Welcome to Aerospace Science I, II, III, & IV

Welcome to the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps/Texas
20021 Cadet Wing
Background
The Junior ROTC program began in 1911 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The
father of this idea was Army Lieutenant Edgar R. Steevers, assigned the
duty of inspector-instructor of the organized military of Wyoming. 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 Junior ROTC in 1916. Public Law 88-647, commonly
known as the Reserve Officer Training Corps Vitalization Act of 1964,
directed the secretaries of each military service to establish and maintain
Junior ROTC units at public and private secondary schools which apply for
and are eligible according to the regulations established by each secretary.
Such schools must provide a course of military instruction not less than 3
years in length as prescribed by the military department concerned.
With a modest beginning of 20 units in 1966 Air Force Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) has grown to over 800 high schools
throughout the world, including units located in the Department of Defense
Schools in Europe, the Pacific and Puerto Rico. The program began at
Thurgood Marshall High School in August of 2002.
The AFJROTC program provides citizenship training and an aerospace
science program for high school youth. Each academic year must consist of
an aerospace science (AS) component and a leadership education (LE)
component. The curriculum is a balance of study that is 40 percent
aerospace science, 40 percent leadership education, and 20 percent
wellness education. Retired Air Force commissioned and noncommissioned
officers, who are full-time faculty members of the participating high school
and employed by the local school board, teach AFJROTC classes.
Cadets receive credit toward high school graduation by attending AFJROTC
classes. Classroom study includes the heritage of flight, development of air
power, contemporary aviation, the aerospace environment, human
requirements of flight, aerospace vehicles, principles of aircraft flight and
navigation, the space environment, space programs, space technology,
rocketry, propulsion, and the aerospace industry. In addition, there is a
global study component of the AFJROTC curriculum. Students are also
introduced to military customs and courtesies, flag etiquette, citizenship in
the United States, the elements of survival, first aid, wellness, health and
fitness, basic drill and ceremonies, effective communications,
management, human relations, and life skills. Uniforms and books are
provided by the Air Force.
To reinforce what is learned in the classroom, cadets participate in many
outside activities such as field trips to military bases, aerospace facilities
and industries, museums, and civilian airports. Cadets also participate in
parades, summer leadership schools, drill team competitions, military
balls, honorary academic groups, and other community activities.
Mission, Goals, and Objectives
The mission of the AFJROTC program is to: “Develop Citizens of Character
Dedicated to Serving Their Nation and Community”
The goals of the program are to instill values of citizenship, give service to
the United States, develop a personal responsibility, and instill a sense of
accomplishment in high school students.
The objectives of AFJROTC 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.
With these objectives the cadets will develop:
1. An appreciation of the basic elements and requirements for national
security.
2. Respect for and an understanding of the need for constituted authority
in a democratic society.
3. Patriotism and an understanding of their personal obligation to
contribute to national security.
4. Habits of orderliness and precision.
5. A high degree of personal honor, self-reliance, and leadership.
6. A broad-based knowledge of the aerospace age and fundamental
aerospace doctrine.
7. Basic military skills.
8. A knowledge of and appreciation for the traditions of the Air Force.
9. An interest in completing high school and pursuing higher educational
goals or skills.
10. An understanding of the Air Force and military as a possible career
path.