AIR FORCE JUNIOR ROTC PROGRAM
Air Force Junior ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) is a four-year program of aerospace science academics and leadership/management instruction, intended to build better citizens for America. All AFJROTC courses are full year five credit electives, selected just like other elective courses. Although they require no pre-requisites to enroll, AFJROTC courses may not be taken concurrently. As a result, only one major course will be offered each academic year, so that the entire AFJROTC curriculum will be completed during a student’s four-year high school experience and will be offered in the school year indicated next to each course name. The criteria for determining eligibility to participate in Air Force Junior ROTC are:
Be enrolled in and attending a regular course of instruction in grades 9 through 12 at a school hosting the unit.
Be selected by the Air Force Junior ROTC instructor with the approval of the school principal or his/her representative.
Maintain acceptable standards of academic achievement and an academic standing that warrants at least normal progression leading to graduation.
Maintain acceptable standards of conduct.
Comply with specified personal grooming standards. Common sense and good judgment apply to the attainment of these standards. Standards will not be relaxed so as to reflect disgrace on the United States Air Force.
Students enrolling in AFJROTC may be subject to an interview with senior cadets and/or program instructors. Students unable or unwilling to comply with uniform wear, grooming, or conduct aspects of the program may face involuntary dismissal from program. Certificates of completion are awarded to cadets upon graduation, confirming the number of years participating. Uniforms, textbooks and curriculum guidance are provided by the Air Force at no cost to the student. (Exception: While uniforms are issued to students at no cost, maintenance of the uniforms is the student’s responsibility. The Air Force JROTC uniform requires periodic dry cleaning to assure proper appearance and wear. Additionally, students are given an AFJROTC polo shirt. When students wear the polo shirt, it is required that they wear khaki pants as well.) The program is voluntary and incurs NO military obligation. For those students electing military service through one of the military academies, college ROTC, or enlistment, the following benefits are available upon completion of the four-year program:
Opportunity for special appointments to the United States Air Force Academy (and increased potential for acceptance to other service academies).
Increased opportunities for ROTC college scholarships.
Enlistment in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Air Force at a higher enlisted grade.
Students may also elect to participate in a voluntary summer leadership program, normally held at an active duty military installation. Here, students may refine their leadership, management, and military skills in a concentrated environment with cadets from other local high schools. Students can earn 2.5 hours of elective credit (but will not receive quality points toward their GPA) for participating in this eight (8) day encampment, normally held in late June.
MISSION
The mission of the AFJROTC program is to “Develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community.”
GOALS
The goals of the AFJROTC program are to instill:
➢ The values of citizenship,
➢ Service to the United States,
➢ Personal responsibility, and
➢ A sense of accomplishment.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of AFJROTC are to educate and train students in citizenship and life skills; promote community service; instill a sense of responsibility; and develop character and self-discipline through education and instruction in air and space fundamentals and the Air Force's core values of "Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence In All We Do."
This program will enable the students to:
➢ Develop a high degree of strong morals, self-esteem, self- reliance, personal appearance, and leadership.
➢ Adhere to the values of integrity, service, and excellence.
➢ Increase their understanding of patriotism and responsibilities as US citizens.
➢ Participate in community service activities.
➢ Expand their skills of critical thinking and problem solving, communication and collaboration, and creativity and innovation.
➢ Demonstrate military customs, courtesies, and traditions and develop habits of order, discipline, and social skills.
➢ Acquire a broad-based knowledge of aerospace studies and leadership education.
➢ Strive to graduate from high school and prepare for college and careers in the 21st century.
➢ Cultivate a commitment to physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
AFJROTC designed as a four-year program for high school students, however, students may participate in JROTC at any time and for any duration. The curriculum includes Aerospace Science (AS), Leadership Education (LE) and Wellness. All students will be given credit towards graduation for successful completion of the AFJROTC program per the Air Force School Agreement. Each academic course must consist of an AS component, an LE component, and a Wellness component, except in Aviation Honors Ground School classes, and stand-alone drill courses.
Aerospace Science (AS)
AS acquaints students with the elements of aerospace and the aerospace environment. It introduces them to the principles of aircraft flight and navigation, the history of aviation, development of air power, contemporary aviation, human requirements of flight, cultural and global awareness, geography, the space environment, space programs, space technology, rocketry, propulsion, the aerospace industry, and survival.
Leadership Education (LE)
LE is the portion of the AFJROTC curriculum that develops leadership skills and acquaints students with the practical application of life skills. The leadership education curriculum emphasizes discipline, responsibility, leadership, followership, citizenship, customs and courtesies, cadet corps activities, study habits, time management, communication skills, career opportunities, life skills, financial literacy, management skills, and drill and ceremonies.
Wellness Program
Wellness is an official and integral part of the Air Force Junior ROTC program. The objective of the Wellness Program is to motivate cadets to lead healthy, active lifestyles beyond program requirements and into their adult lives. For classes awarding elective or PE credit for AFJROTC courses, 20% of available contact time must be devoted to Wellness instruction.
AEROSPACE SCIENCE (AS) COURSES
Aerospace Science 220: An Introduction to Global Awareness, 2nd Edition (2023-2024)
The contents of this course have been completely rewritten and are structured around the Twelve Domains of Culture model developed by the Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC). The cultural domains in this model include family and kinship, political and social relations, sex and gender, economics and resources, sustenance and health, technology and material, religion and spirituality, aesthetics and recreation, language and communication, time and space, history and myth, and learning and knowledge. This new course provides students with up-to-date information on exploring the concept of global awareness and the cultures of other regions throughout the world. It starts with an introduction of what global awareness is and the effects of technology on global culture. Students are then taken on a journey around the world, through different cultures in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Finally, the students will be provided cultural information regarding Canada and Mexico.
Aerospace Science 100: Milestones in Aviation History 2nd Ed. (2024-2025)
This is the recommended first AS course for all new cadets. It is an aviation history course focusing on the development of flight throughout the centuries. It starts with ancient civilizations and flight, then progresses through time to future developments in aerospace, with an introduction into cyber technologies. The intent of this textbook is to bring alive the significant discoveries in flight a reality. This book tells the story of why we are so proud of our Air Force heritage ─ laying the foundation for future Air Force JROTC aerospace science courses. Throughout the course 21st -century learning is adopted with readings, video clips, hands-on learner centered activities, and chapter project-based learning opportunities.
Aerospace Science 200: The Science of Flight: A Gateway to New Horizons Note: (2025-2026)
(This textbook is currently under revision) The Science of Flight: A Gateway to New Horizons is an introductory course and customized textbook that focuses on how airplanes fly, how weather conditions affect flight, and the human body, and flight navigation. The course is designed to complement materials taught in math, physics, and other science-related courses and is aligned with the National Science Education Standards, the Math Standards and Expectations, and ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Students. In this course, every lesson includes a “Quick Write” and a short story related to the lesson; a lesson; a “Learn About” that tells students what they’ll learn from the lesson; a list of vocabulary words in the lesson; “Wing Tips” that highlight specific and interesting facts; and facts; and many biographies and profiles. Each lesson closes with “Checkpoints” that will allow students to review what they have learned. An “Applying Your Learning” section at the end of each lesson presents discussion questions that will give them a chance to chance to use what they have learned and provides another way to reinforce their understanding of the lesson’s content. The text has four chapters, each of which contains a contains a number of lessons.
Aerospace Science 300: Exploring Space: The High Frontier 2nd Edition (2026-2027)
Aerospace Science 300: Frontier Second Edition is typically the third/fourth-year science course in the high school sequence of Aerospace Science courses for the Air Force Junior ROTC. This course has been completely rewritten to include the latest information and teaching philosophies, incorporating 21st‐century learning strategies. This new course provides students with the latest information on exploring space and an introduction to cybersecurity and technology. It begins with early astronomy and the basic interest in the universe from the Greeks through the Renaissance and Enlightenment ages. Students will be provided an in-depth view of the solar system, including Earth, the Sun, the Moon, and planets. The text also discusses the history of space travel and more modern space probes and robotics. Students will examine the effects of space on the human body. The text also investigates the history of rockets, launch vehicles, and the coordinated systems required for a successful launch into space. Finally, the text will offer a cybersecurity chapter that outlines the importance of cybersecurity in space and in daily life.
Optional Course-Aerospace Science 410: Survival: Survive • Return
Note: This curriculum is currently under revision. The Survival text is a synthesis of the basic survival information found in Air Force Regulation 64-4 Survival Training. 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.
LEADERSHIP EDUCATION (LE) COURSES
Leadership Education 400: Fundamentals of Management (2023-2024)
Fundamentals of Management is a customized course designed for the fourth-year Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadet. Its aim is to provide you an introduction to basic management concepts and skills, especially as they relate to managing in a JROTC unit. Along the way you will learn some of the history of management studies and encounter elements of more-recent management research.
Leadership Education 100: Traditions, Wellness, and Foundations of Citizenship (2024-2025)
LE 100 is the component of JROTC leadership education. It is intended for students who are entering the AFJROTC program and beginning their high school studies. It introduces cadets to history, organization, mission, traditions, goals, and objectives of JROTC for all services. It also introduces key military customs and courtesies, describes how to project a positive attitude, and examines the principles of ethical and moral behavior. It provides strategies for effective note-taking and study skills for academic success. Lessons cover how to be emotionally, mentally, and physically healthy. Avoiding and preventing violence in today’s society will also be covered. Recognizing types of bullying and how to advocate for prevention of this type of behavior. It covers healthy living, physical fitness, and how to make safe, drug-free, and responsible decisions. This textbook also examines the negative effects of air and water pollution, and how to help keep the environment safe. Cadets will be introduced to civics and our national government, including a historical understanding of the American flag and other important national symbols. The final chapter covers how the US Constitution protects our rights and freedoms as American citizens.
Leadership Education 200: Communication, Awareness, and Leadership 2nd Ed. (2025-2026)
Leadership Education 200: Communication, Awareness, and Leadership, Second Edition, is a customized course designed to improve communication, enhance awareness of self and others, and provide fundamentals of leadership and followership. The course focuses on the AFJROTC mission to “develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community.” Woven throughout is the underlying theme of developing personal integrity. The course also emphasizes leadership and values such as service and excellence. This update incorporates 21st -century teaching, learning, and skills of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.
Leadership Education 300: Life Skills and Career Opportunities (2026-2027)
Leadership Education 300: Life Skills and Career Opportunities, Second Edition provides an essential component of leadership education for today’s high school students. This course it is designed to prepare students for life after high school in the high-tech, globally oriented, and diverse workplace of the 21st -century. Students will learn how to save, invest, and spend money wisely, as well as how to avoid credit traps. They learn about real-life issues such as contracts, leases, warranties, legal notices, personal bills, money-saving strategies for grocery shopping, apartment selection, and life with roommates. In addition, students learn how to select a school that is right for them; how to apply for admission to a vocational or technical school, community college, or college/university; and how to succeed in these learning environments. Information is provided on how to conduct the job search for students who wish to enter the workforce right after high school or after additional education and training. They learn how to prepare a winning résumé, and how to develop effective interviewing skills. The text also provides information on working for the federal government to include careers in the military, aerospace industry, and public service. Finally, students will consider the most important elements of life skills for all Americans: civic responsibilities, such as volunteering, registering to vote, jury duty, and draft registration.
WELLNESS
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. The 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 students develop individualized training programs. Instructors are free to include other activities students enjoy such as team sports in order to keep the Wellness Program fun and motivating. The Wellness Program also provides a list of 19 exercises with examples that may be utilized in a program modifiable to meet individual goals. Instructors will utilize fitness programs that best fit the requirements within their program.