Frequently Asked Questions

  • JROTC stands for Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

    JROTC is a Congressionally mandated “Citizenship” program with a purpose to promote public service, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment (U.S. Code, Title 10, Section 2031).

    Sponsored by the Department of Defense in high schools across the U.S. and military bases across the world, the program (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force) has over 3,500 units with almost ½ million students enrolled.

    AFJROTC is the Air Force’s most diverse organization and its largest youth education and outreach program.

  • No. Students who enroll in JROTC don't join the military. They take a JROTC class for which they receive credit.

  • No. There is no commitment to serve in the armed forces if a student goes through the high school JROTC program.

  • No, but students who participate in JROTC are undoubtedly more inclined toward public service, including military service, compared to those who do not participate in the program.

    Less than 10% of High School JROTC students enlist in the military after graduation with many enrolling in college.

    Students who choose to enlist in one of the military branches begin their service with an accelerated promotion, resulting in an immediate increase in pay.

    Ultimately, JROTC isn’t just about the drills or the uniform…it’s about shaping confident, disciplined leaders with a strong sense of responsibility and an unwavering belief in their potential.

    Whether they choose a military career or a civilian path, cadets emerge from the program ready to face life’s challenges head-on.

  • JROTC instructors. They are retired from active military service. They are hired as employees of the school and certified to teach JROTC in accordance with published Air Force standards and oversight. Learn more by clicking here.

  • No. The JROTC course is a leadership and character education program that does not rely on harsh discipline techniques like a boot camp.

  • By instilling discipline, respect for self and authority, accepting responsibility, being accountable for their actions, and learning to work as part of a team.

    • Leadership and Citizenship: Methods of Instruction, Service Learning, Military History

    • Organizational Skills: Team Building, Computer Skills, Economics, Personal Finance, Test Preparation, CPR and First Aid

    • Character Values: Self Discipline, Self Confidence, Ethics, Respect, Courtesy, Punctuality, Grooming, Overcoming Adversity, Self Esteem, Physical Fitness

    • Conflict Management: Stress Management, Time Management, Managing Peer Pressure

  • Life skills!

    The development of your personal potential, the enhanced ability to communicate with others, the knowledge and ability to coordinate varied activities, the focused skills to plan, organize and lead group activities and the knowledge and skills to motivate and bring a team together will give the student a distinct advantage in college and beyond.

    Every student is capable of doing well in this program if they simply cooperate, follow instructions, pay attention in class, read the material, and study a little.

    But don’t just take our word for it.

    Did you know a 2023 study by the RAND Corporationof JROTC outcomes continues to link high school participation in the program with increased likelihood for graduation, higher attendance rates, and lower disciplinary actions. 

  • For every year in the program, students will receive full elective credit towards meeting graduation requirements, depending on what is needed:

    • 3 units of AFJROTC will waive the Health and Personal Fitness graduation requirements

    • 1 course AS200: Science of Flight will count as a 4th science elective. 

      Cobb county school district offers a four-year AFJROTC curriculum. All students will be granted academic credit toward graduation requirements for successful completion of AFJROTC courses.

    • Students in JROTC learn through a unique program that involves both classroom and "live" situations. For instance, a JROTC cadet might be found leading classmates in and outside the classroom.

    • Additionally, we have a lot of fun, take several field trips throughout the year and provide opportunities that cannot be found in other programs.

    • Each year the cadets have the opportunity to attend / plan the Military Dance (Ball), Veteran’s Day ceremonies, march in local parades, and to present the colors at formal occasions.

    • Cadets develop leadership experience and personal self-confidence by commanding flights, squadrons and even the entire group of cadets.

  • Uniforms and training materials are provided by the program, as are the buses that transport cadets to field trips.

    There is a one-time registration fee of $60 dollars that covers unique physical fitness gear and a unit polo. Cadets are expected to pay for dry cleaning their uniforms. AFJROTC is unique in that cadets participate in fundraising activities that pay for most expenses. Most of the time, not all, the Corps is able to pay for meals etc. at events because of the fundraising activities mentioned. Summer camp is voluntary, selection is limited, and cadets pay a minimal fee for uniform cleaning. An annual JROTC Ball is held, tickets are offered to cadets at a reduced price.

  • JROTC uses drill and ceremonies as a well-defined, relatively easy to master training tool. This tool is used to teach and develop teamwork, leadership, instructional skills, attention to detail, bearing, respect for authority and for others, responsibility, and endurance.

    • First time (first year) students will be required to wear a polo and khaki pants and no grooming standards required (they can have long hair, facial hair, etc.).

    • At any time during the first year, they can “option in” to wearing the uniform. 

    • After earning a uniform, cadets are required to wear the JROTC uniform on selected uniform day(s). The uniform is provided by the Air Force and is custom fitted to each cadet.

    • The uniform consists of a pair of trousers, shoes (must be shined), black socks, shirt, lightweight jacket, service coat, blue belt and buckle, a flight cap, and a number of other uniform pieces that make the uniform complete. Cadets earn their rank and awards to put on their uniforms.

    • It is considered an honor to wear the uniform, and cadets wear it with pride. Members of JROTC teams may wear the uniform more often for events and competitions.

  • Uniforms serve as pivotal symbols of national pride, encapsulating our nation’s values, history, and culture.

    AFJROTC uniforms are designed to reflect both the unique characteristics of the United States Air Force and our collective identity, fostering national solidarity, pride and…love for our country.

    Students must earn the privilege and honor to wear the uniform to put all cadets on the same level.

    Any additions to the uniform are ranks and awards that are earned by the individual cadet.

    They are earned for application of positive traits and principles that will serve you and your community well in the future.

    Remember, many citizens wear uniforms: Firefighters, Post Office, Police Officers, National Park Service, etc.

    By observing and honoring these uniforms, students affirm their connection to the ideals and sacrifices that the U.S. military represents.

  • Yes. All leadership positions are available to both equally.

  • Yes, although they are not extreme. There are regulations about the personal appearance of cadets, wearing of the uniform, and even how to address the other military personnel and cadets. For example, males are not permitted to wear an earring(s) in uniform, and females are only allowed one pair of conservative earrings, one earring in each ear.

    On uniform day, males must have their hair cut so that it does not touch the ears, and female cadets must have their hair up so that it is above their shirt collar.

  • There are many awards that cadets can earn for participation and achievement in the program.

    • Cadets earn medals, ribbons, trophies, plaques and other awards based on their scholarship, military bearing, appearance, school service, and community service.

    • The school gives some, but others can be awarded by local military organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of Purple Heart, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

    These are just a few of the organizations that give awards. All awards have certain criteria but are open to all who achieve those criteria. Involvement, good leadership traits, and being an active participant of the program are the main requirements. 

  • In JROTC, being a leader means first being a follower.

    The curriculum teaches all aspects of being a good follower and being a good leader. Cadets must learn and understand the leadership traits of a good leader.

    The program encourages practical application in other school activities as well as in JROTC.

  • If you want to be in the program, it is as simple as letting your counselor know you want to be in the program. Any student can start JROTC in high school.

    • Eighth grade students are able to sign up when scheduling their ninth grade high school classes.

    • Current high school students are able to sign up when scheduling their sophomore, junior, and senior year classes. 

    All of our classes use a blended curriculum and can sign up at any point in their high school journey.

  • The counselors at Walton do an amazing job scheduling students usually during Wheeler High School 2nd block (10am - 11:30am) or 3rd block class (12pm - 1:56 pm). Wheeler is on a 4×4 block schedule.

    Walton Cadets will ride a shuttle bus with fellow Walton cadets either around 9:40am and return around 11:15am or 11:40am and return around 1:15 during either of these two-time blocks on/about 4 days a week.  

    Why 4 days a week?

    Usually Wednesday is Walton’s digital learning day with classes ending around noon. On these days, you do not attend JROTC. 

    Walton cadets usually take JROTC around their lunch periods (either on the front or back end) so only miss a minimal amount of class time.

    In the works: We are actively pursuing a 4th block option where Walton cadets could also take JROTC during their 7th period by reporting to Wheeler 1:24-1:54, then taking JROTC 4th block class at 1:54pm - 3:10pm and return to Walton or stay at Wheeler for extracurricular activities (Raider, Color Guard, Drone, etc).

  • Absolutely! All of our classes use a blended curriculum so you can take JROTC at any time along your high school journey—and any semester—fall or spring. Details here:

  • Georgia Cadet Leadership Course (GaCLC), is held at Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, Georgia.

    GaCLC is summer activities and STEM-based leadership development camp for AFJROTC Cadets from Monday, June 9 through mid-day Saturday, June 14, for what promises to be a memorable experience.

    Over 200 Cadets from Air Force JROTC programs around the state will attend to include Cleveland, Etowah, Greene Co, Monroe Area, Northgate, Northside, Ola, Sequoyah, Troup Co, Twiggs Co, Veterans, Washington Co, Westside, and, Wheeler/Walton.

    Details of the camp can be found by clicking here. A short video of last year’s camp can be found by clicking here:

  • Yes! Selection for Summer Seminar is very competitive with 3,000 applicants each year with 320 selected for each session.

    Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Jarmillo, a Junior in our JROTC program, was selected and attending this summer.

    Summer Seminar at the United States Air Force Academy gives students the opportunity to experience life on campus firsthand.

    Specially designed for high school juniors heading into their senior year, Summer Seminar allows participants to live like a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet for four days.

    Applications for Summer Seminar 2025 will open December 1, 2024 and close January 15, 2025.

    The Summer Seminar dates for 2025:
    Session A: June 3-6
    Session B: June 10-13
    Session C: June 16-19

    For more details click here:

  • Nominations are required for appointment to the three Department of Defense Service Academies: the US Military Academy, the US Naval Academy, the US Air Force Academy. The US Merchant Marine Academy accepts only congressional nominations.

    The US Coast Guard Academy does not require nominations. 

    A nomination may have similar requirements to a college application, with deadlines in early fall. Requesting a nomination is separate from the admissions application to each academy. A nomination is not a guarantee of admission to an academy. Many more students will receive a nomination than will eventually be offered an appointment.  Complete your nomination requests early – at the end of junior year or the summer before senior year. Don’t wait to find out if you got a nomination to complete your academy admissions application. Additional Categories of Military Academy Nominations

    Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Units

    Students who are actively participating in Junior ROTC may be able to obtain a nomination from their unit, GA-052. Contact Colonel Butler for application information and deadlines. Click here for the PowerPoint brief on the USAFA application process.

  • Great video on college ROTC click here.

    To apply for college ROTC scholarships, follow these steps:

    1. Check the eligibility requirements for the specific ROTC program.

    2. Complete the ROTC scholarship application online at the website of your interested military branch.

    3. Submit required materials.

    4. Take the ROTC Basic Physical Fitness Test.

    5. Conduct an interview with the ROTC review board.

    Click here for the powerpoint brief on the Air Force ROTC college application process.

  • College AFROTC is designed and structured as a 4-year program. In cases where cadets enter the AFROTC program with less than 4 years remaining in their academic degree program, Det/CCs may accredit cadets for completion of Junior ROTC (JROTC) as follows:

    • 2 years JROTC = 1 Semester General Military Course (GMC) ROTC.

    • 3-4 years of JROTC = 2 Semesters General Military Course (GMC) ROTC.

  • It depends. Check out the flying requirements for more information at: 

    http://www.afrotc.com/collegelife/flying/prereq.php

    Great video on becoming a pilot click here.

  • If you are 17, you will need parental consent first.

    If you are 18 years of age:

    1) Start here: U.S. Air Force

    2) Take this personal career assessment: Click here.

    3) Prepare for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB): Click here.

    4) Watch this video on the differences between the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard. Click here.

    5) Reach out to an Air Force, Air Force Reserve, or Air National Guard recruiter to learn more or other branches (Army, Navy, Marines, Space Force, Coast Guard) by clicking here and clicking here.

    The recruiter will determine if you are service eligible for the physical, medical, moral/character, and aptitude standards of the Department of the Air Force.

    Air Force Active Duty:

    Air Force Air National Guard:

    Air Force Reserve: