ATTITUDE

By Charles Swindoll

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on my life. Attitude to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarkable thing is that we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past; we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our attitudes."

CADET CODE OF CONDUCT

As an Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet in GA-938, I pledge to the best of my abilities to bring credit upon myself, my family, my country, my school, my community, and my corps. I will live my life by the highest moral standards. I will respect and follow the directions of my parents and those entrusted with the responsibility to teach me those social values and life skills that I will require becoming a productive citizen. I will constantly strive to improve my body, my mind, my corps, my school, and my community. I will serve my community to benefit the welfare of all. I will live by and will uphold the laws and policies of my community and school governing my conduct. I will attempt to instill these values in fellow cadets. I will respect the rights of all and will not tolerate those who verbally or physically abuse others. I will not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do.

Finally, I will be guided by these three core values:

Integrity (doing what’s right even when no one is looking)

Service before self (being selfless in my actions)

Excellence in all I do (Trying my best at all times)

EffinghamCountyHigh School

1589 Highway 119 South

Springfield, Georgia 31329

Dear Cadet,

Welcome to EffinghamCountyHigh School’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), GA-938. You have volunteered to be a participating member of a select group. As a cadet you have made an important commitment to citizenship excellence. To be successful in this program you must demonstrate proficiency in all your academic course work, maintain physical fitness, as well as exhibit appropriate conduct and bearing while in the program.

The standards are high but so are the rewards. While in JROTC, you will experience field trips to active duty installations and to aviation museums. You will have the opportunity to compete in several drill competitions at the local, state, and even national levels. You will be given the opportunity to become involved in a number of community and school activities. Lastly, you will have the opportunity to compete for scholarships at the service academies and other prestigious universities.

We are excited about your selection of JROTC as a part of your secondary education. I commend you for selecting this program to enhance your leadership and citizenship potential and I wish you success in this endeavor.

Sincerely,

Yancy Ford

Principal

FOREWORD

DEPARTMENT OF AEROSPACE SCIENCE

EffinghamCountyHigh School (ECHS)

Springfield, Georgia

The Georgia 938th Air Force JROTC unit was established at ECHS by an agreement with the Effingham County Board of Education and the United States Air Force in August, 1993.

The cornerstone for the AFJROTC program is its academic curriculum. The curriculum is composed of 40% aerospace science, subjects such as the history of air power and national defense; aviation science and navigation; space exploration and space related sciences; and geography, cadet corps management, and survival. Another 40% is composed of leadership education, to include military drill and ceremonies. The other 20% is wellness, teaching how physical activity, nutrition, and rest are important now, as well as into your future.

The department has one Senior Aerospace Science Instructor and one Aerospace Science Instructor who have a combined background of over fifty years of military service. They are retired military members who possess extensive backgrounds in military training and education.

The AF JROTC program at ECHS is a four-year citizen program. Cadets DO NOT incur a military obligation as a result of their participation. If a cadet chooses to enlist in any branch of the services after completing a prescribed amount of time, they would be eligible to enlist in a higher pay grade than an individual without JROTC experience. Those JROTC cadets who qualify for entry into the service academies or for ROTC scholarships at participating universities have greater access to these institutions through recommendations given by their JROTC instructors.

The JROTC program is rigorous and requires commitment and discipline in order to be successful. This handbook was written in order to assist you in meeting that commitment and in developing the discipline that will assist you immeasurably in any of your future undertakings.

We congratulate you on your enrollment in the program. You have selected a challenging course of study and we are here to assist you. Good Luck!

DANNY L. BURGSTINERDONALD P. SMITH

Major, USAF (Retired)MSgt, USAF (Retired)

Senior Aerospace Science Instructor Aerospace Science Instructor

MISSION AND OBJECTIVES

1. The mission of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AF JROTC) program is to educate and train high school students in citizenship; promote community service; instill responsibility, character, and self-discipline; and provide instruction in air and space fundamentals and leadership. (Ref: AFJROTCI 36-2001)

2. The objectives of the AF JROTC program are listed below. The cadets should develop:

a. An appreciation of the understanding of the basic elements of national security.

b. Respect for and an understanding of the need for constituted authority in a democratic society.

c. Patriotism and an understanding of their personal obligation to contribute toward national security.

d. Habits of orderliness and precision.

e. A high degree of personal honor, self-reliance, and leadership.

f. Broad-based knowledge of the aerospace age and fundamental aerospace doctrine.

g. Basic military skills

h. Knowledge of and an appreciation for the traditions of the Air Force.

i. An interest in the Air Force as a career.

j. Values of citizenship.

k. Service to the United States.

l. Personal responsibility.

m. A sense of accomplishment.

ADMISSION, TRANSFER, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS

1. To be eligible for membership in the AFJROTC program, a student must be:

a. Enrolled in and attending a regular course of instruction at Effingham County High School (ECHS).

b. A citizen or national of the United States, or an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.

c. At least fourteen years of age.

d. Of good moral character as determined by the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (SASI) and the principal.

e. Physically fit to participate in AFJROTC training. Cadets are considered physically fit if they are qualified for the regular ECHS physical education program or by waiver of the principal.

f. Able to meet standards of personal appearance as specified in AFJROTC 36-2001 and reflect reasonable height/weight proportions so as to project the type of military image expected by the community of a member of a military organization. The principal must approve exceptions.

2. Transfer of students from other JROTC units may be permitted with credit given for training already received. No guarantees can be made, however, with respect to a student's retaining permanent rank made in another unit prior to transferring to GA-938. Cadet's rank and jobs are tied together in GA-938 as are cadet's rank and year in JROTC.

3. Cadet responsibilities. Each cadet will agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the aerospace science department and to accept responsibility for the proper care and maintenance of their uniform, textbooks, and other equipment. Failure to do so will create obligations that will prevent future registration, graduation, or transfer of credit.

4. THERE IS NO MILITARY SERVICE OBLIGATION FOR AFJROTC ENROLLMENT.

5. The SASI can disenroll, with no course credit and with the concurrence of the principal, a cadet who DOES NOT:

a. Wear the uniform three or more unexcused times in any grading period.

b. Pass an aerospace course. Continued enrollment will be on a space available basis when approved by the SASI, with no certification of completion credit for military training for failed AFJROTC courses.

c. Maintain personal appearance and uniform standards after attempts to correct the deficiencies by the SASI, the Aerospace Science Instructor (ASI), or senior cadets.

d. Abide by ECHS student rules of behavior. History of suspensions and any expulsions are reasons for disenrollment.

e. Enroll as a full time student at ECHS.

f. Follow classroom rules, maintain a positive attitude toward training, comply with classroom procedures, and remain in control and exhibit appropriate classroom behavior.

g. Abide by the cadet honor code or code of ethics.

6. All cadets and their parents/guardians will complete, annually or upon enrollment, the CADET PARENT/GUARDIAN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING. The memorandum will be filed in their cadet personnel record.

7. CADET HONOR CODE. "A cadet will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate anyone who does." These simple words are the basis for a cadet to live by that will last the remainder of a cadet's life. These are simple but tough rules to live by as reflected in the troubling and alarming number of students who freely admit they cheat in school. However, these words are specific and clear in their demands and are still relevant in our society. A cadet should be HONEST in both words and deeds. A cadet should not make quibbling and evasive statements, should do their own work, and assist others in a sense of cooperation to meet corps' goals. Trustworthiness not just in battle, but throughout life, is not only noble, but also necessary for the welfare and continued existence of our civilized society. The code requires self-control and a conscious effort to not take the easy road to short term success, but to take the road that requires hard work for long term success. Eventually, living by the code will become an ingrained habit and a part of the cadet's total lifestyle. The honor code stresses that lying, cheating, or stealing is not tolerated and that HONOR is a noble, moral standard that is at the essence of not only the corps, but also our civilized society.

8. CODE OF ETHICS. Cadets will:

a. Love and hold in high regard God and country.

b. Respect their parents, school officials and staff, teachers, and community leaders.

c. Refrain from any act or derogatory word(s) that would discredit them, family, school, or corps. Vulgar conduct and language is not socially acceptable and hinders communication.

d. Dedicate themselves to succeed in academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, and work.

e. Perform all assigned duties and meet all obligations in a timely fashion.

f. Maintain self-respect, self-control, and good behavior.

g. Be honest and understand that honorable failure is better than success through unfair means.

h. Be proud of their uniform and commitment to AFJROTC, which sets them apart from others.

i. Be an exemplary role model with high standards of conduct.

  1. Respect other cadets and follow the directions of senior cadets.
  2. Place the good of the corps ahead of personal gain.

9. GRADES: Grades in AF JROTC are a direct reflection of a cadet’s exams, uniform wear, standards and conduct, homework, and physical training/wellness. The following is a breakdown of each cadet’s grades:

Grading ProceduresGrading Scale
Class Work 30%GradeNumeric

a. Homework A90 and higher

b. Wellness (Participation and wear of the AF PT uniform) B89 – 80

Projects/Labs/Tests/Quiz 40% C79 – 70

a. Exams F69 and lower

b. Quizzes

c. Projects

Communication Skills 30%

  1. Standards and Conduct
  2. Uniform Inspection

Academic are our primary concern, as reflected in the grade breakdown, but not our only emphasis. Cadets wearing their uniforms on Wednesdays will receive a uniform inspection and grade (uniform must be worn ALL DAY). A grade of 0 will be given if the uniform is not worn for both uniform grade and standards and conduct grade. If the uniform is not worn on Wednesday, then the cadet may wear it on Thursday and receive an automatic 60 instead of a zero for uniform wear. Failure to wear the uniform at all (either day) for that week will result in a zero for uniform grade and a reduction in the standards and conduct grade for that week. Please note that due to the heavy weight of the uniform and standards and conduct grades, 2 or more zeroes in either area will probably mean failure of the course. Standards and conducts grades will be given weekly, based on the cadet’s uniform wear and their discipline and conduct during class, including PT/Wellness, drill, and bus rides. For PT/Wellness we don’t expect cadets to be masters of any sport, exercise, or event, but we do expect them to actively participate, helping to meet corps athletic goals and enhancing camaraderie.

CONDUCT AND MILITARY COURTESY

GENERAL. Cadets are expected to carefully read this handbook and the most current edition of the ECHS handbook. They are expected to observe correct military conduct and to follow school directives as set forth in the most current edition of the ECHS handbook. Appropriate behavior will reflect credit upon themselves, their parents, the cadet group, ECHS, and the United States Air Force.

CLASSROOM RULES

  1. The Flight Commander, Flight Sergeant, or senior ranking cadet present will call the classroom to attention when the Senior Instructor or Cadet Corps Commander enters the AF JROTC classroom.

2. Cadets must be in the classroom, seated in their chairs, and working on the assigned work when the bell rings failure to do so will result in the student being marked tardy. There is no talking once a cadet enters the classroom unless they are talking to their flight commander, sergeant, SASI, or ASI. Once roll has been taken and the class is underway, there will be no talking except that allowed by the SASI or ASI. There is to be a free exchange of discussion between the cadets and their instructors during class. Conversations between other cadets will only be allowed during group activities or when the SASI or ASI approves it.

  1. At the beginning of the class, the flight commander or designated cadet will conduct a silent roll.
  2. Classroom dismissal is initiated when the bell rings at the end of class. Cadets will stand, the flight commander/sergeant (or designate) calls the room to attention, gives the command "Dismissed", and the cadets leave the classroom.
  3. When the SASI enters the classroom for the first time the flight commander, flight sergeant, or highest ranking cadet to see the SASI will call the room to attention by saying "Flight, ten-hut!" All cadets will come to attention in their seats, meaning no talking and sitting straight and tall. The SASI will reply “At ease", meaning no talking but begin class.
  4. Remove headgear before coming indoors and do not place it back on your head until you are outdoors. (Exception: wearing of headgear is permitted during uniform inspections, color guard performances, and drill team demonstrations.)
  5. Comply with instructions given to you by the cadet in charge when the instructor is not present. Failure to obey a cadet leader is the same as failing to obey your instructors.
  6. Be attentive when someone else is speaking – don’t talk – listen to what is being said.
  7. Let the instructor know if you are ill or if there are any other problems that would prevent you from giving your full attention.
  8. Do not demonstrate affection toward others on the ECHS campus. In JROTC this is called Public Display of Affection (PDA). This is especially prohibited while in uniform.
  9. Maintain grooming standards in class at all times (every class day).
  10. Write legibly and use correct spelling and grammar in all written assignments
  11. Cadets are expected to read the assigned chapters, handouts, study guides, etc., before coming to class.
  12. Cadets are expected to complete all assignments and examinations on time, and to participate in individual/group activities and discussions.
  13. Quizzes will be given and may include assigned reading material that has not yet been discussed in class. There will be no make-up of quizzes without instructor approval. Numerous class exercises and homework activities will be assigned during the semester. All assignments must be completed and will be accepted late only with permission from their instructor as previously discussed.
  14. Cadets must have pencil/pen, paper, and assigned books for each AF JROTC class – everyday!
  15. Cadets will not eat in the JROTC classroom except when permitted by the instructors. Cadets are allowed to bring a drink into class as long as the instructor has given approval. NO GUM!
  16. Cadets will not sleep nor give the appearance of sleeping in class. If the instructor says you’re

sleeping, you’re sleeping. Don’t argue; it will only get you into trouble. Cadets who become drowsy will stand up in the back of the classroom at parade rest until they are no longer sleepy. If any cadet is on medication that could make them drowsy, it is their responsibility to tell the instructor. A note from their parents or doctor will be required.