Aerospace Science courses are taught in four-year sequences.

For organizational purposes, there are separate textbooks for these courses and the Leadership Education courses. In practice, however, the overlap is considerable. For example, writing and speaking skills are categorized as “leadership education topics” but can and should be incorporated into the “Aerospace Science” courses. Additionally, many of the Aerospace Science topics will be helpful in the Leadership Education classes.

Goals for Aerospace Science Courses

Students will learn about:

1. The development of flight, and civilian and military contributions to aviation.
2. How airplanes fly, how weather conditions affect flight, flight and the human body, and flight navigation.
3. Various cultures through the study of world affairs, regional studies, cultural awareness, people and places, religions, languages, political systems, economics, social issues, environmental concerns, and human rights.
4. The space environment, space exploration, manned and unmanned spaceflight, astronomy, and space technology.
5. The fundamentals of flight, flight operations, aviation weather, performance and navigation, and integrating pilot knowledge and skills.

Leadership Education is an integral part of each year’s instruction. There are separate course materials for the Leadership Education and Aerospace Science academics program, however in practice, the overlap is considerable. The development of writing and speaking skills are categorized as “leadership education topics,” yet when used to present subject matter related to what is being taught in the “aerospace science” area, the results are twofold. Additionally, many after-school activities provide the proving ground for newly learned leadership skills. Activities such as drill teams, model rocketry clubs, and the formal cadet corps’ operation all require students to accomplish considerable responsibilities.

Goals for Leadership Education Courses

Students will learn about:

1. The program heritage, organization, and traditions; individual self-control; personal behavior, wellness, personal and environmental health, and US citizenship and government.
2. Effective communication; increased awareness of self and others; values of personal integrity, service, and excellence; and improved leadership.
3. Financial literacy, college and career readiness; and how to prepare for life after high school in the high-tech, globally oriented, and diverse workplace of the 21st century.
4. Management basics, theories, and approaches; planning and decision making; organizing to manage change, stress, and innovation; and leading individuals and groups.
5. Drill and ceremonies execution and performance, and how drill helps the individual, builds the team, and develops leaders.

Wellness is an official and integral part of the Air Force Junior ROTC program. It consists of two exercise programs focused upon individual base line improvements with the goal of achieving a national standard as calculated by age and gender. Wellness curriculum is instrumental in developing citizens of character dedicated to serving our nation and communities. The program is provided as a tool to help you develop individualized fitness programs for your cadets. Cadets will be given the opportunity to put into practice the wellness concepts that are taught in Leadership Education 100. Instructors are encouraged to include team sports in order to keep the Wellness Program fun and motivating. Team sports also provide cadets the opportunity to develop leadership skills and build esprit de corps. Instructors are also encouraged to utilize sites such as www.pecentral.org to help develop lesson plans and fitness activities.

The Wellness Program also provides a list of 19 exercises with examples that may be utilized in a 36-week program modifiable to help provide variety and meet individual and district/state goals. Instructors should utilize fitness programs that best fit the requirements within their district/county/state. HQ AFJROTC offers suggested fitness programs that will instructors with developing a comprehensive fitness program. Cadet fitness improvement is rewarded by earning the Health and Wellness Ribbon.

The course objective for the Wellness Program is to:

Motivate AFJROTC cadets to adopt active, healthy lifestyles beyond program requirements and into their adult lives.

The goals of the Wellness Program are to:

1. Create an individualized fitness program based on national standards by age and gender.
2. Identify areas of improvements for each cadet and provide guidance for improvement.
3. Incorporate a physical fitness and wellness education program to reach fitness goals.