Air Force JROTC?

[JROTCdudett]

For the people in AFJROTC what are your opinions on it? Every school is different with the program but I would like opinions because I am moving in the summer to another school with the AFJROTC program and I was wondering how is it.

[Airbourne Infantry]

Air Force JROTC is both the same and different than the Navy JROTC. Judging from your avatar, I'm guessing that you're a Cadet Petty Officer Third Class. If this is true, then once you get into your Air Force JROTC unit, you'll probably be put as a Cadet Senior Airman. The Air Force runs with Elements as squads and Flights as Platoons/Companies. Two or more Elements make up a Flight, and two or more Flights Make up a Squadron, from there Squadrons make up Groups and then Wings. Marching is essentially the same, maybe with some minor differences. Personally, I love every minute of Air Force JROTC, but I can only speak for myself. Seeing as though I've never been in a NJROTC unit either, I can't really explain just how different it is. All I can tell you is to take the initiative, do what you're told, and try to excel in everything while you're there. You might also want to want to cruise around the AFJROTC section of the Forum and look up the chain of command, cadet creed, core values, etc. because you'll be expected to know those ASAP. If you have any more questions, this is the place to ask. Good luck with your move and integration into your new unit.

[Billyd]

Airbourne Infantry, you might want to check the details of the person you are responding to. She is a cadet in NJROTC, so I am fairly certain that she knows what JROTC IS. She is asking about your personal opinion. I.e. how well you like the program. She is attempting to make an informed decision about joining the JROTC corps at her new school.

NJROTCdudett,

There is the possiblity that you can transfer in grade to your new program, well, actually the AF equivalent. But that will depend on the ASI/SASI at your new school. Since you know where you will be going, I would suggest that you contact the new school and introduce yourself to them and let them know that you are moving to that area and that you are considering becoming a member of the cadet corps.

[JROTCdudett]

Ok, makes sense I already have the number for their Master Sgt. I believe. Do you think that if I come down on a weekend or a half-day then they'll let me look around the school and check out the JROTC rooms and see what they do? Well actually I am a C/PO2 :) But you were close. Well even though each school and program is different what do you really do to gain ranks and positions in the program? I learned that AF's "parade rest" is Navy's "at ease" and when you guys are doing columns you all tend to half step even though there may be only one squad. I memorized a few of the ranks and I'll go look up other things. Personally no matter what the JROTC program I'll like it it'll take some time to get use to but I'll enjoy it and learn what I have to learn. :drill:

[TruBlu]

Ok, makes sense I already have the number for their Master Sgt. I believe. Do you think that if I come down on a weekend or a half-day then they'll let me look around the school and check out the JROTC rooms and see what they do? Well actually I am a C/PO2 :) But you were close. Well even though each school and program is different what do you really do to gain ranks and positions in the program? I learned that AF's "parade rest" is Navy's "at ease" and when you guys are doing columns you all tend to half step even though there may be only one squad. I memorized a few of the ranks and I'll go look up other things. Personally no matter what the JROTC program I'll like it it'll take some time to get use to but I'll enjoy it and learn what I have to learn. :drill:

Um, your thoughts on AF drill are a little off, check the manuals ;). But that doesn't matter really. What matters is what you are really asking about here. AFJROTC, and I've only experienced the AF section, is great. The curriculum is 60% Aerospace Science, 30% Leadership Education, and 10% Physical Training (on the E2C program or a derivative of such).

I do believe that the school and instructors would allow you to check out the facilities, but probably not over the weekend or after release as then they would be liable for you when they are not even operating. Try to see if you can take off a few hours from where you are going to school right now and go over to the other one.

And you are most certainly correct, individual units vary, and in the AF, very much so. AFJROTC HQ has no set or recommended course for cadet promotions, but it is understood that the individual unit should develop one. I have never seen two units with the exact same rank requirements or training. The same goes for unit organizational structure, although there is a little more guidance. The basics of military structure are standard across the board. In the NJROTC (I believe) you have the "squad," "platoon," "company," "battalion," and "brigade." In the AFJROTC, we have the "element," "flight," "squadron," "group," and "wing" that respectively matches the NJROTC's structure.

Just to give you an idea of what you may be stepping into, in regards to unit strength, units are typically a "group" (approximately 250 cadets or less) or a "wing" (approximately 251 cadets or more). There are also times in which the largest level of organization is the "squadron" (approximately 175 cadets or less). Find out how many cadets are enrolled, and you can figure out what level of organization they are (or simply ask).

Its good that you are taking the initiative and learning before you get there, that will put you around the level of your peer cadets. Learn the ranks and structures above all so you know whats going on with each cadet you encounter. Once you are there, quickly acquaint yourself to their particular positions and chain of command. Also learn the proper AF standards for wearing the uniform and displaying awards (sorry your NJROTC ones won't be allowed but may have similarities to AFJROTC ones so you may be able to arrange having some cloth).

One last thing. If and when you visit the school that you will soon be attending and check out the AFJROTC facilities, see if they have any older or extra Leadership Education 1 books that you could take home and study. The information in those books are invaluable, especially the first few chapters. I wish you well on your new endeavor into the AFJROTC and would like to say that if you have any more questions or concerns, I, as well as many other great examples of AFJROTC cadets, are around quite often to help.

[ang1sgt]

WRONG!

The USAF and the AFJROTC does have a Guide for your Instructors to use. It is called:
AIR FORCE JROTC INSTRUCTION 36-2001

There should be either a copy of this on-file with your instructors, or an electronic version of it available.

The section you should understand is this one:

Taken from AIR FORCE JROTC INSTRUCTION 36-2001

6.2. Cadet Rank and Rotation. Consider the strengths and shortcomings of the individual
cadets when assigning them to positions to ensure they gain the greatest leadership benefits.
Promotions are a motivational tool that are unavailable if rank structure is not managed properly;
i.e., avoid promoting cadets to the maximum authorized rank too quickly to ensure proper
progression and promotion opportunities.

6.2.1. New units should limit cadet rank during the beginning years to allow for unit growth.

6.2.2. See Table 6.1 for maximum grade authorizations for a cadet corps are:

Table 6.1. Maximum Grade Authorizations
Wing Position Maximum Grade
Wing Commander Cadet Col
Vice Commander Cadet Col
Command Chief Master Sergeant Cadet CMSgt
Operations Group Commander Cadet Col
Operations Group Superintendent Cadet CMSgt
Mission Support Group Commander Cadet Col
Mission Support Group Superintendent Cadet CMSgt
Squadron Commander Cadet Lt Col
Squadron Superintendent Cadet CMSgt
Squadron First Sergeant Cadet SMSgt

6.2.3. The word “cadet” or an abbreviation must be a part of all references to cadet ranks.

6.2.4. All cadets are assigned a permanent grade commensurate with the number of
AFJROTC years satisfactorily completed; i.e., the permanent grade for first-year cadets is
Airman; second-year, Airman First Class; third-year, Senior Airman; and fourth-year, if
offered, Staff Sergeant. Permanent grades are awarded during the second semester of each
year. Retention of permanent grades is contingent upon satisfactory performance and
behavior as determined by the AFJROTC Instructors. Permanent officer status will be
awarded to cadets holding officer positions for two or more grading periods. Exceptions are
authorized at the discretion of the AFJROTC Instructors and in accordance with published
unit guidance.

6.2.5. Cadets may be assigned a temporary grade based on a specific position. Use of a
temporary-permanent grade pattern is optional and intended to serve as an administrative
vehicle for rotation of responsibility and to avoid imbalances in grade structure. Cadets
serving in a temporary grade may revert to their permanent grade upon completion of these
duties. At the discretion of the AFJROTC Instructors, cadets in their final term of AFJROTC
may retain the highest rank to which they have been promoted, regardless of course level.

Amazing that a MSGT that has been retired now for 8 years can find an item of interest like this from a program he was never a part of.

[TruBlu]

I was/am aware of AFI 36-2001, but I was talking about something a little different. I should not have jumped and said there was no guidance, because there is. It's just very generalized. What I was referring to was the specific rank requirements and promotion systems that individual units often implement. Some units simply do use what is provided in AFI 36-2001 (the permanent grades with temporary rank based on current position), but most do not.

I apologize for making such a broad and generalized statement when I really should not have. I hope that cleared it up right there.

[ang1sgt]

I would expect more for a 3 year Cadet. I would and I DO!. The regulations will never fail you. No need to be able to quote them chapter and verse, but a good understanding of them certainly helps because that is what they are there for, guidance and understanding.

[JROTCdudett]

I see, well I'll be a junior starting off at the school and I really don't wanna be a first year cadet...it's a little awkward for me. But I was wondering if you have experience from other units can they give you a job or let you gain ranks faster? It would feel really weird starting off as an E-1 again, nonthless if I had to be E-1 I would strive to gain ranks and work hard.

[TruBlu]

Clarification: In JROTC, there is not E-1, E-5, O-3, etc. We are not paid, therefore no paygrades. Yeah we know what you are saying, but we try to avoid the military terms that aren't appropriate for JROTC as much as we can. Just a thought. But heres how it works:

7.4. Transfers. Students transferring from Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or other AFJROTC units are authorized full credit for training received. Transfer of rank held in another service program is determined by the AFJROTC instructor.

So, its all about instructor discretion. Have a talk with them prior to joining their corps and find out what you are eligible for with the training you have received.

[JROTCdudett]

I see, sounds good to me. Yay, I happy.:)

[C/Msgt.wraith]

Well good. At least you're adamant about staying in JROTC even if it's a different branch.

[JROTCdudett]

I see, well in our unit we use rankings as E-1, E-5 ect and Seaman, Seaman apprentice ect. so every unit is different. Yea, well I really enjoy JROTC no matter the branch. Here our unit is like a big family. :) Besides, it's just not gaining a positive look on your college application/resume what ever you may call it, you learn life skills, teamwork, leadership and so on. So in my opinion JROTC is quite valuable.

[C.A.P. Flight Officer]

I agree perfectly with you JROTCdudett. I know a few cadets that are just in it because it will look good on their resumes. Most times, those cadets don't learn as much as the cadets who do care. Sorry to get off topic a little. Again, good luck on your transition.

[JROTCdudett]

It's fine, true though the kids down here join to get out of gym. They kind of bring our unit down. But thank you :D

[TruBlu]

Individual AFJROTC units, in my experience that does not include any other branch what-so-ever, is left to a lot of self-interpretation, adaptation, and a sense of individuality. What I mean is that the Air Force does not mandate every bit of the corps' functions. Organizational structures and rank procedures are fairly open-ended, and units develop all their own SOPs and 'regulations.' I enjoy AFJROTC and find a lot of what is covered interesting. But what I think is the most interesting aspect of JROTC is the ability for cadets to examine situations and then adjust to what needs to be done. For example, I'm a fiend for breaking down a unit on paper and examining situations dealing with organizational structures and adverse operational affects of change (you can find much evidence of such on this very board).

Your unit, which I've had discussion with before, is a very stable and well developed unit. This is something we don't generally get to deal with around here so much. But I really like how you guys operate, especially your rank structures. I especially like how you boys incorporate PT into ranks. This is something I would really like to do with my unit, but resistance is high down here.

Anyways, it's cool to see that we are getting some younger cadets (not saying that I'm old really) like AS1 and AS2 coming around.

[Drill for life]

Well good. At least you're adamant about staying in JROTC even if it's a different branch.

Well I think we all would do that(I do love Army JROTC it is my favorite branch of JROTC). But we do what we have to do, my county(I live in a different county than the school I attend(My mom work's in the county I attend) and If I switch to my homeschool I wouldn't even have the option of taking JROTC because it is not opne, be lucky you will be able to take JROTC.

[TruBlu]

Well I think we all would do that(I do love Army JROTC it is my favorite branch of JROTC). But we do what we have to do, my county(I live in a different county than the school I attend(My mom work's in the county I attend) and If I switch to my homeschool I wouldn't even have the option of taking JROTC because it is not opne, be lucky you will be able to take JROTC.

Well, many people get discouraged when faced with a change such as this. The idea of what JROTC is to them becomes changed (not saying that's bad), but some people don't want that. Some people just don't have the interest in another branch's curriculum. I remember a cadet last year transferred from a MCJROTC into my AFJROTC and didn't like it because it was different and didn't focus on the same things. He no longer takes JROTC. Were there other reasons? Sure, maybe, but that one is definite. We, as in the collective us on Grunts, would probably be adamant about the prospect of spending time in another branch's program. Others, not so much. But it is of no consequence.

To JROTCdudett, have you contacted your to-be unit and know whats going on?

[Drill for life]

Well, many people get discouraged when faced with a change such as this. The idea of what JROTC is to them becomes changed (not saying that's bad), but some people don't want that. Some people just don't have the interest in another branch's curriculum. I remember a cadet last year transferred from a MCJROTC into my AFJROTC and didn't like it because it was different and didn't focus on the same things. He no longer takes JROTC. Were there other reasons? Sure, maybe, but that one is definite. We, as in the collective us on Grunts, would probably be adamant about the prospect of spending time in another branch's program. Others, not so much. But it is of no consequence.

To JROTCdudett, have you contacted your to-be unit and know whats going on?

Well to me it would not matter because I do not go to JROTC for specific things like the way it's run, I go becasue I love it and I need the discipline, leadership experience, and just what it teaches you.

[JROTCdudett]

Yes well I have the same reasons, personally I would choose MCJROTC but it wasn't offered. JROTC is like I said a family and you have a great time with meeting new people and with drill competitions :) Haha I loved my first drill meet, it was amazing! Good times ;)