Air Force JROTC
The Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training curriculum includes instruction which emphasizes self-discipline, citizenship, patriotism, leadership, and instruction in aerospace science. Each AFJROTC unit has an organizational structure that is administered and operated by students. Cadets participate in academic, athletic, and military competition at the local, state, and national levels.
Western Branch High School Air Force JROTC
Virginia 062 Air Force JROTC unit was established in 1972 at Western Branch High School in Chesapeake Virginia. The VA-062 has an average enrollment of 120 cadets, with a rank structure from cadet Airman to cadet Colonel. The unit is very active in its home community where it participates in many events including visits to the vet hospital, Bruin Drive Clean Up, home coming parade, and Veterans Day. The squadron also has after school activities:
Honor Guard
Color Guard
Saber Team
Drill Teams
Orienteering
Obstacle Course
Military Ball
Air Force JROTC Instructors
Bryan Spalla, Col, USAF (Ret) and Terrell A. Rogers, SMSgt (Ret)
VA-062’s PURPOSE
The Air Force Junior ROTC Aerospace Science program is designed to build better citizens, strengthen character, and acquaint cadets with the Aerospace age, careers in military and most importantly, it will emphasize the skills necessary for leadership-confidence, responsibility and self-discipline. The programs purpose is to install in students in the United States secondary educational institutions the value of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment.
The goals of the J.R.O.T.C are:
Promote patriotism
Develop informed and responsible citizens
Develop habits of orderliness and respect for authority
Develop self-reliance, discipline, and leadership
Develop awareness and detailed understanding about aerospace and security
Develop awareness and understanding of the basic elements of the military and national security
Develop respect for the needs for continued authority in a democratic society
The program includes:
Classroom academic studies
Team building/ leadership opportunities
Intramural competition
Field trips and drill competitions
What AFJROTC does not do:
Require a service obligation
Recruit combat skills training
Benefits for school:
Increased attendance
Higher graduation rate
New curriculum opportunity
Reduced gang involvement
Decreased discipline problems
Student leadership development
Increased parental involvement
General military awareness
Nationwide support network
Benefits for student:
Credits for graduation
Opportunity to participate on different teams and in varied leadership positions
Mentoring relationship with the instructors
Increased scholarship/service academy opportunities
Increased student self-esteem
Opportunity for field trips
Benefits and advanced enlistment opportunities for those who desire to join the military
WHAT THE SCHOOL/SCHOOL DISTRICT MUST PROVIDE:
Academic credit for course work
Classroom space, storage and drill areas
Partial salary/benefits
WHAT THE AIR FORCE PROVIDES:
Educational/audiovisual material
Books, curriculum guides, note taking guides
Unit support and maintenance funds
Honor Guard and drill team equipment
Field trip opportunities
Qualified instructor applicants
Partial salary reimbursement
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 history and development of flight and military aerospace policies. The second year includes the science of flight and the requirements for human flight. Rocketry, space vehicles, and the exploration of space are covered in the third year. The fourth year includes: Management of the Cadet Corps and Survival.
Curriculum Summary
Emphasizing Aerospace Studies
Leadership/Life-Skills Education. Leadership education is emphasized each year. An emphasis 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.
Emphasizing Leadership and Life-skills
Extracurricular activities and opportunities are an important part of AFJROTC. Cadets participate in drill meets, orienteering, obstacle courses, and community service. AFJROTC does not engage in marksmanship training or teach individual combat skills.
Career-minded high school students will learn about jobs in aerospace industry and 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 Military at higher pay grades than most enlistees. Also, AFJROTC cadets will be prepared to work in an expanding technological world — in the Air Force or as a civilian.
College bound students can compete for an Air Force Academy nomination or an Air Force ROTC scholarship through their Air Force Junior ROTC unit. 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 Herbert Advanced Placement Award.
The Aerospace Science program in our school recently consists of four flights. They are the “A” flight, “B” Flight, “C” Flight, and the “D” Flight. The A, B, and C flights are classes while the D flight is made up of the students that are not currently in class but enrolled in the JROTC program and participating in our after school activities / drill teams.