Air Force Junior ROTC Q&A

Not your normal class: Learn to FOLLOW, leave to LEAD!

The purpose of Air Force JROTC is to develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community. The course is a blend of academics, leadership-building, community service, physical fitness, and FUN!

We must be doing something right as JROTC has seen a huge growth over the last four years, from 78 to 135. We currently are projected to have over 120 students in the program for the 2021-2022 academic year, which is about 25% of the entire Cathedral Prep student body and 5% at Villa Maria Academy.

We realize students have many questions or concerns about JROTC. Here are the most common:

Question: Do I have to join the military?

Answer: Despite what you hear, JROTC is not a military recruiting tool. There is no obligation to enlist. In fact, most cadets in JROTC do not end up joining the military. However, if you are interested in a military career, we will certainly help you.

Question: Do I have to do push-ups all day?

Answer: No. While physical fitness is a part of the program, it is not an everyday requirement.

Concern: I play a sport and therefore will not be able to take the class.

Answer: 85% of our cadets play a sport and are able to enjoy all the activities that JROTC offers..

Question: Do I have to do a lot of events outside of the classroom?

Answer:  yes and no. We do require every cadet to do 1 event every quarter but many can be done right before or after the school day.

Question: What if I can’t afford the cost of the uniform?

Answer: 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 uniform once a week.

Question: Do I have to be concerned about my hair style?

Answer:  Just as Prep and Villa have hair standards, so does the United States Air Force. Men’s Hair: will be tapered appearance on both sides and the back of the head, both with and without headgear. A tapered appearance is one that when viewed from any angle outlines the member's hair so that it conforms to the shape of the head, curving inward to the natural termination point without eccentric directional flow, twists or spiking. A block-cut is permitted with tapered appearance. Hair will not exceed 2 inch in bulk, regardless of length and ¼ inch at natural termination point; allowing only closely cut or shaved hair on the back of the neck to touch the collar. Hair will not touch the ears or protrude under the front band of headgear. Cleanly shaven heads, military high-and-tight or flat-top cuts are authorized. Prohibited examples (not all inclusive) are Mohawk, mullet, cornrows, dreadlocks or etched design. Men are not authorized hair extensions.  Female: No Minimum hair length, to a maximum bulk of 4 inches from scalp and allows proper wear of headgear. Hair will end above the bottom edge of collar and will not extend below an invisible line drawn parallel to the ground, both front to back and side to side. Bangs, or side-swiped hair will not touch either eyebrow, to include an invisible line drawn across eyebrows and parallel to the ground.

So, whether you want to learn to be a leader, or to take an alternative to World History, be part of a new tradition at Villa, become part of a family, or to find out a little bit more about the military, Junior ROTC is the course to take.