September 6, 2017
To the Parents of All 9-12 Grade Cadets
Greetings from the AFJROTC Department:
We are off to a strong start here in the APA AFJROTC Department for the 2017/2018 school year. We have very high expectations this year for our cadets in providing them with the knowledge, skills, and attitude that are essential to making them successful in life. This applies whether they are college or military bound after graduation, or planning to step out into the workforce.
A very important part of this comes with the mandated wear of the United States Air Force blue uniform which they will be wearing every Tuesday and Thursday through the year beginning with the first wear date of October 3rd, 2017. Many cadets are hesitant about this first uniform wear, but it stems from tradition where it steps them away from being an individual and into a large, cohesive team or family for a short period of time to prepare them for life after high school.
In preparation for that first wear we are beginning to prepare the students. Uniform fittings are getting completed and uniforms issued to each individual, and new cadets are learning the basics of how to wear the uniform correctly and proudly. They are reminded that this is the exact same uniform that active duty Air Force members wear and have given their lives for, so wearing it correctly is paramount to prevent discredit to the uniform.
In looking back on previous years, there are some areas we are concerned with though as we near that first wear date. Major uniform violations such as grooming , to include haircuts, shaves, nails, etc.., and the incorrect wear such as improper shoes, missing coats and such that detract from the image that will ultimately lead to their success. As such, we have worked closely with school administration and faculty to devise some additional corrective actions for those that defy the set standards, and those disciplinary actions are spelled out below.
Note: Uniform dress and appearance and grooming guidelines are established by USAF Regulations.
Minor violations will continue to be handled the same as in the past, where cadets will get points subtracted for infractions found during inspection.
Major violations: Are cumulative for the entire school year.
All
-Missing major items, such as a coat or shoes
-Incorrect shoes, unless medically waived
-Uniform cleanliness
Men
-Hair Exceeding 1 ¼” bulk, which is the depth of hair extending from the scalp
-Hair must conform to the shape of the head, have a tapered appearance, and not exceed ¼” at the termination point.
-No faddish hair styles
-Every cadet is expected to shave as the time arises, if they are in doubt they should shave before coming into school. Razors will not be provided for their convenience.
Women
-Hair no more than 3” in bulk
-No faddish hair styles
-Nails can have no colored polish
-Skirts must be within a range from the top of the knee cap to the bottom of the knee cap.
1st Major Violation
-Loss of their uniform grade for that week
-Mandatory Re-wear/Re-inspection to following day.
2nd Repeat Violation (Same offense)
-Loss of their uniform grade for that week
-Disciplinary referral for defiance
-Saturday school
-Contract letter with administration detailing the offense and informing them of the repercussions of future violations.
3rd Repeat Violation (Same offense)
-Loss of uniform grade for that week
-Second disciplinary referral for defiance
-3 Days OSS, (Out of School Suspension)
-Upon return, meeting between cadet, parent/guardian, and AFJROTC staff member. Cadet will be inspected prior to return to school.
Future Violations may lead to further disciplinary actions up to and including expulsion from the Anderson Preparatory Academy.
If at any time you find it difficult to meet any of these guidelines for any reason, or have questions concerning any AFJROTC matters, feel free to contact the AFJROTC department at 765-649-8472 extension 4034.
Parent/Guardian: Please sign on the space provided below to acknowledge receipt of this letter and return to their AFJROTC Instructor ASAP.
DAVID L. MEIER, SMSgt, USAF (ret)
Anderson Preparatory Academy
“Where Excellence is Expected”