Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC)

Senior Aerospace Science Instructor: Lieutenant Colonel James T. Wilson, USAF (Ret.)
Aerospace Science Instructor: Master Sergeant Nicholas Smith

Concept of Aerospace Science and Leadership Education:

The instructional mission, established by public law requires AFJROTC provide a curriculum to help develop informed citizens for the aerospace age. From their learning experiences, students should realize the significance of aerospace achievements and develop improved attitudes of personal integrity, discipline, self-reliance, and patriotism. The AFJROTC Aerospace Science and Leadership Education program is not a basic military training course. It is a blend of science, social science, technical course work, training in drill and ceremonies, and the elements of leadership.

Mission:

The mission of the AFJROTC program is to develop better and more productive citizens. The curriculum and structure of the program has proven to strengthen character, teach responsibility and most importantly, help the student become a leader…confident, self-reliant and self-disciplined.

Leadership and Aerospace Science I

Grade: 9-12
The first year is a history course designed to acquaint the student with the historical development of flight and the role of the military in history. About three-quarters of the available classroom hours are spent reviewing the development of flight from ancient legends through the Persian Gulf War and beyond. Additionally, the role of the military throughout the history of the U.S. is identified. Many of the hours dedicated to leadership studies relate directly to the academic subject matter, with study habits and time management. Additionally, wear of the uniform, Air Force customs and courtesies, and basic drill are introduced.

Leadership and Aerospace Science II

Grade: 10-12
The second year is a science course designed to acquaint the student with the aerospace environment, the human requirements of flight, principles of aircraft flight, and introduced. Discussions include the forces of lift, drag, thrust, and weight. Students also learn basic navigation including map reading, course plotting, and the effects of wind. The portion on the human requirements of flight is a survey course on human physiology. Discussed here are the human circulatory system, the effects of acceleration and deceleration, and protective equipment. Leadership hours stress communication skills and cadet corps activities. Written reports and speeches compliment academic materials. Cadet corps activities include holding positions of greater responsibility in the planning and execution of corps projects.

Leadership and Aerospace Science III

Grade: 11-12
The third year is a science course that examines our Earth, the moon and the planets, the latest advances in technology, and continuing challenges of space and manned space flight. Issues critical to travel in the upper atmosphere such as orbits and trajectories, unmanned satellites, space probes, guidance and control systems are explained. The manned space-flight section covers major milestones in the endeavor to land on the principles of navigation. The course begins with a discussion of the atmosphere and weather. After developing an understanding of the environment, how that environment affects flight is Moon, and to safely orbit humans and crafts in space for temporary and prolonged periods. It also covers the development of space stations, the Space Shuttle and its future, and international laws for the use of and travel of space. Leadership III hours emphasis is on managing others, stress and finances; citizenship, and ethics. Third year cadets put these skills into practice by holding key leadership positions in the cadet corps.

Leadership and Aerospace Science IV

Grade: 12
The cadets manage the entire cadet corps during the fourth year. This hands on experience affords the cadets the opportunity to put the theories of previous leadership courses into practice. All the planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, controlling, and decision-making will be done by the cadets. They practice their communication, decision-making, personal interaction, managerial, and organizational skills. Emphasis is placed on which path to take after high school with information on how to apply for admission to college, how to begin the job search including filling out the job application, writing the resume, and how to prepare for the job interview. Additionally, the career opportunities in the aerospace industry and the Air Force are covered.

For more information about the AFJROTC program, please email us:

Senior Aerospace Science Instructor: Lieutenant Colonel James T. Wilson, USAF (Ret.)
Aerospace Science Instructor: Master Sergeant Nicholas Smith