The class meets daily, just like a social studies, math or science course. Each AFJROTC class consists of three components; Aerospace Science, Leadership Education, and Wellness (physical fitness). Citizenship and character education, the heart of the curriculum program, is primarily embedded in the leadership education series of courses, while sense of service and education in science and technology related aerospace science is primarily found in the aerospace science series of courses.
The mission of Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (AF JROTC) is to “Develop citizens of character, dedicated to serving their nation and community” with the following stated goals:
To instill:
This mission and accompanying goals combine with the Air Force’s Core Values of “Integrity First, Service before Self, and Excellence in All We Do” to clearly support Cathedral Prep's mission to create young men and women of "Vision in Spirit, Mind, and Body.”
We aim to educate and train our high school cadets in citizenship; to promote community service; to instill responsibility, character, and self-discipline; and to provide first-class instruction in Global and Cultural Studies, Principles of Flight, Aviation History, National Defense Policies and Leadership, Management and Character Education.
Despite what you hear, JROTC is not a military recruiting tool. There is no obligation to enlist in the military. In fact, most cadets in JROTC do not end up joining the military. Over the last few years, graduating seniors only had 15% joining the military. However, if you are interested in a military career, our curriculum and guest speakers do discuss this option, and your instructors will certainly help you.
No. While physical fitness is a part of the program, it is not an everyday requirement. A physical fitness assessment consisting of a minute of push-ups, a minute of sit-ups, and a mile run is administered two times throughout the school year. The objective of the Wellness/Physical Fitness is to motivate cadets to lead healthy, active lifestyles beyond program requirements and into their adult lives.
85% of our cadets play a sport or other extra-curricular activities and are able to enjoy all the activities that JROTC offers.
The actual class presents no more conflict than any other class. However, the extra-curricular activities sponsored by the program–including drill team, raider team, logistics, aerospace clubs, academic team, and orienteering–generally take place outside of school hours. We have many cadets involved in other aspects of school activities (sports, band, choir, clubs, etc.), and they occasionally have to choose which activities to join or attend.
The uniform is free of charge and it is the exact same uniform worn every day by active-duty Air Force personnel. You wear the US Air Force OCP uniform once a month on the last wednesday of the month, PCA Uniform consisting of slacks, navy polo and professional attire accessories the remaining weeks of the month. Cadets are held to the same standards as the USAF men and women wearing uniforms every day. Because of that, cadets must meet appropriate grooming standards to include getting haircuts that meet regulations, being clean shaven, having natural colored hair, and following piercing and nail polish limitations for females while wearing the OCP Uniform.
