Why Join JROTC?

Check out our informational materials below to learn more about Air Force JROTC!

JROTC Smart Video.mp4

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I am looking at joining high school AFJROTC for the first time in my life.  What can I expect?

A: Students who have never been enrolled in JROTC at ANY high school are considered "First Year Cadets".  Starting Fall 2024, these cadets will not be required to wear the JROTC blue uniform nor conform to required grooming standards.  This will only apply to your FIRST YEAR in JROTC.  You will be required to wear the JROTC polo and presentable jeans/pants once a week in order to obtain your weekly "alternate uniform" wear grade.  Cadets will follow required uniform and grooming standards if they decide to return to JROTC their second, third or fourth year in the program..

 

If a first year cadet desires to wear the uniform, we encourage them to get involved in any of our teams, and they will have the opportunity to be fitted for uniforms once grooming standards are met.  Once the uniform is issued, those cadets will be required to wear it as directed on a weekly basis and continue to maintain grooming standards.

 

Q: What is AFJROTC?

A: AFJROTC ( Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) is a program that teaches citizenship to its students, or cadets. It teaches both leadership and aerospace science. The program is funded by the Air Force, however, the main goal is to create better citizens for America, not to recruit students into the military.  For those cadets who desire to pursue a military career, there are benefits in taking this class. The program is primarily student run, with a fully functioning "staff" that runs everything from field trips (or Curriculum In Action "CIA" trips) to smaller events for the corps. Students are encouraged to participate with after-school team activities as these groups perform at competitions and also perform for local events such as football games.

 

Q: Do I have to do anything for my child to join the program?  Can I start at any grade level?

A: AFJROTC does not have many requirements to join that are not already met by joining the school itself.  For starters, the student must have an active desire to perform and set an example for the rest of the school. Students may join AFJROTC starting in any grade level, 9th through 12th grade.  In order for your student to join the corps, contact the student's counselor regarding the class.

 

Q: Is there a fee?

A: AFJROTC does have an activity fee (including an AFJROTC Polo Shirt) to be paid at the beginning of each school year.  Additionally, there is usually an additional fee if your cadet chooses to attend extracurricular activities such as field trips and the annual military ball.  Finally, cadets must maintain their blues uniform through periodic dry cleaning.

 

Q: Can I earn a Letter Jacket in AFJROTC?

A: Yes!  Award of the letter jacket is based on the individual cadet's performance in the cadet corps and grades in all classes.  It is usually awarded during the cadet's Junior or Senior year in high school.

 

Q: What is the uniform?  (updated!)

A: Starting in 2024-2025, all cadets (except first-year cadets who have not opted out of uniform wear) will be issued the Air Force ABU camo uniform as the standard Air Force JROTC uniform along with the blues uniform.  Cadet staff as well as cadets in leadership roles will be issued the OCP camo uniform instead of the ABUs.  The uniforms (except for the AFJROTC polo shirt) are provided by AFJROTC and must be worn once each week.  The weekly inspections are graded and will have a large impact on the overall grade your student receives in the program. The uniforms must be kept in a clean condition and must be returned when a student graduates or leaves the program.  There is no cost to the parent except professionally dry cleaning the blues uniform throughout the year or if a piece of the uniform is lost or damaged due to negligence.


What are the monthly uniform wear requirements?  (updated!)

A: Starting in 2024-2025, the ABUs/OCPs will become the standard Air Force JROTC uniform.  Cadets (except first-year cadets who have opted out of uniform wear) will adhere to the notional uniform wear schedule below (subject to change based on the events calendar).  Cadets who violate grooming standards and/or habitually miss uniform wears will lose ABU/OCP wear privileges for one (1) month.


Q: Do I have to cut my hair or shave?  Can I dye my hair?  Can I get piercings?

A: Male cadets must keep their hair cut within Air Force standards and be cleanly shaved (if necessary) when wearing the AFJROTC uniform.  Female cadets are taught how to properly wear their long hair when wearing the uniform.  Boys and girls are not allowed to dye their hair an "unnatural" color.  If dyed, the hair must be one natural color.  Male cadets cannot have any visible piercings and female cadets may only have one earring in each ear when wearing the AFJROTC uniform.

 

Q: What is cadet rank?

A: Being awarded cadet rank is a way of rewarding cadets based on their performance in the corps and in their other classes.  Cadets who wear the higher ranks usually have leadership responsibility in the corps. Promotions take place at the end of each grading period.

 

Q: What extracurricular teams are offered?

A: All team activities are optional but highly encouraged!  Team practices occur either during lunch, or before or after school.  Our teams include:


Q:  I am busy with (sports, band, job) after school and won’t be able to participate in JROTC extracurriculars.  Will that hurt my grade?

A:  Absolutely not!  The only graded events happen during your class time—uniform inspections, presentations, quizzes, group projects, etc.  Many other school activities have an “off season” in the fall or spring, and cadets can participate after school to the level they are able.  After-school activities are enjoyable, and many cadets join or continue in JROTC because of them, but they have no bearing on academic grades. 

3. What Is JROTC flyer (English).pdf
3. What Is JROTC flyer (Spanish).pdf