Welcome to Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps

Welcome to Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC)

Southside High School AFJROTC Alabama (AL)-961

Q I am an Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet. I will always conduct myself to bring credit to my family, country, school and the Corps of Cadets.

Q I do not lie, cheat or steal, and will always be accountable for my actions and deeds.

Q I will seek the mantle of leadership and stand prepared to uphold the Constitution and the American way of life.

CADET HONOR CODE

This code provides a foundation for all cadets and the basis for a personal code of ethics for each cadet. Each cadet must understand and be willing to abide by, adhere to and uphold this code of conduct.

Q Lie. A statement known to false especially with the intent to deceive. Lying also includes giving a false impression, which means to lie by omission. To give less than the full truth is a violation of this code.

Q Steal. Taking or misappropriating someone else’s property, ideas, or work without permission, dishonestly or unlawfully. Any effort to acquire something that belongs to someone else without permission is a violation of this code.

Q Cheat. Behave dishonestly or unfaithfully through fraud or deception. Cheating is also defined as gaining or giving an unfair advantage. This code precludes any deception, dishonesty or unfaithfulness on the part of any cadet. Efforts to avoid responsibility or punishment are also violations of this code.

Q No toleration of improper behavior. It is a cadet’s responsibility not to tolerate lying, stealing or cheating from their fellow cadets or themselves. Anything less is a violation of this code.

The Cadet Honor Code sets an extremely high standard of conduct and behavior. It is a foundation upon which the Cadet Corps builds mutual trust, respect and reliance on each other. This code is similar to those upheld and adhered to by our Military Service Academics and has served the United States Armed Forces for over 200 years. However it is only as effective as the cadets who support it, live by its high ideals and make it work in the Cadet Corps.

COURSE PROGRAMS

The AFJROTC Program is divided into two parts: Academic and Leadership. The Academic portion consists of classroom instruction in Aerospace and Citizenship subjects and makes up approximately 40% of the Program. Leadership Education and Training makes up the other 40% and consists of classroom instruction and leadership participation. The remaining 20% is devoted to personal physical development.

COURSE CONTENT

AEROSPACE SCIENCE/LEADERSHIP 1 (AS1): This is an introductory course designed for 1^st year cadets. It lays the foundation of knowledge about the heritage and development of AFJROTC, as well as develops a sound footing for Citizenship Responsibilities. Attention is also devoted to learning and practicing Military Customs, Courtesies, Discipline, and Drill and Ceremonies. Since each course is a building block for those to follow, only cadets who have completed their AS1 course can enroll in AS2.

AEROSPACE SCIENCE/LEADERSHIP 2 (AS2): This course builds upon the foundations laid in the previous year and expands in the study of aerospace flight. While Citizenship Responsibilities remain important, special attention is given to the development of effective Communication Skills in Reading, Composition and Listening. Continued attention is also devoted to mastering and executing Military Customs, Courtesies, Discipline, and Drill and Ceremonies. Cadets must successfully complete their AS2 course before enrolling for AS3.

AEROSPACE SCIENCE/LEADERSHIP 3 (AS3): This course is focused on preparing cadets for life after high school as well as launching cadets into the study of Space. Cadets continue to broaden their knowledge of leadership and followership and are challenged with ever increasing cadet corps responsibilities. Cadets in this course are expected to be completely with Military Customs, Courtesies, Discipline, and Drill and Ceremonies to the point where they can instruct underclassmen. Cadets must successfully complete their AS3 course before enrolling for AS4.

AEROSPACE SCIENCE/LEADERSHIP 4 (AS4): This course is primarily geared to fine-tuning Senior Cadets’ ability to lead and manage the Cadet Corps. Cadets first and foremost are given specific cadet leadership and management responsibilities and are evaluated on their abilities to execute their jobs. Special attention is also focused on preparing cadets for life after high school and financial management. Cadets in this course must be expertly familiar with Military Customs, Courtesies, Discipline, and Drill and Ceremonies to the point where they can flawlessly instruct underclassmen.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Q Develop personal attitudes for the high degree of personal integrity, self-reliance, self-discipline and commitment to the responsibilities associated with a cadet and a young, active U.S. citizen.

Q Know vocational, educational and leadership opportunities offered by military and civilian agencies.

Q Become familiar with aerospace vehicles and the principles that govern their operation.

Q Become familiar with the purpose and structure of the United States Government, with particular emphasis on the Department of Defense and the United States Air Force.

Q Wear uniform and insignia in accordance with appropriate Air Force and AFJROTC regulations, and recognize the insignia and rank of other cadets and active duty service grades.

Q Execute the basic movements, positions and facings of individual as well as flight drill.

Q Demonstrate knowledge of Air Force customs and courtesies, and conduct themselves in a socially acceptable manner at all times.

Q Demonstrate citizenship knowledge of the proper procedures for honoring the flag of the United States of America and the National Anthem.

UNIFORM ISSUE & WEAR

Each cadet is issued a regulation Air Force uniform with Junior ROTC insignia. The total cost of each uniform package is approximately $250. Once issued, this uniform becomes the responsibility of the cadet until turned in at the end of the Term or if the cadet withdraws from the program. Each cadet is expected to wear the uniform proudly and properly as directed. Cadets can expect to have their uniforms inspected on each uniform day.

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

As cadets enter the classroom, they will stand beside their assigned desk and take the position of Parade, Rest. Immediately after the Tardy Bell sounds, the Executive Officer or Flight Sergeant will call the room to attention and take roll. Each cadet will return to Parade, Rest after responding to Roll Call. Cadets will remain at Parade, Rest until called to Attention. At this time, any absence or tardy excuses are turned in for verification. Once all paperwork is complete, the room will be called to Attention and then cadets will be given the order, Seats.

Q Any cadet absent or tardy to class will be counted as UNEXCUSED until a valid excuse is presented signed by a parent or guardian and validated by a Southside H.S. faculty or staff administrator. Unexcused absences or tardies detract 2 leadership points on each occurrence. Repeat violators will be subject to disciplinary action, possible suspension and dismissal from AFJROTC.

Q No cadet will be reported as present unless they are physically in the classroom. Cadets reported as skipping class are likewise subject to disciplinary action, possible suspension and dismissal from AFJROTC.

CLASSROOM CONDUCT

All classes in Aerospace Studies will be conducted in a military manner. The following classroom rules of conduct apply. Cadets will:

Q Respect all furnishings and equipment in the classroom and treat them with the utmost care (feet off desks, no sitting on desk tops, no gum, food or drink in classrooms).

Q Maintain classrooms in a clean and orderly condition by refraining from using the dry erase boards unless directed, by straightening desks after each class and by taking all personal items with you after each class.

Respect for Authority. This is a vital part of leadership training. Any organization, military or otherwise must have it to function efficiently. Any cadet who aspires to lead can do so only after they have first learned to follow. Only after being a good follower can one hope to become a good leader.

Q Chain of Command. In the AFJROTC Classroom, the Chain begins at the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (SASI -- Lt Col Ruiz) and Aerospace Science Instructor (ASI -- SMSgt Medina), continues through the senior-ranking cadet leadership, and ends at the first-year cadet. The task for each cadet at each level is to learn their particular cadet responsibilities, do as well as you can and prove you are ready for the next level of responsibilities. A good leader sets the finest examples of conduct and behavior and displays through their action and deeds an honest and sincere understanding and respect for authority.

ACADEMIC PROGRESSION

Q All cadets must begin their AFJROTC studies as an AS1 and can only progress to the next level after successfully completing and passing their current AS level. In no circumstance will a cadet who has failed an AS course be allowed to take the next progressive AS course until the cadet has successfully passed the failed course. Depending on the AS level, in no circumstance will a cadet be allowed to enroll in two different AS levels in the same academic year (AY). AS1 and AS2 cadets, although maintained on AFJROTC rosters for the entire AY, will only receive credit for the term they are enrolled. AS3 and AS4 cadets will receive credit for the entire AY.

Q All cadets successfully completing their AS2 term are entitled to a United States Air Force Certificate of Training. Should the cadet decide to enlist in the United States Armed Forces following graduation, this valuable certificate entitles the cadet to be awarded one (1) pay grade higher than all other graduates following successful completion of basic military training.

Q All cadets successfully completing their AS3 term are entitled to a United States Air Force Junior ROTC Certificate of Completion. Should the cadet decide to enlist in the United States Armed Forces following graduation, this valuable certificate entitles the cadet to be awarded two (2) pay grades higher than all other graduates following successful completion of basic military training. Should the cadet decide to enter the United State Air Force Senior ROTC at the college or university level, the cadet would be entitled to audit their entire 1^st year (AS 101 & 102) of ROTC coursework.

GRADING

Q AFJROTC grades are roughly based on approximately 60% academics and 40% leadership activities. They are established from a combination of graded elements in the cadet’s overall AFJROTC experiences. Academic grades are derived from quizzes, tests, exams, research and writing assignments covering areas of current events, Aerospace History, Science of Flight and the Exploration of Space. Leadership grades are composed of curriculum topics of Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC, Intercommunication Skills, and Life After High School, along with uniform inspections, knowledge of drill and ceremony, classroom conduct and behavior. Extra credit is earned from participation (leadership/followership) in extracurricular cadet activities. If at the end of the term, a cadet receives credit for AFJROTC for averages 60 or more. If the cadet’s final term average is 59 or below, that cadet is disenrolled from the program.

DISENROLLMENT

Unlike other high school academic disciplines, the United States Air Force establishes specific guidelines for cadets to remain eligible for enrollment in AFJROTC. Cadets will be disenrolled from AFJROTC as determined by the SASI, ASI and Principal for any of the following reasons:

Q Failure to maintain acceptable course standards regarding grooming standards and uniform wear.

Q Inaptitude or indifference to training, severe and/or multiple disciplinary reasons, or other reasons involving undesirable character traits.

Q Individual request to be released from AFJROTC (must be completed and approved within 1^st five days of term).

STANDARDS

After joining the Cadet Corps, new cadets should meet established standards within the first semester. If a cadet cannot or refuses to meet minimal standards of conduct, discipline and academic diligence, the cadet will be meet a board comprised of the senior cadet corps leadership, the SASI and ASI to determine if the cadet’s status in the program. If the board finds that the cadet cannot or will not conform to expected standards, the cadet will be dismissed from the program at the earliest scheduling opportunity.

CADET PROMOTIONS

The following permanent grades are authorized as the minimum (permanent) rank for the four levels indicated:

All other promotions are temporary and based on the position occupied. AS4 and AS3 cadets will normally be assigned to fill the higher-grade position, while AS2 & AS1s will fill the lower grade position. Exceptions will be made where necessary to fill vacancies. Once the cadet no longer occupies the position, he/she reverts back to their minimum rank for their AS level.

Special promotions may be made at any time to recognize individual merit and to fill an organizational need of the cadet corps as determined by the SASI or ASI.

Demotions will be made as necessary upon the recommendation of the Cadet Leadership to the SASI/ASI. Final approval authority rests with the SASI or ASI.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Perhaps the most rewarding feature of AFJROTC is participating in a variety of extracurricular activities offered. Parades, fund-raisers, field trips, community support, military balls, and award banquets are just some of the activities. The only qualification is a passing grade and satisfactory conduct in all classes. In addition, as an AFJROTC cadet you can be part of:

Q DRILL TEAM – an elite group of cadets who perform in parades, exhibitions, and at selected drill meets. There is an exhibition and regulation drill team, and teams must have a minimum of 13 to compete.

Q COLOR GUARD – a special marching unit which performs in corps as public ceremonies, athletic events, parades, and in competitive meets. The Color Guard must have a minimum of four members, but five is preferred.

Q SABRE GUARD – a distinguished group of cadets who provide special ceremonial support for graduations, military balls, parades and can compete at selected drill meets. Must have a minimum of four members.

Q ECHO FLIGHT – former cadets who are in good academic standing and wish to remain active in AFJROTC activities. Cadets in Echo Flight do not receive academic credit for AFJROTC, but can participate in all AFJROTC events.

MANDATORY AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

By virtue of your enrollment in AFJROTC, there will be occasions for the Corps to participate in After School Activities such as parades and ceremonies. Cadets will be given ample advance notice of upcoming events, but the following are MANDATORY and count for a grade unless otherwise excused by the SASI or ASI in advance:

Q HOMECOMING. At this event, the entire Cadet Corps renders honors to the U.S. and Alabama Flags during pregame ceremonies.

Q HOLIDAY PARADES. The Cadet Corps participates in Holiday Parades in Minter on the 1^st Saturday in December and in Selma on the 2^nd Saturday. Because of the distances involved, the Minter parade is voluntary attendance, but the Selma parade is a mandatory event.

Q VOTING RIGHTS CELEBRATION. Traditionally held on the 1^st Saturday in March, this parade is part of the Annual Voting Rights Celebration activities. All participants are usually awarded a wristband for free admission into the remainder of the weekend’s activities.

Q ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY. This activity is held during the school day, traditionally on the 4^th Friday of April. Even though it is not an after school event, it is still mandatory for all cadets to attend.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & TREATMENT

This unit conducts all activities consistent with Title IX, U.S. Code and U.S. Air Force Policy on Equal Opportunity and Treatment. It is Air Force policy to conduct all of its activities free from arbitrary discrimination and to provide equal opportunity and treatment to all members, irrespective of their race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin, in accordance with U.S. law.

Discrimination will not be tolerated! Discriminatory acts include by are not limited to:

A simple way to insure that you do not discriminate arbitrarily is to treat every cadet with the same respect you would want to be treated with yourself.

By the very nature of the Cadet Corps, parental involvement is an integral part of our success. Not only are we relying on parents and guardians to transport the cadet after school hours, but we also aware that they are vital in the uniform wear process. In addition we need parental support in the following areas:

Parents are always welcome to visit at any time of the school day, but we do request that student conferences be scheduled from 1130 – 1300 (11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.) or after school hours. We also encourage parents to contact us (334) 872-3052 or email ruizsg@dallask12.org or medina@dallask12.org.

It is our sincere desire to make AFJROTC a very positive and rewarding experience for all cadets. Our curriculum offers a wide range of course offerings that help prepare cadets for life after high school. However, our greatest benefit is the leadership traits we instill in the cadets. Our goal is to graduate your son or daughter with the tools they will need to succeed at the next level. We look forward to just that.