Chapter 1 : Chapter 2 : Chapter 3 : Chapter 4 : Chapter 5 : Chapter 6 : Chapter 7 : Chapter 8

Chapter 1

MISSION, ENROLLMENT, EXPECTATIONS, CODES, AND ORGANIZATION

1.1 AFJROTC Mission.  Develop informed citizens; stimulate interest in aerospace careers; strengthen character and self-discipline; encourage completion of high school and pursuit of higher education and vocational goals; promote understanding of the role of the citizen soldier in a democratic society; teach aerospace science; promote community service; and teach social values and life skills.  Simply stated, our AFJROTC mission is: “To develop citizens of character, dedicated to serving their Nation and communities.”

1.2.  Objectives:  Cadets will:

1.2.1.  Understand the need for national security, authority, and military in a democracy

1.2.2.  Develop habits of order and discipline using the military training model

1.2.3.  Develop strong morals, self-reliance, self-esteem, leadership, and communication skills

1.2.4.  Be familiar with the aerospace age, doctrine, and career opportunities

1.2.5.  Be familiar with military customs, courtesies, and traditions

1.2.6.  Graduate from high school and pursue higher education or vocational goals

1.2.7.  Develop social skills and values and adhere to the Cadet Code of Conduct and Honor Code

1.2.8.  Participate in community service activities

1.2.9.  Follow the rules of parents, school administrators, teachers, and community officials

1.3.  Enrollment.  Cadets must be full time students in good standing at Merrillville High School; be a US citizen or an alien applying for permanent residence, be of good moral character; and be able to participate in AFJROTC Health and Wellness training.

THERE IS NO MILITARY SERVICE OBLIGATION FOR AFJROTC ENROLLMENT.  

For AFJROTC courses with student enrollment limits and quality standards, the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (SASI) will establish, with concurrence of the principal, enrollment standards.

1.4.  Disenrollment.   With the concurrence of the Principal, Merrillville High School, the SASI may recommend cadets for disenrollment, with no course credit, for the following reasons: 

1.4.1. Failure to wear the uniform, four or more unexcused times in any trimester period.  Failure to wear the uniform will be treated as failure to complete homework.  The MHS homework policy as outlined in the 2022-2023 Merrillville High School Handbook will be followed.  This INCLUDES the Physical Training uniform on Health & Wellness days.

1.4.2.   Failure to pass an aerospace course.  Continued enrollment may be on a space available basis when approved by the SASI.  Certificate of Completion, credit for military training, will not be issued for failed AFJROTC courses.

1.4.3.  Failure to maintain personal appearance and uniform standards after attempts to correct the deficiencies by the SASI, ASI, or senior cadets.

1.4.4.  Failure to abide by Merrillville High School student rules of behavior.  History of suspensions and any expulsion may be reasons for AFJROTC disenrollment.

1.4.5.  Failure to enroll as a full time student at Merrillville High School

1.4.6.  Failure to follow classroom rules, maintain a positive attitude towards AFJROTC training, comply with classroom procedures, and remain in control thereby frequently disrupting the class

1.4.7.  Failure to abide by the Cadet Code of Conduct, Honor Code, or Code of Ethics

1.5.  Cadet Expectations.  All cadets will complete annually, or upon enrollment, the cadet contract shown in 

Figure 1.1 below.  This document will be kept on file throughout the academic year.

Figure 1.1

Cadet Expectations.

AFJROTC IN-20041 CADET EXPECTATIONS

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL AFJROTC CADETS AND THEIR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

FROM:  Major John A. Robinson IV, Senior Aerospace Science Instructor

SUBJECT:  Air Force JROTC Expectations HOMEWORK Assignment

Dear Cadets and Parents/Guardians:

Welcome to the Air Force Junior ROTC program at Merrillville High School.  This memorandum presents the expectations for JROTC cadets at Merrillville High School for the 2023-2024 school-year.  This memorandum is also the first HOMEWORK assignment for all cadets.  PARENTS/GUARDIANS, your help and action is required for the successful completion of this assignment.  The task to be completed is the review of the following expectations for JROTC cadets, both the cadet and parent/guardian sign, and then return by the due date.  This assignment is due on ___________________________________.  If it is not returned on the due date, the cadet will lose 10 points for each school day after the due date that the assignment is turned in.

Already, I hope that you can see that the JROTC program is very different from any other classes that cadets have taken.  The main purpose of this letter/assignment is to make both cadets and parents fully aware of the different requirements of the JROTC program to help ensure the success of each cadet.  As such, please carefully read each of the following expectations/requirements of the JROTC program.

1. The most visible difference of the JROTC program is the uniform.  All cadets are expected to wear the provided uniform once a week, usually Tuesdays.  Cadets are expected to properly wear the uniform ALL DAY, (7:30 to 2:15).  This is a requirement of all JROTC programs and is a graded item.  First year cadets may opt out of wearing the uniform, however, they can not participate in any AFJROTC extra curricular events. Cadets will be instructed on proper uniform wear and any exceptions that may apply.  Consistently failing to properly wear the uniform is cause for removal from JROTC.

2. Anytime cadets are in uniform, they are expected to wear the uniform properly and to maintain their hair and personal appearance within published standards.  Example, male cadets are NOT permitted to wear any visible pierced jewelry while in uniform.  Another example, female cadets may only wear one set of stud earrings and NO other visible pierced jewelry while in uniform.  Additionally, there are personal grooming standards that must be followed while in uniform.  All cadets will be instructed on the details of these requirements and, again, consistent failure to follow these requirements may lead to removal from JROTC.

3. All JROTC uniforms are provided for use at no cost to the cadet.  HOWEVER, we do require a $20.00 cleaning fee prior to issuing cadets a uniform.  This fee covers the cost of cleaning the uniform at the end of the year.  Please note, cadets are expected to maintain the uniform throughout the year with regular professional dry cleaning/laundering.

Figure 1.1

Cadet Expectations. (Continued)

4. All cadets are expected to follow the published Merrillville High School student rules of behavior, this is especially so while cadets are in uniform.  While they are in uniform, cadets are readily identified as members of the JROTC program and should not engage in activities that discredit the JROTC program.  While in uniform some activities are specifically prohibited, such as public displays of affection and publically participating in political activities.  Cadets will be instructed on specific prohibited behavior and will be expected to display proper behavior at all times.

5. Another different part of JROTC is the Health and Wellness Program.  This part of JROTC seeks to promote an active and healthy lifestyle.  This is a required part of JROTC and is very similar to gym class.  Normally, Health and Wellness is conducted on Wednesdays.  On these days, cadets are expected to be prepared with their provided workout shorts and shirt along with athletic shoes.  This is a graded area.  Cadets are first graded on being prepared and then can lose points for not fully participating or for fooling around during class.  Cadets that are not dressed for Health and Wellness are counted as “not wearing the uniform.”  All cadets are expected to put forth an honest effort to the best of their abilities.  Cadets may be excused with proper medical documentation that should also be provided to the school nurse.

6. JROTC will conduct three (3) activities that will be held after normal school hours that all cadets are expected to participate in.  Parents/guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend these events also.  

1. The first activity is the 1st Trimester Awards Ceremony.  This is scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, 2023 from 2:30 to 4:00 and will be held in the Freshmen Cafeteria at the high school.  During this program cadets will be presented any awards they have earned and first-year cadets will receive their first promotions.  Cadets not in attendance will not receive their awards or ranks until the next ceremony.

2. The second activity is the Annual AFJROTC Military Ball.  The ball will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2024 from 4:30 to 10:00 P.M. at St. Elijah’s Serbian-American Hall, 8700 Taft Street, Merrillville.  This is a very heavily graded area and all cadets are expected to attend.  The purpose of this event is to educate about and expose cadets to formal events.  This is usually one of the highlights of the year.  There is a cost associated with the ball, normally about $25.00  to $30.00 per person.  Cadets are expected to plan now to have this date available and to plan for their ball expenses.

3. The last required activity is the End-of-Year Awards Ceremony.  This activity is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2024 starting at 2:30 P.M. in the Freshman Cafeteria at the high school.  This ceremony presents national awards and marks the last “blue” uniform wear of the year.  All cadets are expected to be in attendance, failure to attend will result in cadets not receiving any awards they may have earned, and a failing grade for this event.

7. All cadets are provided with uniforms. ABU uniforms, Service Dress, and Physical Training (PT) gear, along with the books and materials needed for this program at NO COST.  Cadets are expected to properly maintain all provided materials with proper care, CLEANING, and safe guarding.  Cadets are responsible to pay for any lost or damaged uniforms or materials beyond fair “wear and tear.”

8. Finally, all cadets are expected to follow all classroom procedures as instructed.  JROTC has different and strict procedures for daily class attendance and dismissal.  Cadets are expected to be in class and at their seats when the bell rings, follow the JROTC attendance procedures and answer “Here Sir/Ma’am” when called and then be prepared to learn by having, as a minimum, pencil/pen and paper with them.  Consistent failure to follow JROTC procedures will be cause for removal from the JROTC program.

All cadets along with their parents/guardians are expected to review the expectations listed above and then sign the endorsements listed on the following page.  This action is a HOMEWORK assignment for all cadets.  If parents/guardians have any questions or concerns, they should contact either Senior Master Sergeant Wrasman at 219-756-5736.

(signed)

DANIEL J. WRASMAN, SMSgt, USAF (Ret)

Senior Aerospace Science Instructor

Figure 1.1

Cadet Expectations. (Continued)

1st Indorsement, AFJROTC Cadet __________________________________  Date: ______________________

MEMORANDUM FOR PARENT/GUARDIAN

I have read and been instructed on the attached memorandum.  I understand that failure to abide by this memorandum may affect my grade in AFJROTC and could result in probation, demotion, removal from cadet jobs, not being allowed to participate in AFJROTC field trips and extracurricular activities, no military training credit, and disenrollment from AFJROTC.  I further understand that I am taking AFJROTC as an elective course selected by myself and my parent/guardian.  As an elective course, I understand that AFJROTC is not required for graduation.  However, if I fail AFJROTC I may need to make up additional credits prior to my graduation.

CADET SIGNATURE:  ___________________________________________________

2nd Indorsement, CADET PARENT/GUARDIAN _____________________________________  

Date:  ________________________

MEMORANDUM FOR AEROSPACE SCIENCE INSTRUCTOR (Major Robinson)

I/We have reviewed and discussed the above expectations with our cadet.  I/We assume responsibility for the cost of issued uniforms, books, and equipment, which are U.S. Government property.  If my cadet damages any of these items beyond fair wear and tear, or does not return them, I/we will be financially liable.  I/We further understand that failure to reimburse the AFJROTC program for any of these costs may result in action through appropriate school and government command and financial agencies.  I/We are aware of the required uniform cleaning deposit of $20.00 to be paid to AFJROTC prior to uniform issue.  Furthermore, I/we are aware of the additional required activities outside of normal school hours, especially the required Annual AFJROTC Military Ball being held on 7 March 2020.

PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE:  ___________________________________  Date:  ________________

1.6.  Cadet Code of Conduct, Honor Code, and Code of Ethics.  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 at all times.

1.6.1.  Cadet Code of Conduct.  This code is a general guide for a cadet's conduct.  The Code of Conduct is as follows:

CADET CODE OF CONDUCT

As an IN-20041 Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, (AFJROTC), cadet, I pledge to the best of my ability to bring credit upon family, Country, school, community, the Cadet Corps, and myself.  I will live my life by the highest moral standards.  I will respect and follow the directions of my parents/guardians and those entrusted with the responsibility to teach me those social values and life skills that I will need to become a productive citizen.  I will constantly strive to improve my body, my mind, Corps, school, and community.  I will serve my community to benefit the welfare of all.   I will live by and will uphold the laws and policies of my community and school governing my conduct.  I will attempt to instill these values in my fellow cadets.  And, I will respect the rights of all and will not tolerate those who verbally or physically abuse others based on color, creed, handicap, or sex.

1.6.2.  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 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 take the road that requires hard 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 our civilized society.

1.6.3.  Code of Ethics.  Cadets WILL strive to:

1.6.3.1.  Respect their parents, school officials and staff, teachers, and community leaders.

1.6.3.2.  Refrain from any act or derogatory word(s) that would discredit them, family, school, or Corps.  Vulgar conduct and language is not socially acceptable and hinders communication.

1.6.3.3.  Dedicate themselves to succeed in academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, and work.

1.6.3.4.  Perform all assigned duties and timely meet all obligations.

1.6.3.5.  Maintain self-respect, self-control, and good behavior.

1.6.3.6.  Be honest and understand that honorable failure is better than success through unfair means.

1.6.3.7.  Be proud of their uniform and commitment to AFJROTC that sets them apart from others.

1.6.3.8.  Be an exemplary role model with high standards of conduct.

1.6.3.9.  Respect other cadets and follow the directions of senior cadet officers.

1.6.3.10.  Place the good of the Corps ahead of personal gain.

1.7.  Organization.  The IN-20041 AFJROTC Cadet Corps is organized as a Cadet Group as shown below in Figure 1.2.