WHY TAKE AFJROTC?   Air Force Junior ROTC offers you important benefits for your future.  Complete a three-year Aerospace Science program in Air Force Junior ROTC and :

•   Be eligible to enter the Air Force two pay grades higher than other enlistees. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO MILITARY OBLIGATION FOR TAKING AFJROTC!
•  Your uniforms, insignia and textbooks are FREE.
•   AIR FORCE JUNIOR ROTC will prepare you to work in an expanding technological world--in the Air Force or as a civilian.

  Plus, each high school hosting an Air Force Junior ROTC unit can:

•  Nominate qualified candidates for an Air Force Academy appointment.
•  Award an Air Force ROTC Four-Year Engineering Scholarship to a qualified cadet.

            -- For example, during School Year 96-97, MS-021 had two cadets receive special scholarships:  Cadet Bobby Schmitt was accepted to the Air Force Academy and Cadet Robbi Jouben received a four-year Air Force ROTC engineering scholarship to Mississippi State University. Bobby Schmitt graduated from the Air Force Academy in May, 2001 and received appointment as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Robbi Jouben graduated from Mississippi State University in May, 2002 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant at that time. Just recently, James and Michael Arnold were awarded full Air Force ROTC scholarships to Mississippi State University and Auburn University respectively. CURRICULUM   You normally enter Air Force Junior ROTC in the ninth or tenth grade.  The first year introduces you to the history of aviation.  You'll learn about rocketry, spacecraft and explore aerospace careers--all highly technical career fields.
  The second year, you'll examine the environment in which aircraft and spacecraft operate.  And you'll learn the principles of flight and navigation.  This course includes a review of commercial, general and military aviation. The course also includes ventures into space and the mission of the U.S. military.
  Each year you'll participate in leadership activities through laboratory and classroom work.  Naturally, there are courses on military customs and courtesies, and flag etiquette.  Plus, instruction in the basic marching positions, movements and commands for parades and ceremonies.  Oh yes, we can't forget to mention our physical fitness program and sports activities such as volleyball.  ACTIVITIES   Being an Air Force Junior ROTC cadet is not all laboratory and classroom work.  You can be a guest at dances and military balls sponsored MS-021 here at Columbus High School, or take part in athletic events as part of our color guard or drill team, and much more.  You'll also participate in a variety of activities and field trips planned by our aerospace science instructors, such as our annual curriculum-in-action trips to Columbus Air Force Base, the Alabama Space and Rocket Center and an aircraft orientation flight. TO ENROLL   To be eligible to enroll you must be at least 14 years old, a U.S. citizen and physically fit.  Talk with your friends, your parents and your adviser.  Enroll in Air Force Junior ROTC.
 
    AIM HIGH!