CHAPTER 5
OPPORTUNITIES AND REWARDS
I. Introduction
GA-952 offers numerous opportunities for cadet involvement and participation to enjoy all that AFJROTC has to offer and truly achieve the AFJROTC Mission of developing citizens of character dedicated to serve their nation and communities.
II. Academics
AFJROTC offers a broad academic curriculum to include Leadership Education, Aerospace Science, Drill Training, and Health and Wellness (Physical Training).
Leadership Education:
Through the Leadership Education curriculum, cadets practice Air Force traditions and take part in thorough leadership development training to help cadets acquire beneficial leadership skills: communication skills, effective leadership principles, proper followership, project management, and teamwork.
Aerospace Science:
As a function of the Aerospace Science curriculum, cadets learn about the history of aviation and the Air Force, the science of flight, and the science and mystery of space exploration.
Drill:
JROTC’s 30-Step Drill Curriculum offers cadets an opportunity to learn the art of self-discipline, the benefits of consistent practice and reputation in order to perfect a sequence, and how to work efficiently as a team to achieve an objective.
Health and Wellness:
Through the Health and Wellness program, cadets learn how to lead balanced and healthy lives, maintain exceptional levels of personal fitness, and nutrition and dietary lessons that enable them to enjoy a healthy life.
III. Unit Organization and Leadership
AFJROTC is far more than just a class, it is an organization managed and led by cadets under the supervision and mentorship of the instructors. Within this organization, cadets can assume real positions with real responsibilities that are critical to the success of the unit, the numerous activities the unit participates in, and the development of the cadets. The earlier cadets involve themselves in the organizational framework, the quicker they learn unit operations, hone their followership and leadership skills, position themselves for higher responsibilities, and gain the most out of the AFJROTC experience.
IV. Co-curricular and Extra-curricular Activities
Through participation in various co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, cadets have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the academic curriculum, practice their leadership and followership skills in a variety of situations, and serve their community in numerous ways. Additionally, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are designed to make the AFJROTC program more interesting and challenging and to enhance the image of Sequoyah High School and GA-952. While there are no mandatory extra-curricular events, every cadet is encouraged to participate in as many of these events as possible in order to draw as much value from their experience as a cadet as they can. Here are some examples of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities:
Curriculum in Action Field Trips:
These field trips are particularly focused on deepening understanding of the aerospace science and leadership education curriculum. Examples include field trips to Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins GA or the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville AL. Additionally, every year, JROTC conducts a High Adventure Trip in Tennessee where cadets have the opportunity to practice leadership in a somewhat stressful environment while confronting their fears and building their confidence.
Team Building Trips:
These trips involve a variety of activities from bowling to our Bataan Death March memorial hikes, tubing down a river, and kayaking. The purpose of these activities is to promote comradery within the unit and introduce cadets to activities they may have not tried before.
Community Service Projects:
One of the most important core values we adopt in “Service Before Self” The cadets may participate in community service projects under the supervision of the SASI/ASI. The opportunities for community service projects range from running a Thanksgiving Food Drive to helping an elementary school run their Fall Festival. In addition to offering leadership development opportunities, participation in service projects encourage cadets to embrace the importance of serving others.
V. Leader Development Requirement (LDR) Activities
While participating in LDR activities, cadets can work specifically on their leadership with challenging activities. Here are some examples that our unit offers:
Raider Team:
Raider team offers an intense physical challenge to even the most physically fit cadet. Members of the team will compete in several events: long-distance run, one rope bridge, rescue course, and sandbag relay. Cadets who participate in a Raiders competition will be awarded the Raider ribbon. Additionally, cadets who qualify (see section VII for letter requirements) will receive the Raiders varsity letter to add to their lettermen.
Competitive Drill and Color Guard Team:
This is a precision competition drill (marching and rifle) unit which will perform at competitions, parades, and other special events approved by the SASI /ASI. Cadets also have the opportunity to test their skills as part of the event Color Guard team, where the flag is presented at sporting events, parades, and memorial service. Cadets meeting the criteria for membership on this team will be awarded the Drill Team Ribbon or Color Guard Ribbon for wear on the uniform.
Orienteering Team:
Orienteering is a combination of cross-county racing and land navigation. It is a rapidly growing sport for all ages. It promotes fitness and is a lot of fun. GA-952 formed an Orienteering in the Fall of 2019.
Tiger Flight:
Cadets involved the Tiger Flight Program can participate in numerous hands-on aviation activities in support of the Tiger Flight foundation including free aircraft flights.
PT Club:
For those cadets who feel they are lacking in the discipline of physical fitness, PT club offers the opportunity to have a PT plan tailored to their needs. Whether in running or strength, the PT club leader is responsible for personally seeing to it that all cadets show improvement in physical fitness.
Aviation Club:
For those cadets interested in flight, Aviation club offers cadets the chance to fly model airplanes and work with simulators. Cadets will become adept in the basics of flight and different aircraft.
VI. Cadet Leadership Course
At least one year of Cadet Officer Leadership School (CLC) is highly encouraged to become a Cadet Officer. The selection criteria for CLC are as follows:
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Cadet shows positive attitude towards AFJROTC
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Has the desire to become a future leader in AFJROTC
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Is willing to undergo the training necessary to attend
Training typically starts in mid to late March while the actual camp takes place in early to mid-June. This is due to the unit’s desire to prepares cadets to exceed standards. Cadets who attend these camps must be in good physical condition and should be able to pass the Physical Fitness Test. If a cadet has any stipulations or concerns regarding PT standards, they may use the following general guidelines:
Cadre Males:
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35 push-ups in 1 minute
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40 sit-ups in 1 minute
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Run an 8:00 or less mile
Basic Males:
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30 push-ups in 1 minute
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30 sit-ups in 1 minute
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Run a 9:00 or less mile
Cadre Females:
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20 push-ups in 1 minute
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40 sit-ups in 1 minute
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Run a 10:00 or less mile
Basic Females:
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15 push-ups in 1 minute
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30 sit-ups in 1 minute
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Run a 11:00 or less mile
The unique aspect of leadership school is that they are led by a Cadre of experienced cadets who attended a previous leadership school. These cadets make up the command structure of the school and they gain valuable leadership experience in their roles for the week. The Corps Commander is responsible for everything that goes on during the week. The commander is supported by a staff and flight cadre who perform all the same jobs of a normal AFJROTC unit.
VII. Varsity Letter Opportunities and Requirements
The most important rewards cadets receive as a result of their participation in AFJROTC are their personal development and fulfillment of having a positive impact on the community each other. However, it is also important that we recognize and reward those cadets who donate a significant portion of their time and energy in pursuit of the unit’s objectives and goals. GA-952, alongside Sequoyah High School Administration, is proud to award cadets who have met a particularly rigorous set of requirements with a Varsity Letter in JROTC that, once received, can then be fixed to their Lettermen’s Jacket.
Cadets who wish to letter in JROTC must meet all of the following:
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Participate in 35 Sequoyah AFJROTC sponsored events OR have accrued 25 community service hours
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Achieve a score of no less than 70 on a PT Assessment (According to Air Force PT Standards)
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Maintain a 3.0 GPA
And at least 1 of the following:
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Lead at least 2 department level events or projects
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Lead at least 1 unit level project
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Compete as a team member in at least 1 LDR competition
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Participate in at least 7 presentations of the colors (Color guards, service flag presentations, flag detail, etc.)
GA-952 would, additionally, like to give recognition to those cadets who go above and beyond as a part of the unit’s Raider Team. Those cadets who meet the necessary requirements for the JROTC Varsity Letter then become eligible for a Varsity Letter in Raiders.
Cadets who wish to letter in Raiders must meet all of the following:
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Qualify for the JROTC Varsity Letter
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Compete as a team member in at least 1 Raiders Competition
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Attend at least 50% of all Raider’s season practices and workouts
All requirements will be reference at the discretion of the SASI and verified through events logged to the unit’s WINGS database.