AFJROTC Overview

The roots of an ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program started in 1862 with the Morrill Act which helped establish a number of land-grant colleges. These colleges had a responsibility to teach "military tactics". The 1916 National Defense Act officially authorized the establishment of ROTC units. That year, Harvard established the first one. There are now over 1700 ROTC units at colleges and universities. The Junior ROTC program also has its roots in the 1916 National Defense Act, but the first unit was actually started in 1911 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The 1964 ROTC Vitalization Act truly laid out the groundwork for the establishment of JROTC programs. There are now over 3200 JROTC units.

While an ROTC program is generally considered to prepare participants for taking the next step into the military, the JROTC program is focused on teaching leadership and citizenship skills. Flight 811 began at Godby in the 1981-82 school year, the first JROTC unit in Leon County.

for more information about the Air Force Junior ROTC program

"Develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community”

The objectives of JROTC are to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship, promote community service, instill responsibility, character, and self-discipline, and provide instruction in air and space fundamentals.

The AFJROTC program is grounded in the Air Force's core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. The curriculum emphasizes the Air Force heritage and traditions, the development of flight, applied flight sciences, military aerospace policies, and space exploration.