The Air Force Junior ROTC program trains high school and college students in the practices of the US Air Force, including physical training, military drills, and education about the Air Force and its history. Students wear uniforms and can earn badges and rank up. The program is taught by military personnel and can offer scholarship programs and special activities.
The Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a program generally held on high school and sometimes college campuses with the goal of educating and training students in the practices of the United States Air Force. Students are usually required to learn real military drills, wear uniforms, and rise through the ranks. They are also taught about air force facts, including officer rank and the meaning of insignia, how it got started, and various career paths one can take upon joining the military.
In many schools, Air Force Junior ROTC is an option students can choose in lieu of traditional fitness classes. Most of the time, one or more days a week will be devoted to physical training, which includes running around a track, sit-ups and push-ups. One or more days can also be spent doing drills and marches which are the same as those performed in the real air force.
In addition to the physicals, the Air Force Junior ROTC also educates students about the Air Force, including how one can join and work his way up the ranks. You can also learn about the history of aviation, early aircraft, wars in which aeronautics played an important role, and famous recruits. Additional lessons can be taught about the United States in general, as well as the meaning of national symbols and rituals.
Students joining the Air Force Junior ROTC are generally required to wear uniforms that resemble actual Air Force officer uniforms except for insignia. This generally includes a light blue long-sleeved shirt, light blue short-sleeved shirt, dark blue pants or skirt, hat, blazer, belt, black socks, and black shoes. They can be assessed on how to wear each item correctly, as there are specific ways each item should be worn. For example, the belt buckle should line up with the zipper on your pants and the buttons on your blazer. Insignia, or identifying ribbons or patches given as rewards for various achievements, are to be worn on the front left side of the blazer and are lined up differently for men and women.
Additional opportunities may be available to Air Force Junior ROTC students, such as scholarship programs, drill team competitions, and special awards. Students are often awarded badges for performing certain tasks and may be able to rank up among their classmates. Squad leaders can be chosen to lead drills and marches. Sometimes, special activities such as parades may also be available for participation.
In most cases, Air Force Junior ROTC classes are taught by military personnel, primarily those with higher ranks. They can be nominated by the Air Force; although in some cases they may be retired officers depending on school and location. Students are required to address them using their rank and last name, and are required to stand and salute when a senior officer enters a room.
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