The Air Force Junior ROTC program provides citizenship training and is an aerospace science program for high school students. The motto of Air Force Junior ROTC is: "We build better citizens." Enrollment in the Junior ROTC program is open to all young people who are in the 9th or higher grade, physically fit, and are citizens or nationals of the United States, or aliens lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residency.

The Program
The objectives of the junior program 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.

Curriculum
The curriculum is a balance of 60 percent aerospace science and 40 percent leadership education. Retired Air Force commissioned and noncommissioned officers, who are full-time faculty members of the participating high school, are employed to teach classes by the local school board.

Cadets receive credit toward high school graduation by attending Air Force Junior ROTC 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. 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 after high school. 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, color and honor guards, military balls, and honorary academic groups.

Community Service
Community service is a major part of the cadet experience and helps instill a sense of civic pride and citizenship. Projects range from working with national organizations such as the March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy, the National Red Ribbon Campaign, and Special Olympics to local community projects.

Drug Abuse Prevention
Cadets are also very active in drug abuse prevention education. The Awareness Presentation Team is a program designed to provide cadets as positive role models for elementary and middle school students. Cadets visit the younger students at their schools and present talks and skits in an effort to deter drug use and abuse.

Scholarships and Other Benefits
Cadets who complete at least 3 years in JROTC and choose to enter the military immediately after graduating from high school are eligible to enter the Air Force two pay grades higher than other enlistees are.

Cadets who choose to continue their education may receive special consideration for Air Force ROTC scholarships. These pay for 3 and 4 years of tuition, books, and fees at numerous universities and colleges and allow cadets to pursue studies in engineering, science, and nursing.