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Brief History of the Corps
The Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) was founded in 1911 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, by Army Lieutenant Edgar R. Steevers.
Lieutenant Steevers envisioned a non-compulsory cadet corps comprised of high school students. His program was aimed toward making better citizens. In 1964, the Secretaries of each military service were directed to establish and maintain JROTC units for their respective services.
From a modest beginning of 20 units in 1966, the Air Force JROTC has grown to over 600 units throughout the world, with current enrollment of over 103,000 cadets.
Why Take Air Force Junior ROTC?
Through Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, you'll become a better citizen and a leader -- confident, self-reliant and self-disciplined. Take our aerospace science program, and explore the civilian, industrial and military aspects of aerospace.
Career-minded high school students will learn about jobs in the Air Force that will open important opportunities for the future. High school students who complete the aerospace science program in Air Force Junior ROTC may be able to enter the Air Force at pay higher than most enlistees. Also, you'll be prepared to work in an expanding technological world -- in the Air Force or as a civilian.
College-bound students may receive an Air Force Academy nomination or an Air Force ROTC scholarship, if qualified. Or, they may receive credit for the first year of an Air Force ROTC four-year college program-plus free uniforms, insignia, and ROTC textbooks. They may also receive priority processing when entering the Air Force if they win the Congressman Hebert Advanced Placement Award.
C/2LT Kimberly Tena, junior and third year cadet from Citra Florida, was asked to comment on what JROTC meant to her:
The AFJROTC is a program with one thing on its mind ... a mission. A mission "To Build Better Citizens for America." This program will prepare cadets (students in the corps) physically and mentally for the future as citizens of the United States. This is not just another program ... it's a family. A family of marvelous, unique group of kids on an extraordinary learning experience. From leadership camps, drill competitions, dining ins, dining outs, military balls, air shows, even to helping out our community with football games, band concerts, cheerleading competitions, and not to mention our sincere hearts lending a hand to the victims of the hurricanes, Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society, and collecting school supplies for Iraqi children, with our fun-filled fundraisers. We are AFJROTC, inspired by our fallen troops, guided by our corps' values, and motivated by our ability to never say "can't." WE ARE THE FUTURE.
Scholarships
There are hundreds of scholarships reserved for Air Force Junior ROTC cadets. Scholarships pay most tuition costs for up to four years, plus books and fees at more than 900 universities and colleges.
Air Force Junior ROTC offers scholarships in engineering, science and some non-technical majors. Plus, Air Force Junior ROTC cadets may compete for Air Force ROTC scholarships open to all high school students.
Curriculum
The AFJROTC curriculum comprises studies in Aerospace Science and Leadership Education. You'll learn about the heritage and development of flight, and military aerospace policies.
Another year you'll study the environment in which aircraft and spacecraft operate. You'll learn flight and navigational principles, and the requirements for human flight.
Rocketry, space vehicles, and the exploration of space are covered in another year. The fourth year offers two options:
- Option 1: Management of the Cadet Corps
- Option 2: Laboratory Manual, Geography and Survival
Your studies in aerospace science conclude with a review of aerospace careers.
Leadership education is emphasized each year. Course work helps prepare you for positions in any military or civilian career. There are classes on military customs and courtesies and flag etiquette, plus instruction in marching.
Activities
Air Force Junior ROTC cadets go on field trips arranged by aerospace science instructors. You may visit Air Force bases, airports, Federal Aviation Administration units, weather service offices, and aerospace industries. See our calendar for a list of this year's events.
If you participate in the Color Guard or Drill Team you'll perform at athletic events and other activities.
Your Air Force Junior ROTC unit will also sponsor dances (military ball) and a formal dinner (called a Dining In) for cadets.
Our Dining In is also our awards banquet. Cadets are awarded 17 national awards (see ribbon chart). Cadets are also awarded ribbons, medals, savings bonds, certificates and other items for their accomplishments.
Goals of Air Force Junior ROTC
To instill in high school cadets the values of:
- Citizenship - service to the United States
- Personal responsibility - a sense of accomplishment
Enrollment
JROTC is a regular class elective. Just sign up through your guidance office.
If you live in Howard County but are not in the Oakland Mills school district, you can request a transfer to OMHS. Call or email LtCol Nowack or MSgt Bowman.
Instructors
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