HHS AFJROTC Motto:

Profession

Responsibility

Integrity
Discipline
Education

AFJROTC AT HHS

The California 944th Air Force Junior ROTC (CA-944 AFJROTC) Group at Highland High School has been an important part of the campus since 1994 by agreement between the Antelope Valley Joint Union High School District and the United States Air Force.

The AFJROTC program enrolls approximately 160 cadets and employs 3 instructors. The AFJROTC unit is located at Highland High School and, by law the program is limited to students in grades 9 – 12. AFJROTC instructors are employees of the Antelope Valley Joint Union High School District.

Air Force Junior ROTC is a citizenship program for students in the ninth through twelfth grades that encourages students to get involved in their local communities to produce well-informed and helpful citizens.  Program curriculum includes aerospace related academic instruction and leadership training.  The cadet group is managed and operated by cadets affording them opportunities to learn/develop leadership skills and how to direct activities.  Each year's Aerospace Science course work relates to a different theme, e.g.: a Journey into Aviation History, The Science of Flight, Astronomy, The Exploration of Space, and Global Studies.  To enhance classroom learning, students participate in extracurricular and social activities such as field trips, drill teams, honor guards, model rocketry, and Military Balls.

CURRICULUM

To be eligible for membership and continue in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFJROTC) program each student must be:

· Enrolled in and attending a regular course or instruction at Highland High School, school with crosstown agreement, or home-schooled student.
· Selected by the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (SASI) in coordination with the principal (or a designated representative) to ensure enrolled students meet acceptable standards.  AFJROTC is a voluntary program.  While AFJROTC instills self-discipline, it is not to be used as the remedy for chronic student body disciplinary problems.
· Special needs and handicapped students, with the concurrence of the AFJROTC instructor and the principal, may participate.
· Above the 8th grade.  Students may participate during the summer between the 8th and 9th grades.
· A citizen or national of the United States or an alien admitted for permanent residence, or, a Foreign Cadet [a cadet who does not meet the citizenship or residency requirements for AFJROTC membership but is permitted to receive AFJROTC instruction under Section 625 of Public Law 104-208 (i.e., F-1 visa entrant)]. A Foreign Cadet may participate in AFJROTC under the following provisions:

- Foreign Cadets must have an approval letter from a representative of their government to preclude possible international incidents by wearing an AFJROTC uniform and participating in an American military-sponsored organization. Approval letters may be obtained from the embassy or consular office of that student’s country. Letters documenting principal, AFJROTC instructor, and student’s national government approval of each Foreign Cadet’s participation in AFJROTC must be on file at the unit.
- Foreign Cadets will fully participate in the program and are required to meet all standards.

· A $10 deposit for the uniform may be required.

CADETS RESPONSIBILITIES:  Each cadet will agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the Aerospace Science Department and to accept responsibility for the proper care and maintenance of his or her uniform, textbooks, and other equipment. Failure to do so will create obligations, which will prevent later registration, graduation, or transfer of credit.

CURRICULUM:  The AFJROTC curriculum is based on Aerospace Science (AS) academics (40%), Leadership/Drill (40%) and wellness/physical training (20%).  Cadets will spend two days in Aerospace academics, two days in Leadership/Drill subjects and on day in physical training.  The classes may be held indoors or outdoors depending on the subject matter and weather.  Cadets will be exposed to aviation, space activities, national defense, careers, leadership, and drill subjects.

AEROSPACE SCIENCE 1 - One Year Course, Open to grades 9 and 10.

The AS portion combines Aerospace Science: The Science of Flight and Explorations: An Introduction to Astronomy.  This is designed to acquaint the student with some Earth Science basics and prepare students to meet the California state standards. The course begins (first semester) with Aerospace Science: The Science of Flight and a discussion of the atmosphere and weather. After developing an understanding of the environment, how that environment affects flight is introduced.  Explorations: An Introduction to Astronomy (second semester) explores the history of 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 LE studies relate directly to the academic subject matter.  LE will introduce cadets to the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program providing a basis for progression through the rest of the AFJROTC program while instilling elements of good citizenship.  Leadership Education 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.

AEROSPACE SCIENCE 2 - One Year Course, Open to grades 10, 11 and 12.  Prerequisite: Completion of Aerospace Science 1 with a passing grade.

The AS portion combines Aerospace Science: The Science of Flight and Aerospace Science: The Exploration of Space.  The first semester Aerospace Science: The Science of Flight designed to acquaint the student with the human requirements of flight, principles of aircraft flight, and principles of navigation. The course begins with discussions including the forces of lift, drag, thrust, and weight. Students also learn basic navigation including map reading, course plotting, and the effects of wind.  The second semester AS includes Aerospace Science: The Exploration of Space.  The Exploration of Space examines our Earth, the Moon and the planets, the latest advances in space technology, and continuing challenges of space and manned space-flight. 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 space-flight 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.  The Leadership portion stresses communications skills and cadet corps activities. 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.

Aerospace Science 3 - One Year Course, Open to grades 11 and 12.  Prerequisite: Completion of Aerospace Science 2 with a passing grade.

In the AS portion, Cadets will learn about: the historical development of flight and the role of the military in history; the development of flight from ancient legends through the Persian Gulf War and beyond; the role of the military throughout the history of the United States.  The LE portion will be helpful to students deciding which path to take after high school.  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, also 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 too.  For those students interested in a career in the military, with the federal government, or an aerospace career, information is also provided.

Aerospace Science 4 - One Year Course, Open to grade 12.  Prerequisite: Completion of Aerospace Science 3 with a grade of "C" or better and letter from the cadet requesting/justifying entry into AS-4.

The AS is “Global Studies” which will cover several (not all) regions during the school year.  The areas selected for coverage include: Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, Africa and Latin America.  Within each area, topics such as economics, politics, military issues, religion, environmental concerns, human rights, cultural issues, etc. will be examined.  The lessons will usually be taught using videos to provide visual and verbal insight into life and issues within the regions, followed by a variety of hands-on activities.  Some content reading will be required of students before class, along with workbook exercises and exams to complete the studies.  LE will be a guide to understanding the fundamentals of management, managing yourself, and others.  Emphasis will be placed on allowing students to see themselves as managers.  Students will discuss/face the challenge of managing operations effectively and learn that there are always ways of doing at least part of the task more effectively. There are four building blocks of leadership considered in this text from the military and civilian perspective.  Attention to these four areas will form a strong foundation for a capability to lead others – something that can be very valuable to you for the rest of your life.  The four areas are Management Techniques, Management Decisions, Management Functions, and Managing Self and Others.

Information about Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC)

                                                                                          
Mission:

"Develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community”

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.

Many cadets also volunteer their time to support local non-profit events. Some of these organizations include the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Adopt-a-Highway Program, Grace Resources and the Special Olympics.

Programs and Operations

A subordinate organization to Air Force Officer Accession and Training Schools (AFOATS), there are four branches within the AFJROTC Headquarters: Instructor Management, Resources, Program Support and Operations. The Branch Chiefs are supervised by the Deputy Director, AFJROTC, who serves as the primary liaison between AFJROTC, the host schools, local school districts, and state boards of education.

Instructor Management.
Recruits, certifies eligibility to teach AFJROTC, monitors the performance of AFJROTC instructors, and recommends de-certification of AFJROTC instructors as necessary. Additionally, provides assistance and authoritative guidance to instructors, and school officials, including assistance in the selection and hiring of instructors. Receives and processes instructor applications. Supervises administration of the instructor evaluation system.

Resources.
Provides financial management, instructor payroll computations and reconciliation's, and cost accounting services for the AFJROTC program. Formulates, executes, and analyzes budgets for headquarters’ operations, host schools, support activities, and organizational components. Monitors, tracks, and reviews obligations, expenditures, reimbursable orders, and projected costs to determine trends in spending and forecast annual funding needs. Reviews budget submissions for compliance with rules, regulations, and procedures.

Program Support.
Provides logistical, educational program, information management, information/education technology, and training support to the world’s largest aerospace science and education program. Manages the Honors Ground School Program and oversight for FAA certified instructors. Conducts certification and training workshops and collects data on student performance and demographics. Provide logistics, supply, and facilities support and guidance regarding procurement, storing, and inventory of supplies and equipment, AF uniforms, and inert rifles for the JROTC Program.

Operations.
Provides staff initiatives and policy to implement the world’s largest aerospace science and education program. Ensures program is conducted pursuant to DoD directives and Air Force instructions and prepares reports and maintains statistical data on the same. Reviews unit assessment and inspection reports to ensure school districts comply with DoD and Air Force instructions and the provisions of the Application and Agreement for establishing a JROTC unit. Conducts follow-up actions on reported discrepancies. Coordinates site surveys at schools interested in hosting an AFJROTC unit. Functions as the activation and deactivation coordinator for all AFJROTC units.

AFJROTC History

Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) can track its heritage to a program founded in 1911 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, by Army Lt Edgar R. Steevers. Lieutenant Steevers was assigned as an inspector-instructor of the organized military of Wyoming. During his assignment, he envisioned a noncompulsory cadet corps comprised of high school students. His program was aimed toward making better citizens.

The National Defense Act of 1916 authorized a junior course for non-college military schools, high schools and other non-preparatory schools. The Army implemented JROTC in 1916. Public Law 88-647, commonly known as the ROTC Vitalization Act of 1964, directed the secretaries of each military service to establish and maintain JROTC units for their respective services. The first Air Force JROTC programs were opened in 1966.

“(The) purpose of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps [is] to instill in students in United States secondary educational institutions the value of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment.” (10 USC Sec 2031)

Air Force JROTC (AFJROTC) is a continuing success story. From a modest beginning of 20 units in 1966, AFJROTC has grown to 794 units throughout the world, with 102,000 cadets. The AFJROTC program positively influences our country by helping one student at a time. Comprised solely of active duty Air Force retirees, the AFJROTC instructor force is helping to form tomorrow’s nation by educating proud and patriotic cadets—tomorrow’s leaders.