Dear Students, Parents and Guardians:

I would like to introduce you to Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) and give you some idea of what we do and don’t do. AF JROTC is different. We offer things not offered in most other courses. Our purpose is to make better citizens for America and we teach a variety of subjects to accomplish that task. We teach followership, leadership, Air Force Core Values, citizenship, teamwork, community service, striving for excellence, respect for authority, self discipline, and a variety of technical subjects. We do an excellent job of preparing students for life and further education. Students receive credit for Physical Education or elective credit.

AFJROTC students (we call them cadets) go to class each day just like other courses. As mentioned above, our subjects taught are geared toward success in life as a citizen. Although cadets wear a uniform one day a week and learn drill ceremonies, and military courtesies, we spend very little time on military matters and training. We do spend about 30% of the time on military drill, but that is an important way to develop teamwork, attention to detail, followership and leadership. Except during physical fitness (approximately 15% of the time), we do not do push-ups and other types of military physical activities. Also, although we have many after school activities and teams, participation is voluntary. Any JROTC cadet who wishes to participate in school sports, marching band, etc may do so.

We are not in the recruiting business. Our students do not have to serve in the military. However, upon completion of 3 credits of JROTC, students who decide to go into the military after high school may enlist two pay grades higher (approximately $250.00 more) than someone without JROTC.

Our goal is to help prepare each student to be successful after high school, whether their plans are to go to college, technical training, enter the work force or one of the military services. Uniforms and textbooks are provided free of charge. Cadets must wear the uniform one day each week and to meet Air Force and WHHS AFJROTC grooming standards to pass.

We have several activities including armed and unarmed drill teams, a rocket club, orientation flights on both military and civilian aircraft, and a host of community service activities. We sometimes visit military bases, attend flight performances, camp on the USS Yorktown, go to skating parties, have a Military Ball and Dining In, and a lot more.

Students may earn rank, position, and awards based on their level of involvement. We award a WHHS Varsity School Letter to those who meet the requirements. Also, we have several fantastic scholarship opportunities (free tuition and books, $200.00 per month tax-free spending money, and in some cases, even room and board) for those who desire to go to college and continue in AF ROTC.

If you are looking for a great citizenship building program with lots of activities, JROTC may be the place you are looking for. Please call me or Senior Master Sergeant Gary Esham at 292-7593 if you want further information or have any questions.

Sincerely,

George L. Varn, Colonel, USAF (Ret)

Senior Aerospace Science Instructor