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 2018-2019 academic year, which is about 25% of the entire Cathedral Prep student body.

The academic flow is as follows:

Freshmen: Global and Cultural Studies I takes the place of World History 1 and you also learn Air Force Traditions, Wellness, and Foundations of Citizenship.

Sophomores: Global and Cultural Studies II takes the place of World History 2 and you also learn Rocketry, NASA History and Communication Skills.

Juniors: JROTC is an elective and you will learn Life Skills to include Career Research, College Explorations, Money Management, Job Research Skills, and Space Exploration.

Seniors: JROTC is an elective you will learn about Leadership, Management, Defense Policies of the U.S. and several other lessons that will aid you for the future.

We also require cadets to learn and exhibit military customs, courtesies, and behavior; to wear the uniform weekly, and to support JROTC community service events.

However, the experience does not stop there. Prep’s JROTC also offers a wide variety of clubs and extra-curricular activities, which includes the Military Drill Team, Color Guard (which presents the U.S. flag at a variety of events to include MLB, NBA, and NFL games, and Erie Otters, Bay Hawks, and Sea Wolves games), Volleyball Team, Cyber Patriot Club, Drone Club, and physical training. Also, upon completion of the program, you may be eligible for scholarships.

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 is yes and no. We do require every cadet to do 2 events 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.

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