Drones

Description: 

The U.S. Air Force JROTC is actively integrating drone technology into its Leadership Development Requirements (LDR) activities. These activities are designed to enhance cadets' skills in STEM fields, leadership, and teamwork.

The JROTC units are participating in various drone competitions, such as the JROTC All Service Championship, which offer hands-on experience in drone flight principles, engineering, programming, and documentation.

These competitions not only provide educational benefits but also prepare cadets for future careers in aerospace, robotics, and technology.

2025 - 2026 Team Leaders.

Drone Commander: C/MSgt Merhai

Drone Vice Commander: C/SMSgt Holkar

Season (4 Competitions):
Drone season begins with a single meet in December, then moves into the main season with one AFJROTC‑sponsored competition each month from January through March. The season extends through early May if qualifying for Regionals/Nationals.

We meet on select Tuesdays/Thursdays. All Cadets must have The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) certificate on file and adhere to the Memorandum of Understanding (click here MOU) before participating.

Event Schedule:

7 February: Aerial Drone Comp: Best Academy, (Army JROTC) Atlanta, GA

• 🏅 Top Coding Award - best coding techniques and programming design solutions in Autonomous Flight Mission.

21 February: Aerial Drone Comp: Duluth HS, (Navy JROTC) Atlanta, GA

• 🏅 Top Airmanship Award - exemplified exceptional professionalism, safety, skill, and respect for aviation principles.

28 February: Aerial Drone Comp: Chapel Hill HS, Douglas, GA

• 🏅 All-Around Champion: Excellence in both the Judged Award and Performance Award categories (Qualified for National JROTC Drone Comp)

• 🏅 Teamwork Champion - Best at two, independent teams flying cooperatively. It reflects piloting skill, strategy, & collaborating under pressure.

• 🏅 Communication Champion - Best at written and verbal communication, as demonstrated through team interview & logbook.

• 🏅 Skills Mission Champion - Highest combined skill mission score in the autonomous & piloted missions.

7 March: Aerial Drone Comp: Cedar Grove HS, Ellen, GA

• 🏅 Top Coding Award - best coding techniques and programming design solutions in Autonomous Flight Mission.

21-23 May: All Service National Championships, Columbus, GA (Columbus Conference & Trade Center) Top 80 JROTC Teams in the US