monitor and teach these activities. All cadets are eligible to train and practice with all teams. All team commanders are responsible to document the cadets’ training on their team and decide when a cadet is fully qualified in accordance with their training plan. Once trained, the team commander will select the primary and alternate cadets who will compete at any given competition. The following description of activities is not all-inclusive and will change depending on what activities the TX-20016^th cadets want to have and support.

7.2. Kitty Hawk Air Society (Honors Program). This AFJROTC Honorary Society promotes academic excellence, service, and patriotism. An invitation to join will be extended only to cadets who have an "A" average in their AFJROTC courses and an overall "B" school average with no failing grades. Cadets will complete a pledge program to become a member. Cadets may be placed on probation for one grading period if their grades fall below the requirement. Kitty Hawk members must also participate in volunteer activities and miss no more than 3 meetings. A distinctive badge will be awarded upon indoctrination into this elite AFJROTC TX-20016^th honors society.

7.3. Color Guard, Unarmed Drill and Armed (Rifle) Teams. These teams are constantly in the "public's eye" and thus will consist of cadets who are hardworking and have the time and desire to commit themselves to these activities. Since participation is time consuming and will include trips away from school for competitions and performances, we want to ensure cadets do not suffer academically. Thus, participants must not fail any subject and must maintain a school grade point of average of at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Continued uniform or personal appearance violations and school suspensions are unacceptable. Failure to meet these standards will result in probation for the next grading period until the minimum standards are achieved. Failure to reach these standards after the probationary period expires will result in removal from the team. Cadets will attend practice(s) and then be evaluated to fill all vacant team positions. Cadets will be evaluated by the applicable Team Commander and the Drill Squadron Commander.

7.3.1. Color Guard. This elite cadet corps presents and posts the US and Texas colors at school, Corps, and community functions. This provides an opportunity for cadets to learn to respect and properly present national and state flags. The Color Guard Commander will appoint team members to cover all events and ensure the team is properly prepared for the event. The Color Guard commander must ensure team members are properly trained and will track all training and event participation.

7.3.2. Unarmed Drill Team. Cadets who enjoy drill, "polish" their drill skills learned in the leadership laboratory and form a drill team that performs in drill competitions and demonstrations. Drill practice will normally be three times a week immediately after school. Participation, like for the Color Guard, requires an extra commitment from cadets since they will spend many hours learning the manual of arms, perfecting close-order teamwork, practicing standardized movements, developing "free-style" movements, and taking care of their uniform. During competitions, not only is drill precision evaluated, but the uniform and personal appearance is graded as well. The Drill Team Commander will ensure all team members are prepared for competitions and performances. All training will be tracked and the commander will select those team members prepared and qualified for participation in competitions.

7.3.3. Armed (Rifle) Team. The rifle team will be established for cadets who want to refine their rifle handling skills and knowledge of manual of arms. The Armed Team Commander will ensure all team members are prepared for competitions and performances. All training will be tracked and the commander will select those team members prepared and qualified for participation in competitions.

7.4. Rocket Club/Team. Members of this activity will learn how to build and launch model rockets. Qualified team members will compete at Rocketry meets and document their accomplishments on their flight log. Cadets who meet the AFJROTC qualifications are also eligible for a rocketry badge which is worn with the uniform. The team commander will ensure they track all training, launches and competitions to support the awarding of the Model Rocketry badge.

7.5. Exhibition Drill Team. This team takes precision drill and mixes it with the popular “Step” dance moves to make their own unique routines and performances. This team allows the mixture of discipline and creativity to really shine in their performances. This team also performs for various events and helps promote JROTC in our recruiting efforts.

7.6. Academic Team. This group of cadets performs at all drill competitions and establishes the Academic Bowl team. The team chooses members to compete at each event and takes an academic test that may vary in content from JROTC to normal high school studies. This team also comes together and competes internationally against all other AFJROTC teams in the annual Academic Bowl.

7.7. Field Trips (Curriculum in Action). Field trips will occur in the fall and in the spring. The SASI/ASI will select cadets who are students in good standing academically and have no disciplinary problems, have not had a history of uniform or personal appearance violations, and are approved by the school to attend the field trip. The SASI will publish a memorandum for the trip, dress requirements, and other instructions which must be complied with to participate on the trip. The school must sanction trips and cadets must have their guardian’s permission to participate. Trips may occur on school days, weekends and evenings.

7.8. Fund Raising Projects. The Corps needs money to support many of its activities and community service projects. Various fundraising activities are done each school year to raise money. The extent that cadets and their sponsors support these activities will determine the level of funding the corps has to minimize costs for social and formal functions and to purchase items that will enhance the corps’ operation and cadet esprit de corps.

7.9. Military Ball. The Military Ball, a formal Air Force tradition, will be planned and conducted in the spring. Participation is mandatory, and it is a highlight of the spring activities. This formal occasion includes a meal followed by traditional activities, and is a fun-filled event for all participants. It is also the venue where we recognize our annual award winners.

7.10. Awareness Presentation Team (APT). A worthwhile voluntary activity which consists of cadets who like to and feel comfortable talking to students about such social issues as drug education and staying in school. Our involvement in these social issues brings our Corps favorable publicity and is a valuable social service to the community. Cadets earn an APT badge to wear on the uniform if they participate in 75% of the events as determined by the APT Commander. In addition, APT members visit our feeder schools to talk to eighth graders about our AFJROTC program, explaining our mission, objectives, benefits, etc. This team is key to recruiting future cadets. Sign up and attend the APT meeting to join the team.

7.11. Cadet Corps Commander Staff Meeting. The Cadet Corps Commander will schedule, publicize, and conduct staff meetings. Meetings provide face-to-face communications between the Commander and the staff. They plan and implement cadet activities in a meeting that serves as a leadership lab to develop communications, management, and leadership skills. An agenda will be published and posted prior to the meeting. Minutes will be documented, published, and posted after each meeting.

7.12. Marksmanship Team. This team becomes certified to operate air rifles in accordance with the Civilian Marksmanship Program. This team focuses on the responsible use of air guns through firearms safety, training, and competition. The team participates in JROTC competitions sponsored locally, regionally, and nationally. Cadets may earn the Marksmanship Badge once they become fully qualified and compete in a JROTC event.

7.13. Logistics and other Activities: There are numerous opportunities within JROTC to get involved. Logistics operations are responsible for all uniforms, equipment, and WINGS transactions to document inventory management. Every cadet in the corps must ensure that their interaction with Logistics is accurate and timely. These activities in JROTC need volunteers to make them successful. Any cadet may volunteer to help…we need you! We ask every cadet to get involved and help make a difference in TX-20016!

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GET INVOLVED – OUR UNIT’S SUCCESS DEPENDS ON IT!

REMEMBER OUR MOTTO: “CONTINUING THE EXCELENCE”!

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