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Curriculum:

TO: All Air Force Junior ROTC Cadets

SUBJECT: Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) Course Syllabus

  • Welcome to AFJROTC. At Heritage High School (HHS), AFJROTC is a four-year course of study, though you do not have to complete all four years to gain significant benefit from the course. In addition to receiving elective credit on your transcript for AFJROTC, you will receive one credit in Wellness (required for graduation) for completing the first two years of AFJROTC.
  • Course Titles and Sequences. The four AFJROTC courses are known as Aerospace Science (AS); they must be taken in sequence, and each year is identified by its place in the four year sequence. In other words, the first year of study is called "AS I," the second year "AS II," and so on. The AS I course is usually taken by freshmen, AS II by sophomores, etc., and students usually take one AS course during one semester of each year. However, students beyond the freshman year may take the AS I course and could take multiple AS courses in an academic year to complete the sequence. For example, a sophomore could take the AS I course during fall term and the AS II course in the spring. A junior or senior could do the same.
  • Syllabus Content . This document is in two parts. This cover letter provides information that is common to all four AFJROTC courses. Attached to the cover letter is another document that provides information specific to the AS year you are enrolled in.
  • Course Content and Instructors. The course is divided into three parts: Aerospace Science (AS), Leadership Education (LE) and Physical Training/Drill (PT). The AS part of the course is taught by Lt Col Keith Turner, and it covers Aviation History, Science of Flight, and Introduction to Astronomy. CMSgt Ron Eades teaches the LE portion of the course, consisting of an Introduction to AFJROTC, Communications Skills, Life Skills, and Principles of Management. The LE part also evaluates student wear of the Air Force uniform. One day each week will be dedicate to physical training and drill instruction. AFJROTC grades will be based on the following percentages: 40 percent AS, 40 percent LE and 20 percent PT. Instruction and grades will reflect that proportion.
  • Grading and Evaluation
    • AS I through AS III courses . Forty percent of your AFJROTC grade will be determined by your performance on written exams and workbook assignments using the AS texts outlined in the attached syllabus for your course year. Cadets are given classroom time to complete workbook assignments, and they carry the same weight toward your final grade as exams. Forty percent of your grade will be based on your performance in the LE portion of the course. You will wear the AFJROTC uniform once a week, usually on Tuesday, and receive a grade on your compliance with uniform and personal appearance/grooming standards. Uniform wear is mandatory.Cadets will not receive a passing grade if they miss wearing the uniform three or more times in a nine week period. The leadership grade will be determined by your performance on written exams and workbook assignments using the LE texts outlined in the attached syllabus for your course year. The leadership part of the grade will also consider your performance in ceremonies and contributions to the cadet corps. These areas will be covered by the cadet evaluation form as explained in Chapter 10 of our squadron's Cadet Guide.
    • AS IV Course . Since the AS IV course is geared toward allowing senior cadets to lead and manage the entire corps during the fourth year, the bulk of the grade for this course is an evaluation of how well a cadet does his/her assigned job in the cadet corps. In other words, the grade is a reflection of how well a cadet contributes to the planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, controlling, and decision-making be done by the cadet leadership. This leadership evaluation compromises approximately 80 percent of an AS IV cadet's grade. The remaining 20 percent is based on performance in physical training and drill.
  • AFJROTC Mission . The mission of AFJROTC is to “Develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community”. The goals of the program are to Instill Values Of Citizenship, Service To The United States and Personal Responsibility/Sense Of Accomplishment. The objectives of ALL AFJROTC courses are to help the cadets achieve these goals and provide instruction in air and space fundamentals. By accomplishing the objectives, our cadets will develop:
    • An appreciation of the basic elements and requirements for national security.
    • Respect for and an understanding of the need for constituted authority in a democratic society.
    • Patriotism and an understanding of their personal obligation to contribute to national security.
    • Habits of orderliness and precision.
    • A high degree of personal honor, self-reliance, and leadership.
    • A broad-based knowledge of the aerospace age and fundamental aerospace doctrine.
    • Basic military skills.
    • A knowledge of and appreciation for the traditions of the Air Force.
    • An interest in completing high school and pursuing higher educational goals or skills.
    • An understanding of the Air Force and military as a possible career path.
  • Co-curricular Activities. In addition to in-class activities, cadets are encouraged to take advantage of several voluntary after school AFJROTC activities that augment the curriculum outlined here. They add variety, interest, and additional leadership opportunities to our program. The programs are outlined in the squadron's Cadet Guide; the three most active are:
    • Honor Guard/Color Guard . Students gain more experience in military drill and have the opportunity to present national, state, and school colors at local events. They meet after school on Thursdays. Cadets may earn distinctive items for their uniform.
    • Model Rocketry Club . Cadets build and launch model rockets; after meeting qualifications, cadets may wear the model rocketry badge. They meet after school on Mondays.
    • Physical Fitness Program . Cadets perform calisthenics, run, and play non-contact team sports. After earning a certain number of points for participation, cadets may take a physical fitness test; those achieving the test's standard will earn the physical fitness ribbon. They meet after school on Wednesdays.

  • Other Cadet Activities . Following is a list of major events that cadets may participate in during the school year. All are voluntary, but cadets are encouraged to participate in a full range of activity to gain maximum benefit from the AFJROTC course.

Fall Semester

Date(s)Event

Sep-Oct AFJROTC annual fund-raiser (candy sales)

Sep AS I Field trip to McGhee Tyson ANG Base facilities

Oct-Nov "Friends of the Troops" mail campaign-holiday cards for U.S. service members

Oct Cadets support Blount County "Run for Education"

Oct Fall Picnic

Nov-Dec Annual food drive for needy families

Dec Christmas parades

Spring Semester

Date(s)Event

Feb Military Ball

Mar-Apr Collections for March of Dimes

Mar AS I Field trip to McGhee Tyson ANG Base facilities

Apr AS II-IV field trip to XXXXXXX

Apr Awards Banquet

Apr March of Dimes "Walk America"

May Spring Picnic

  • Parting Thoughts. Work hard in class, and get involved in the AFJROTC activities. We have an outstanding program, but it depends on people like you taking an active part and helping us get even better in the future. Parents or guardians may call us at (865) 977-1314 if they have questions about this syllabus or anything else to do in AFJROTC. Have a great semester!

KEITH R. TURNER, Lt Col, ANG, (Ret) RONALD L. EADES, CMSgt, USAF, (Ret)

Senior Aerospace Science Instructor Aerospace Science Instructor