WHAT DOES NJ-781ST AFJROTC MEAN?

Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) is a program designed to develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community. The AFJROTC program provides citizenship training and an aerospace science class for high school students. Enrollment is open to all students in grades 9-12. Good performance is rewarded through promotion to positions of increased responsibility and the awarding of medals and ribbons. Books and uniforms are provided at no cost to the student except for cleaning and minor maintenance of the uniform. Retired Air Force personnel who are state-certified instructors teach the course. Enrollment in AFJROTC incurs NO MILITARY OBLIGATION; however, scholarship and promotion benefits are available to experienced AFJROTC cadets that pursue a military career after high school. Cadets interested in attending any one of the service academies are encouraged to enroll in AFJROTC. ROTC scholarships and academy nominations are limited and quite competitive.

The AFJROTC curriculum includes three components: Aerospace Science (AS), Leadership Education (LE), and Wellness. Aerospace Science may include history of aviation, cultural awareness, science of flight, space exploration, survival and corps management. Leadership Education emphasizes self-discipline, responsibility, leadership, citizenship, uniform wear, customs and courtesies, flag etiquette, cadet corps activities, study habits, time management, communication skills, career opportunities, life skills, principles of management, and drill. Drill is taught throughout the school year as part of the leadership component in between and in conjunction with formal AS and LE academic lessons.

Proper uniform wear and grooming is required of all cadets. Cadets are required to wear the uniform one day per week throughout the school year beginning in October. Cadets unable or unwilling to wear the uniform and meet the grooming standard will be removed from the program. Uniform and grooming standards are in accordance with Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel. This is HQ AFJROTC policy and not negotiable for cadets or instructors. In general terms, this means a neat, clean-cut haircut and no facial hair (with the exception of a trimmed mustache) for male cadets while in uniform. For female cadets, this means their hair must be styled in such a way that the hair remains above the shirt collar while in uniform. You may Google AFI 36-2903 for details regarding grooming standards or refer to the Cadet Guide on our website.

Wellness/Physical Training is an official and integral part of the AFJROTC program. The objective of the program is to motivate cadets to lead healthy, active lifestyles beyond program requirements and into their adult lives. Wellness includes a variety of exercises and physical activity. Cadets can expect to participate in wellness approximately one class period per week.

AFJROTC is a full-year, 5-credit course toward high school graduation. Cadets transferring from another school’s JROTC program after one semester may earn 2.5 credits for the half-year. JROTC transfer cadets are the only students permitted half-year credit for AFJROTC. Cadet transfers may enroll in AFJROTC when approved by the guidance office and the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor.