CORE ELECTIVE AT WEST FOR ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) is a program designed to develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community.  The AFJROTC program instills in students the value of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, character, and a sense of accomplishment. Enrollment is open to all students in grades 9-12.  Performance in the Corps is recognized through promotion, increased responsibility, the award of medals and ribbons as well as the ability to earn a varsity letter. Books and uniforms are provided at no cost to the student except for cleaning and minor maintenance of the uniform. Retired Air Force personnel who are state-certified instructors teach the course.  Enrollment in AFJROTC incurs NO MILITARY OBLIGATION; however, promotion benefits are available to AFJROTC cadets that pursue a military career after high school. Cadets interested in attending any one of the service academies are encouraged to enroll in AFJROTC.

The AFJROTC curriculum includes three components: Aerospace Science (AS), Leadership Education (LE), and Wellness.  Aerospace Science may include history of aviation, cultural awareness, science of flight, exploration of space, survival and corps management.  Leadership Education emphasizes self-discipline, responsibility, leadership, citizenship, uniform wear, customs and courtesies, flag etiquette, cadet corps activities, study habits, time management, communication skills, career opportunities, life skills, principles of management, and drill.  Drill is taught throughout the school year as part of the leadership component in between and in conjunction with formal AS and LE academic lessons.

Proper uniform wear and grooming is required of all cadets.  Cadets are required to wear the uniform one day per week most weeks of the school year beginning in mid-October.  Cadets unable or unwilling to wear the uniform and meet the grooming standard will be removed from the program.  Uniform and grooming standards are in accordance with Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel.  This is HQ AFJROTC policy and not negotiable for cadets or instructors.  In general terms, this means a neat, clean-cut haircut and no facial hair (with the exception of a trimmed mustache) for male cadets when in uniform.  For female cadets, this means the hair must be cut and styled in such a way that the hair remains above the eyebrows and shirt collar, tied in a bun or short ponytail while in uniform.  You may Google AFI 36-2903 for details regarding grooming standards or refer to the Cadet Guide on our website.   

 Wellness/Physical Training is an official and integral part of the AFJROTC program.  The objective of the program is to motivate cadets to lead healthy, active lifestyles beyond program requirements and into their adult lives.  Wellness includes a variety of exercises and physical activity.  Cadets can expect to participate in wellness approximately one class period per week.

AFJROTC is a full-year, 5-credit elective course toward high school graduation.  Cadets transferring from another school’s JROTC program after one semester may earn 2.5 credits for the half-year.  JROTC transfer cadets are the only students permitted half-year credit for AFJROTC.  Cadet transfers may enroll in AFJROTC when approved by the guidance office and the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor.    

AS 100 (Milestones in Aviation History): Required for all 9-12th grade cadets

Aerospace Science 100, Milestones in Aviation History, 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.

LE 100 (Traditions, Wellness, and Foundations of Citizenship):
Required for all 9-12th grade cadets

Leadership Education 100, Traditions, Wellness, and Foundations of Citizenship, is a course where students

will learn about US citizenship and government, effective communication, financial literacy, college readiness

and diversity in the workplace. Students also learn about leading groups and the benefits of drilling and

ceremonial performances. The course focuses on the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps

(AFJROTC) mission to “develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community.”

AS 400 (Management of the Cadet Corps): 12th grade, 4th-year cadets assigned to the top five-unit staff positions only

Select senior cadets manage the entire corps during their fourth year in the AFJROTC program. This hands-on experience affords cadets the opportunity to put theories of previous leadership courses into practice. Planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, controlling, and decision-making will be done by cadets. They will put into practice their communication, decision-making, personal-interaction, managerial, and organizational skills. AS 400 is not an actual class; it is hands-on learning of leadership and management principles.

CADET LEADERSHIP COURSE (CLC)                                                                                  2.5 credits only

CLC is a weeklong, summer leadership course conducted every June at Joint Base McGuire, Ft. Dix, Lakehurst (JBMDL), NJ. It is a compilation of academics, physical fitness, drill and ceremonies, and hands-on problem solving. Cadets reside in JBMDL dormitories and eat in the dining hall. During the course of the school, cadets get up early, do physical training, drill & ceremonies, have room inspections, learn basic first aid and self-defense, experience the Obstacle or Confidence Course, and have opportunities to fine-tune leadership and teamwork skills. Cadets are supervised and chaperoned by qualified AFJROTC instructors and volunteers. Qualified medical personnel are present to assist at CLC. CLC is a selective and voluntary program. An enrollment fee is required per cadet to offset miscellaneous expenses not covered by the Air Force such as medical support, supplies, printing and transportation. There is a competitive selection process involved for cadets interested in attending the course.