Course Descriptions for WCHS Air Force JROTC
Aerospace Studies introduces cadets to the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer
Training Corps (AFJROTC) program through three components:
Leadership Education, Aerospace Science, and Wellness.
Leadership Education contains sections on cadet and Air Force organizational
structure; uniform wear; customs, courtesies, and other military traditions; individual
self-control; and citizenship. Cadets further progress through the AFJROTC program
with a focus on introducing students to the finer aspects of communication, awareness, and
leadership; helping students in deciding which path to take after high school; providing
information about financial planning and how to save, invest, and spend money wisely, as
well as how not to get caught in the credit trap; and providing cadets exposure to the
fundamentals of management through the study of ethical dilemmas, case studies, and
role play activities based on real-life experiences.
Aerospace Science, cadets explore aviation history, focusing on the
development of flight throughout the centuries. It starts with ancient civilizations, then
progresses through time to modern day. The emphasis is on civilian and military
contributions to aviation and the development, modernization, and transformation of the
Air Force. In addition, cadets focus on how airplanes fly, how weather conditions affect
flight, flight and the human body, and flight navigation. Cadets also explore how history,
geography, religion, economics, and politics combine to create unique and diverse
cultures in various regions of the world; and cadets study the history of space science and
space exploration from the earliest days of interest in astronomy to the latest advances in
space technology, including robotics in space, the Mars Rover, and commercial uses of
space.
Wellness covers multiple health and wellness issues impacting students and
includes one class period a week of physical fitness to strengthen the body and develop
teamwork.
Students who take Aerospace Studies are offered the option to wear the Air
Force camouflage and dress blue uniform each week for a test grade. Air Force
grooming standards are enforced for cadets who accept to wear the uniform. Students
who do not accept to wear the uniform will be issued an AFJROTC polo shirt to wear
each week for the same test grade. Grooming standards do not apply to cadets who
accept the polo shirt. The polo option can only be offered to first semester cadets.
Aerospace Studies Honors. Students wishing to increase their weighted GPA
by requesting Honors credit for Aerospace Studies may do so at any grade level.
Additional requirements include (but are not limited to) a research paper, acceptance of
the Air Force uniform to include grooming standards, and planning/leading a unit
project/activity.
Management of the Corps (AFJROTC IV Honors). The honors program is
designed for cadets to demonstrate essential skills through reading, writing, speaking,
production, and/or performance. Skills in analysis, logic, and creativity will also be
showcased through successful completion of this program. This hands-on experience
affords cadets the opportunity to put theories of previous leadership courses into practice.
Planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, controlling, and decision-making will be
done by cadets. They will put into practice their communication, decision-making,
personal interaction, managerial, and organizational skills.
AFJROTC Honors is limited to cadets in the junior and senior grade, AS 3 and above,
with a minimum 3.0 average GPA overall or higher. Senior Aerospace Science Instructor
approval required before registration.