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Essex High School
2 Educational Dr. Essex Jct., VT 05452 | (802) 879-7121

JROTC PROGRAM INFORMATION

AIR FORCE JUNIOR ROTC MISSION

Mission: The mission of Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps is "Develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community ."

The objectives of JROTC are to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship, promote community service, instill responsibility, character, and self-discipline, and provide instruction in air and space fundamentals.

The AFJROTC program is grounded in the Air Force core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. The curriculum emphasizes the Air Force heritage and traditions, the development of flight, applied flight sciences, military aerospace policies, and space exploration.

Curriculum opportunities include:

  1. Academic studies
  2. Character education
  3. Life skills education
  4. Leadership opportunities
  5. Team-building experiences
  6. Intramural competition
  7. Field trips / training opportunities

Programs and Operations

The AFJROTC program enrolls approximately 108,000 cadets, employs more than 1,600 instructors and operates units in 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Japan, Korea, and Guam. AFJROTC units are located within host high schools, public and private, and, by law, the program is limited to students in grades 9 - 12. AFJROTC instructors are employees of the host school.

 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AIR FORCE JUNIOR ROTC

Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) can track its heritage to a program founded in 1911 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, by Army Lt Edgar R. Steevers. Lieutenant Steevers was assigned as an inspector-instructor of the organized military of Wyoming. During his assignment, he envisioned a noncompulsory cadet corps comprised of high school students. His program was aimed toward making better citizens.

The National Defense Act of 1916 authorized a junior course for non-college military schools, high schools and other non-preparatory schools. The Army implemented JROTC in 1916. Public Law 88-647, commonly known as the ROTC Vitalization Act of 1964, directed the secretaries of each military service to establish and maintain JROTC units for their respective services. The first Air Force JROTC programs were opened in 1966.

"(The) purpose of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps [is] to instill in students in United States secondary educational institutions the value of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment." (10 USC Sec 2031)

Air Force JROTC (AFJROTC) is a continuing success story. From a modest beginning of 20 units in 1966, AFJROTC has grown to 744 units throughout the world, with 108,000 cadets. The AFJROTC program positively influences our country by helping one student at a time. Comprised solely of active duty Air Force retirees, the AFJROTC instructor force is helping to form tomorrow's nation by educating proud and patriotic cadets-tomorrow's leaders.

 

AFJROTC CURRICULUM

The success of the AFJROTC program lies in its progressive and academically sound curriculum and the numerous extra-curricular activities AFJROTC offers students. The curriculum is two part: aerospace studies and leadership/life skills education. Host schools may elect to emphasize either portion of this curriculum based upon the needs of the students.

Aerospace Studies. The first year covers the heritage and development of flight and military aerospace policies. The second year includes the environment in which aircraft and spacecraft operate. Flight and navigational principles and the requirements for human flight are also included. Rocketry, space vehicles, and the exploration of space are covered in the third year. The fourth year offers three options: Option 1, Management of the Cadet Corps; Option 2, Honors Program-Ground School; and Option 3, Laboratory Manual, Geography, and Survival.

Leadership/Life-Skills Education. Leadership education is emphasized each year. An emphasize is placed on the development of life-skills while exposing cadets to opportunities to learn and practice basic leadership. The leadership/life-skills course work helps prepare cadets for positions in any career. Classes provide cadets with a basic knowledge of military customs and courtesies, military organization and principles of leadership, flag etiquette, drill and ceremony.

Aerospace today is the roar of a supersonic jet as it routinely breaks the sound barrier or the thunderous blast of a mighty rocket heading for earth’s orbit to place a satellite into space. The AFJROTC curriculum is designed around United States Air Force core values and aerospace technology. It is structured to instill values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment in high school students, as well as explore the civilian, industrial, and military aspects of aerospace. Course objectives are to educate students in citizenship; promote community service; instill responsibility, character, and self-discipline, and provide instruction in air and space fundamentals. Students will have opportunities to participate in aviation activities, field trips to aerospace facilities, drill team, color guard, community service activities, and more.

Students who participate in Air Force JROTC are NOT OBLIGATED to join the military. Students who desire to join the military may be able to enter at a pay higher than most if they successfully complete the JROTC program. Participation in JROTC may benefit college-bound students, especially those applying for an Air Force Academy nomination or an Air Force ROTC scholarship. Students may also receive credit for the first year of college level four-year ROTC.

 

Air Force JROTC I - A301 - 1 Unit of Credit

The first year of JROTC is designed to acquaint the student with a “Journey into Aviation History, ” the historical development of flight, and examine Air Force and national traditions.  Course studies include the history of flight, flight simulation, community service projects, social activities, and leadership training activities to include time management skills, customs and courtesies, and basic drill skills.  There is a requirement to wear the Air Force JROTC uniform once per week and meet prescribed dress and appearance standards.  Students who are uncertain about participating in the Air Force Junior ROTC program may be given the option of not wearing the uniform for the first semester. The senior Junior ROTC instructor will approve requests for the non-uniform option on a case-by-case basis.   Students who earn a minimum grade of B in this course and who are in good overall academic standing are eligible for 2 college credits.

 

Air Force JROTC II - A302 - 1 Unit of Credit

The second year of JROTC is designed to acquaint the student with the “The Science of Flight,” the aerospace environment, human requirements of flight, principles of aircraft flight, principles of navigation, and an examination of communications skills and cadet corps activities.  Course studies include a discussion of the atmosphere and weather; forces of lift, drag, thrust, and weight; basic navigation; and the physiological effects of flight on the human body.  Cadets will hold positions of greater responsibility in the cadet corps and will participate in advanced drill.  There is a requirement to wear the Air Force JROTC uniform once per week and meet prescribed dress and appearance standards.  Students who earn a minimum grade of B in this course and who are in good overall academic standing are eligible for 2 college credits.

Prerequisite:  Completion of JROTC I A301, Orientation A200, or permission of instructor.

 

Air Force JROTC III - A303 - 1 Unit of Credit

The third year of JROTC is designed to examine “The Exploration of Space,” our Earth, the Moon, the planets, advances in space technology, the challenges of manned space flight, and an examination of life skills.   It will also cover an "Introduction to Astronomy."  Course studies include travel in the upper atmosphere, unmanned satellites, space probes, prolonged space travel, leadership training, planning for life after high school, and participation in advanced drill.  There is a requirement to wear the Air Force JROTC uniform once per week and meet prescribed dress and appearance standards.  Students who earn a minimum grade of B in this course and who are in good overall academic standing are eligible for 2 college credits.

Prerequisite:  Completion of JROTC II A302 or permission of instructor.

 

Air Force JROTC IV - A304 - 1 Unit of Credit

The forth year of JROTC is unique from the others.  In addition to management of the cadet corps and leadership training, it provides options for ground school instruction, aerospace laboratory experiments, and/or a basic review of National Security Strategy.   Course studies include the practical application of leadership, management, and decision-making skills; advanced drill; laboratory experiments that supplement aerospace concepts and principles previously learned, a supervised independent ground school for those students desiring to pursue a private pilot’s license, and a review of United States interests around the world.  There is a requirement to wear the Air Force JROTC uniform once per week and meet prescribed dress and appearance standards.  Students who earn a minimum grade of B in this course and who are in good overall academic standing are eligible for 2 college credits.

Prerequisite:  Completion of JROTC III A303 or permission of instructor.              

 

Air Force JROTC Drill & Ceremonies - A316 - 1 Unit of Credit

The JROTC Drill and Ceremonies course provides fundamental and in-depth instruction in Air Force drill and ceremonies. The Drill and Ceremonies course concentrates on the elements of military drill, and describes individual and group precision movements, procedures for saluting, drill, ceremonies, reviews, parades, and development of command voice. Students are provided detailed instruction on ceremonial performances and protocol for civilian and military events and have the opportunity to personally learn Air Force drill concepts and procedures. Though each class will follow an established lesson plan, most of the work is hands-on.

Prerequisite: Students taking this course must also be enrolled in A301, A302, A303, or A304. 1 Unit of Credit

 

Air Force JROTC Summer Leadership School - A307SS - 1 Unit of Credit

Summer Leadership School (SLS) is a program that teaches AFJROTC cadets aspects of citizenship and leadership in a highly structured and focused instructional environment. Its mission is to promote this development by preparing cadets for leadership roles in their units, schools, and local communities. As such, the activities during SLS should stress the following: team building, leadership, respect for authority, responsible citizenship, personal character, academic achievement, physical fitness, and community service.    Training will will focus on aviation activities, team problem solving, survival food and water sources, CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, leadership training, evasion exercises, climbing wall training, rappelling demonstrations, confidence course training, customs and courtesies, team athletics, physical fitness, orienteering, and more.

Prerequisite: Students taking this course must also be enrolled in A301, A302, A303, or A304. 1 Unit of Credit

STUDENTS WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE AT LEAST THREE YEARS OF AIR FORCE JUNIOR ROTC MAY USE ONE OF THESE CREDITS TO MEET THE STATE MANDATED PHYSICAL SCIENCE (PS) CREDIT AND ONE TO MEET THE STATE MANDATED SOCIAL STUDIES (SS) ELECTIVE CREDIT.  ALSO, STUDENTS WHO EARN A MINIMUM GRADE OF B IN JROTC COURSES AND WHO ARE IN GOOD OVERALL ACADEMIC STANDING ARE ELIGIBLE FOR 2 COLLEGE CREDITS PER COURSE.

 

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS

In an effort to produce well-informed and helpful citizens, AFJROTC encourages its cadets to get involved in their local communities. This is one of the most interesting and fun aspects of the AFJROTC experience. The number, type and size of cadet community projects are limited only by their imagination. Units perform as a team as they coordinate everything from car washes to candy sales and from Jog-A-Thons to paper drives. Some units may clean stadiums after football games and donate aluminum cans for community recycling programs. Any proceeds from these fund-raising activities benefit the respective units.

Many cadets also volunteer their time to support local non-profit events. Some of these organizations include the March of Dimes, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Adopt-a-Highway Program and the Special Olympics. Cadets have worked to clean and refurbish cemeteries, rebuild parks, sponsor little league teams and work with the visually and mentally impaired.

One AFJROTC unit organized a volunteer team to help a paralyzed boy walk again by helping him with his physical therapy. Another unit worked with the Multiple Sclerosis Swimming Therapy Sessions and the Handicapped Bowling League. Yet another unit helped distribute clothing and food for homeless native Americans. Cadets routinely visit homes for the aged, hospitals, veterans groups and many other agencies to demonstrate their resolve to help their community and their country.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Air Force JROTC Scholarship program began in the mid-1980s. It provides an incentive for AFJROTC cadets to earn AFROTC college scholarships. Each unit may nominate cadetS annually to compete for scholarships through the AFROTC regular College Scholarship Program. Scholarships pay for most tuition costs, plus books and fees at more than 750 universities and colleges.