Air Force Junior ROTC Program

Course Descriptions and Objectives

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:

• Academic studies
• Character education
• Life skills education
• Leadership opportunities
• Team-building experiences
• Intramural competition
• Field trips / training opportunities

Community 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.

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.

Aerospace Science Courses

AS-100: A Journey into Aviation History

This is the first AS component for all new cadets. It is an aviation history course focusing on the development of flight throughout the centuries. It starts with ancient civilizations, then progresses through time to modern day. The emphasis is on civilian and military contributions to aviation; the development, modernization, and transformation of the Air Force; and a brief astronomical and space exploration history. It is interspersed with concise overviews of the principles of flight to include basic aeronautics, aircraft motion and control, flight power, and rockets. Throughout the course, there are readings, videos, hands-on activities, and in-text and student workbook exercises to guide in the reinforcement of the materials.

The course objectives are:

1. Know the historical facts and impacts of the early attempts to fly.
2. Know the major historical contributors to the development of flight.
3. Know the contributions of the U.S. Air Force to modern aviation history.
4. Know the key events of space exploration history.

AS-210: The Science of Flight

In the second year, students receive a science course designed to acquaint the student with the aerospace environment, the human requirements of flight, principles of aircraft flight, and principles of navigation. The course begins with a discussion of the atmosphere and weather. After developing an understanding of the environment, how that environment affects flight is introduced. Discussions include the forces of lift, drag, thrust, and weight. Students also learn basic navigation including map reading, course plotting, and the effects of wind. The portion on the Human Requirements of Flight is a survey course on human physiology. Discussed here are the human circulatory system, the effects of acceleration and deceleration, and protective equipment. This course is a prerequisite for AS-500 Aviation Honors Ground School.

The course objectives are:

1. Know the atmosphere environment.
2. Know the basic human requirements of flight.
3. Know why Bernoulli’s principle and Newton’s Laws of Motion are applied to the theory of flight and the operating principles of reciprocating engines, jet engines, and rocket engines.
4. Know the basic elements of navigation, the four basic navigation instruments, and the current methods of navigation.

AS-300: The Exploration of Space

The third year course is a science course, Aerospace Science: The Exploration of Space. The Exploration of Space examines Earth, the Moon and the planets, the latest advances in space technology, and continuing challenges of space and manned spaceflight. Issues that are critical to travel in the upper atmosphere such as orbits and trajectories, unmanned satellites, space probes, guidance and control systems are explained. The manned spaceflight section covers major milestones in the endeavor to land on the Moon, and to safely orbit humans and crafts in space for temporary and prolonged periods. It also covers the development of space stations, the Space Shuttle and its future, and international laws for the use of and travel in space.

AS-310: Explorations: An Introduction to Astronomy

Another AS course is Explorations: An Introduction to Astronomy, which explores the history or astronomy to include prehistoric astronomy, the early ideas of the heavens. The size and shape of the earth are discussed as well as the distance and size of the Sun and Moon. Other topics such as astronomy in the renaissance and Isaac Newton and the Birth of Astrophysics and the growth of astrophysics are discussed. We take focus on the Earth as a planet and the Earth’s interior; the age of the Earth and Earth’s magnetic atmosphere and magnetic field. The Moon is discussed in detail including its description, its structure, and its origin and history, as well as its eclipses and tides. An in-depth study of the Solar System, the terrestrial planets and the outer planets is covered as well.

The course objectives for Explorations: an Introduction to Astronomy are:

1. Know the history of astronomy.
2. Know specific characteristics about Earth.
3. Know about the Moon and Solar System.
4. Know particular characteristics about the planets.

AS-400: Management of the Cadet Corps

Upper class cadets manage the entire corps under AFJROTC instructor supervision. This course is an AS option and practicum for those cadets to provide hands-on experience for the opportunity to put the theories of previous leadership courses into practice. All the planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, controlling, and decision-making will be done by the cadets, under the supervision of AFJROTC instructors. They practice their communication, decision-making, personal-interaction, managerial, and organizational skills.

The course objectives are:

1. Apply the theories and techniques learned in previous leadership courses.
2. Know how to develop leadership and management competency through participation.
3. Apply strengthened organizational skills through active incorporation.
   
4. Know how to develop confidence in ability by exercising decision-making skills.
   
5. Apply Air Force standards, discipline, and conduct.

AS-410: Survival: Survive & Return

The Survival text is a synthesis of the basic survival information found in Air Force Regulation 64-4 Survival Training, and serves as another AS option. The survival instruction will provide training in skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to successfully perform fundamental tasks needed for survival. Survival also presents “good to know” information that would be useful in any situation. The information is just as useful to an individual lost hunting or stranded in a snowstorm.

The course objectives are:

1. Know the elements of surviving.
   
2. Know how medicine procedures, clothing, and shelter can provide personal protection for a survivor in a survival situation.
   
3. Know the necessities for maintaining life in a survival situation.
   
4. Know how to travel and prepare for recovery in a survival situation.
   

Leadership Education Courses

LE-100: Citizenship, Character & Air Force Tradition

LE-100 introduces cadets to the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC), providing a basis for progression through the rest of the AFJROTC program while instilling elements of good citizenship. As such, it should be the first LE course taken by new cadets. It contains sections on cadet and Air Force organizational structure; uniform wear; customs, courtesies, and other military traditions; health and wellness; fitness; individual self-control; and citizenship. If this course cannot be taught first to new cadets, at least the first unit in the course and the first part of Unit Four should be taught before entering other LE instruction.

The course objectives are:

1. Know the importance of AFJROTC history, mission, purpose, goals, and objectives.
   
2. Know military traditions and the importance of maintaining a high standard of dress and personal appearance.
   
3. Know the importance of attitude, discipline, and respect, and why values and ethics are so important.
   
4. Know the importance of individual self-control, common courtesies and etiquette.
   
5. Know that an effective stress management program improves the quality of life.
   
6. Know why courtesies are rendered to the United States flag and the National Anthem.
   
7. Know why it is important to be a good democratic citizen and to be familiar with the different forms of governments.
   
8. Know the importance of keeping yourself well and helping others stay well.

LE- 200: Communication, Awareness, and Leadership

LE-200 stresses communication skills and cadet corps activities. It is normally taught to second-year cadets, but may be taught to other grade levels also. Much information is provided on communicating effectively, understanding groups and teams, preparing for leadership, solving conflicts and problems, and personal development. Written reports and speeches compliment the academic materials. Cadet corps activities include holding positions of greater responsibility in the planning and execution of corps projects.

The course objectives are:

1. Apply the key factors of effective communications.
   
2. Know the ways in which personal awareness affects individual actions.
   
3. Know the key elements of building and encouraging effective teams.
   
4. Apply the key behaviors for becoming a credible and competent leader.
   

LE-300: Life Skills and Career Opportunities

This course is helpful to students deciding which path to take after high school. Most units offer this LE component to upper class cadets, but units may teach it to lower grade level cadets. Information on how to apply for admission to college or to a vocational or technical school is included. Information on how to begin the job search is available to students who decide not to go to college or vocational school. Available also is information about financial planning and how to save, invest, and spend money wisely, as well as how not to get caught in the credit trap. Students are informed about real life issues such as understanding contracts, leases, wills, warranties, legal notices, and personal bills. Citizen responsibilities such as registering to vote, jury duty, and draft registration will be helpful to. For those students who may be moving into an apartment of their own, information is presented on apartment shopping and grocery shopping skills. There is information on how to prepare a résumé and the importance of good interviewing skills. If there are students who are interested in a career in the military, with the federal government, or an aerospace career, information is also provided for them.

The course objectives are:

1. Know specific career options to pursue.
   
2. Know the elements of a personal budget and financial plan.
   
3. Know the requirements for applying to a college or university.
   
4. Know the essential process for pursuing a career.

AS-400: Management of the Cadet Corps

Upper class cadets manage the entire corps under AFJROTC instructor supervision. This course is an AS option and practicum for those cadets to provide hands-on experience for the opportunity to put the theories of previous leadership courses into practice. All the planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, controlling, and decision-making will be done by the cadets, under the supervision of AFJROTC instructors. They practice their communication, decision-making, personal-interaction, managerial, and organizational skills.

The course objectives are:

1. Apply the theories and techniques learned in previous leadership courses.
   
2. Know how to develop leadership and management competency through participation.
   
3. Apply strengthened organizational skills through active incorporation.
   
4. Know how to develop confidence in ability by exercising decision-making skills.
   
5. Apply Air Force standards, discipline, and conduct.

Drill and Ceremonies

The Drill and Ceremonies course provides an in-depth introduction to drill and ceremonies. This is not a stand alone course, it is taught as part of Leadership Education. 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 drill. Though each class will follow an established lesson plan, most of the work is to be hands-on.

The course objectives are:

1. Know the importance of drill and ceremonies.
   
2. Know basic commands and characteristics of the command voice.
   
3. Apply and execute the concepts and principles of basic drill positions and movements.
   
4. Know when and how to salute.
   

Wellness Curriculum

Wellness is an official part of the Air Force Junior ROTC program. It is an exercise program focused upon individual base line improvements with the goal of achieving a national standard as calculated with age and gender. Wellness 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 training programs for your cadets. Cadets will be given the opportunity to put into practice the wellness concepts that are taught in Leadership Education I. Instructors are free to include other activities cadets enjoy such as team sports in order to keep the Wellness Program fun and motivating. The Wellness Program is a 36-week program modifiable to meet individual goals. Personal improvement will be rewarded. The 36-week program is comprised of 19 exercises which can be conducted with minimal space and with minimal climate dependency (e.g. the 1-mile run). The exercises develop all muscle groups and provide sufficient anaerobic and aerobic intensity. They require no equipment and use only body weight and common objects (e.g. chairs).

The course objective for the Wellness Program is to:

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

The goals of the Wellness program are to:

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

The following careers are available to students after successful completion of JROTC and if they decide to join a branch of the military:
JROTC does not obligate you to serve in the US military and we are not here to recruit you. Although after successful completion of JROTC you may enter the service (Enlisted) with advanced rank and skills not normally obtained without first completing JROTC.