SC31 AFJROTC
R.B. Stall High School
Cadet Welcome Package
1st Year
Table of Contents:
v Fact Sheets
(Pgs 2-6 keep for your information)
v Field Trip Permission Forms
(Pg 7 must completed, signed by parent/guardian and returned)
v Medical Treatment Permission Form
(Pg 8 must be competed, signed by parent/guardian and returned)
v Health-Wellness Parental Permission Form
(Pg 9 must be completed by parent/guardian, signed by both cadet/parent and returned)
v Clothing Responsibility Letter
(Pg 11 must be competed, signed by both cadet, parent/guardian and returned)
v Cadet / Parent Agreement
(Pg 13 must be signed by both cadet, parent/guardian and returned)
v Cadet Fundraiser Contract
(Pg 14 must be signed by both cadet, parent/guardian and returned)
v Cadet contract and information for wings
(Pg 15&16 information that must be filled out and returned on student’s first day of JROTC)
FACT SHEET
ROTC
(1ST YEAR)
Purpose: To provide you with current, factual information about Air Force Junior ROTC.
Curriculum: We have a 4-year program, meaning a student can take JROTC all four years of High School, and receive a number of elective credits toward graduation. Since we are currently on a 4x4 block schedule, cadets meet each day in JROTC for both semesters, and receive two credits of elective per year. One credit may be substituted for Physical Education (all students are required to have either a credit of PT or ROTC to graduate). First year cadets begin with the Leadership I text, and when completed, study the Aerospace Science I text. Leadership texts include many practical subjects, such Common Courtesies and Etiquette, drug abuse, effective study habits, etc. The Aerospace I text is a general history of air power. Cadets will do a research project/presentation on an aviation figure the second semester. In addition to the texts, cadets learn basic military drill, and have physical fitness training.
Marching: Cadets learn basic Air Force drill. More time is spent during the first year than in subsequent years, since the first year is learning new material, and subsequent years is maintaining proficiency.
Military Service: There is absolutely no commitment for any military service for taking JROTC at the High School level. Our mission is to: “Develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community”. Cadets do learn much about the military, and if they continue in JROTC they will be exposed to recruiters but, everyone makes their own decisions about their futures.
Uniforms: Uniforms are issued to cadets and must be worn properly, all day, about once per week. We normally have uniform day on Wednesday and it is graded. Those not wearing the uniform receive a grade of zero for any assigned days missed. If absent on the assigned wear day, they are to wear the uniform the first day they return. There are two uniform grades that cannot be made up. They are for the unit inspection and the pass in review. If the cadets miss them, they will lose 200 points each. The uniform is an Air Force uniform, with only the patches, insignias, and ranks being different. We are required to meet the same standards as active duty personnel when in uniform. Uniforms are returned at the end of the year; cadets keep the shoes, socks, any ribbons earned, and the nametag (which they have bought). Uniform will be cleaned and pressed with a dry cleaning receipt attached when turned in. The cadet will be charged a replacement cost for lost or damaged uniform items which must be paid before the start of the next school year or before the release of any transcripts.
Costs: We will always keep costs to the absolute minimum. Unfortunately we cannot conduct the course without charging some of the costs. JROTC fee is $25.00. That money is used to offset cost associated with maintaining the uniform. Cadets are issued clean uniform items and a nametag. Uniforms will be returned cleaned and serviceable when cadet is no longer enrolled in AFJROTC. Naturally, anything lost or damaged beyond further use must be paid for. Also, cadets may be required to purchase their own lunch on field trips.
Self-Discipline: Success in AFJROTC depends upon your commitment to self-discipline. It is something we teach, something you work to improve upon, and something that will make you a better citizen, student, adult, future parent, and person. This course will build upon the self-discipline and maturity you already have, and help you grow.
Expectations: A number of things are expected of cadets, some of which are a little more demanding than what is required of other High School students. Are you willing to try to meet these expectations?
· Academics - Pay attention in class, complete all assignments, and try to make good grades in all classes
· Conduct - Follow all school and all JROTC rules, show respect for all teachers, guests, and fellow students; to show courtesies to the flag, pledge, and anthem
· Uniform - Properly wear the uniform each day it is scheduled
· Appearance - Maintain high standards of dress and appearance, be well groomed, and practice good hygiene
· Attitude - Maintain a positive attitude, learning to become a good follower as well as leader
· Fitness - Stay in reasonably good physical condition, and try to stay within the desired weight limitations
· Character - Strive to maintain good moral character
Benefits: There are many benefits to taking AFJROTC. A few are listed below:
· Education - AFJROTC adds to your academic education and prove an aid in taking standardized tests, and be a big help with your future adult citizenship
· Credit towards graduation
· Military Training - You can learn about the military, past and present, with no commitment.
· Scholarships - ROTC can help you qualify for several types of scholarships. Though you have to earn most types, based on your grades and test scores, ROTC can greatly improve your chances. In addition, ROTC is a source for your learning about some of those available.
· Color Guard - We have a Color Guard team that presents the colors at ball games, PTSA meetings, and other functions.
· Drill Team - Out Drill Team participates in parades, demonstrations, and competitions.
· CLC - Cadet Leadership Course is a one-week encampment during the summer, conducted at The Citadel. It provides physical, academic, and military training, and leads to advanced rank and positions within our unit.
· Field Trips - Field trips are conducted each year. They vary some, but first year cadets usually visit Charleston AFB, tour various facilities, tour an aircraft, and eat in the dining facility. Other trips include an overnight trip for 2/3 year cadets, overnight Survival trip, and a 3-day senior trip.
· Picnic - We have an annual picnic each spring. This is a fun event and includes food and competitive games between flights (classes).
· Formal Ball - We have an annual ball each year. This is a fun event that is one of the year’s highlights. There is much food, dancing, and more.
· Community Service - We always provide some types of community service each year. Examples are Food Bank, Walk-A-Thons, school improvement projects, Thanksgiving/Christmas food baskets, and others.
· Kitty Hawk Air Society - This is our own Honor Society. If you make an A in ROTC and have a B average in all other courses, you may be invited to join.
· Rocket Club - This club builds and launches model rockets.
· Awards - A number of National Awards are made available each year to the top cadets. These are usually presented in conjunction with a military parade (called a Pass-In-Review) near the end of the year.
Other Notes: You probably have many questions, and are perhaps a little apprehensive about taking this course. Here are a few tips:
· Attitude Is Everything! You will have no problem if your attitude is right. Having a positive attitude means you will follow the rules, you will try, and you will participate.
· Our academics are no harder than other classes.
· You do not have to be an athlete, just able to do basic exercises, job, drill, and be in reasonable condition. If you are in good condition, you can qualify for the physical fitness ribbon. But, you don’t have to qualify, just try (attitude again).
· Do not take JROTC just to get out of PE. JROTC is much more demanding academically, and probably more demanding physically (we have drill plus physical fitness training).
· JROTC is not a place to correct behavioral problems. Students with serious problems will not last.
· It is required that you wear a uniform, which means we have to be able to get one that will fit. If you are excessively large or heavy, check with us about the sizes.
· We feel strongly that you cannot be a good citizen (and have no business voting) if you do not know what’s going on in the world around you. We do current events every week, which establishes good public speaking skills, and provides a general knowledge of the world around us.
4
UNIFORM WEAR TIPS
These are tips on how to look sharp in uniform. More detailed guidelines are located in your Cadet Handbook. Follow these tips, take pride in your appearance, and you will enhance the image of yourself, your unit and the United States Air Force.
· Avoid any mixing of uniform and civilian items.
· Keep your uniform clean, neat and pressed.
· Wear your hat whenever outdoors/remove it before coming indoors
· Place your insignia/rank correctly according to instructions.
· Keep your hands out of your pockets and keep pockets buttoned.
· Tuck your shirt or blouse tightly at the sides.
· Align the leading edge of your shirt with the belt buckle and the fly of your pants (the line this forms has been affectionately called the “gig line” by cadets who have been “gigged” for having shirt, buckle, and fly out of line).
· Males put belt on starting from the left side, ensuring belt passes through all the belt loops. Females put belt on starting on the right side. The silver tip end of the belt extends beyond the end of the buckle with no blue fabric showing.
· Keep shirt and coat buttoned at all times. The coat may be removed in class or while eating.
· Keep service coat on in public places unless specifically authorized by your SASI/ASI
· Hair must be clean, neat, and well groomed. Must be styled so it does not touch the eyebrow or protrude in front below the band of properly worn headgear except that the hair may be visible in front of the women’s cap. Hair must not be worn in an extreme or fad style such as a Mohawk, pigtails, dog-ears, ducktail, or have designs cut in the hair. The design must not cause the hair to exceed length or bulk standards.Hair may not be dyed unnatural or multiple colors.
· Male Cadets - These specific standards apply to male cadets:
1. Fingernails – Must be short and clean at all times.
2. Beards - must not be worn except for medical reasons when authorized by the SASI with the written recommendation of a physician.
3. Mustaches -Must not extend downward beyond the lip-line of the upper lip or extend sideways beyond a vertical line drawn upward from the corner of the mouth.
4. Sideburns -You may have sideburns if they are neatly trimmed and tapered in the same manner as your haircut. Sideburns must be straight and of even width (not flared) and end in a clean-shaven horizontal line. They may not extend below the lowest part of the outer ear opening.
5. Hair -Keep your hair clean, neat, and trimmed. It must not contain large amounts of grooming aids such as greasy creams, oils, and sprays that remain visible in the hair. When your hair is groomed, it should not touch your ears or eyebrows, and only the closely cut or shaved hair on the back of your neck should touch the collar. Your hair should not exceed 1-1⁄4 inches in bulk regardless of the length. Bulkisthe distance that the hair projects from the scalp when groomed(as opposed to length of the hair). The bulk and length of your hair must not interfere with wearing any Air Force headgear properly, and it must not protrude below the front band of the headgear. Your hair must have a tapered appearance on both sides and back, both with and without headgear. A tapered appearance means that, when viewed from any angle, the outline of the hair on the side and back will generally match the shape of the skull, curving inward to the end point. Your hair may not contain or have attached to it any visible foreign items. If you dye your hair, it should look natural. You may not dye your hair an unusual color or one that contrasts with your natural coloring. No extreme of faddish hair styles are allowed. Hair may not protrude below the front band of properly worn headgear.
· Female cadets -These specific standards apply to female cadets:
1. Cosmetics - Must be conservative and in good taste in the opinion of the instructors.
2. Nail Polish -Should be clear, neutral, or a subdued color which does not clash with the uniform. Nail Polish should not be chipped.
3. Hair styles - Your hair should be no longer than the bottom of the collar edge at the back of the neck and know more than 3 inches in bulk. Your hairstyle must be conservative—no extreme or faddish styles are allowed. It should also look professional and allow you to wear uniform headgear in the proper manner, so your hair must not be too full or too high on the head. In addition, your hairstyle shouldn’t need many grooming aids. If you use pins, combs, barrettes, elastic bands or similar items, they must be plain, similar in color to your hair, and modest in size. Wigs or hairpieces must also conform to these guidelines. Hair will not contain excessive amount of grooming aids or touch the eyebrows. Hair color/ highlights/frosting (must not be faddish). Examples of natural looking for human beings: Blonde/Brunette/ Red/Black. No shaved heads or flat-top hairstyles for women. Micro-braids and cornrows are authorized for women.