Frequently Asked Questions about AFJROTC

1. If I join AFJROTC, what military obligations am I making?

None. The purpose of AFJROTC is to teach citizenship and leadership.

2. If I join AFJROTC, do I have to wear a uniform?

Yes. Students will be issued an Air Force type uniform and will wear it to classes once a week.

3. Are there any additional costs involved in AFJROTC?

The Air Force furnishes the uniform and all training materials. You will be responsible for keeping the uniform items cleaned or laundered as applicable. Trips and summer activities usually have a nominal cost.

4. Are young ladies involved in AFJROTC?

Absolutely! Young ladies now comprise of a large percentage of the overall unit.

5. If I join AFJROTC, will I receive credit?

Full academic credit is offered for each year of the program. Further, each year in AFJROTC can substitute for a year in physical education if you need it to.

6. Does AFJROTC conflict with Extra-Curricular Activities?

The actual class presents no more conflict than any other class. The extra-curricular activities sponsored by the program generally take place after school hours. These activities include: drill team, color guard, model rockerty, and cyberpatriot. We have members involved in all other aspects of school activities (football, soccer, cross country, student council, theater, etc) and they occasionally have to choose which extra-curricular activity to attend.

7. Will joining AFJROTC help me with getting into a United States Service Academy?

Absolutely! The principals of schools with “distinguished” AFJROTC units are allowed to directly nominate qualified students to compete for an appointment to one of the service academies. . If an appointment to one of the service academies (West Point, Annapolis, Coast Guard, or Merchant Marines) is one of your goals, we will help you track requirements each year that you are in the program.

8. Can I get military credit for completing the AFJROTC Program?

Yes. All branches of the service recognize the AFJROTC three year certificate for increased rank when enlisting and some recognize the two year certificate.

9. What are the benefits of the AFJROTC course?

There are hundreds of scholarships reserved for AFJROTC cadets. Scholarships pay for all or most tuition costs for up to four years, plus books and fees at more than 900 colleges and universities. Air Force Junior ROTC offers scholarships in engineering, science and some non-technical majors. Plus, AFJROTC cadets may compete for Air Force ROTC scholarships open to all high school students.

Students who complete three years of AFJROTC, and then go on to ROTC at the college level, receive credit for and are excused from the first year of the ROTC four-year college program.

Students who complete three years of AFJROTC, and then enlist in the armed forces, will received advanced promotion to E3 upon completion of Air Force, Army or Navy basic training. This places them well ahead of their non-AFJROTC peers in pay and status. Advance promotion to E2 is regularly permitted by the Marine Corps and occasionally E3.

10. Does the Air Force use Air Force Junior ROTC as a recruiting program?

There is absolutely no military obligation for Air Force Junior ROTC cadets, nor does the program have a recruiting agenda. Air Force Junior ROTC’s goal is to build better, more productive citizens and the entire emphasis of Air Force Junior ROTC is on citizenship and leadership training.

However, there are several advantages for Air Force Junior ROTC graduates who voluntarily pursue a military career. We strive to have guest speakers from each branch of the service, including the Coast Guard, so that those interested in a military career can make an informed decision. For example, if the student chooses to enlist in the Air Force, they do so two pay grades higher than other enlistees because their Air Force Junior ROTC background puts them ahead of the average enlistee. Air Force Junior ROTC cadets also have additional opportunities to pursue service academy nominations and a significant advantage when competing for ROTC scholarships not available to other college applicants.

11. What does Air Force ROTC offer that would be of interest to at-risk youth?

Air Force Junior ROTC offers positive role models, a place to belong, excel, and be rewarded. Cadets have a positive educational experience in which they are encouraged to graduate and pursue higher education opportunities. Additionally, Air Force Junior ROTC stresses and teaches the values of citizenship, self-esteem, and self respect, service to the community, pride in belonging, self-discipline, and personal, family and social responsibility. A strong anti-drug message is part of the program. As mentioned above, Junior ROTC provides post-high school opportunities in the way of enlistment, with advanced rank and college scholarship opportunities.

12. What do the instructors teach Air Force Junior ROTC students?

In the classroom, cadets study and discuss the heritage of flight and navigation, aerospace vehicles, rocketry, propulsion, space travel, and aviation careers. JROTC has always emphasized public speaking skills as critical to standing out as a great leader. Therefore, our cadets spend significant time educating their classmates with PowerPoint. They are also introduced to military customs and courtesies, flag etiquette, basic drill, management, human relations and communications skills in our leadership program.

13. Who are the instructors in this course?

One retired officer and one retired Non-Commisioned Officer are assigned to TN-792. Our officer, Lt. Colonel Carleton Hirschel, is designated as the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (SASI) and our NCO, Senior Master Sergeant Patrick Lazarus, is designated the Aerospace Science Instructor. Instructors are retired Air Force members, but continue to wear the Air Force uniform (retired grade) in the performance of their duties.

14. What is the difference between Junior ROTC in high school and ROTC in college?

The mission of the high school Junior ROTC program is to build better citizens for America. The mission of the college ROTC program is to produce leaders for the Air Force.

15. Do I have to join Air Force JROTC as a freshman?

No, we have students learn about and join JROTC throughout their time in high school. We regularly have sophomores and juniors join when they learn of the JROTC advantages when competing for Service Academy appointments or ROTC scholarships!

• If you still have questions that are not on this page please ask our instructors or our staff or call or email the AFJROTC office.