AFJROTC Senior Year?

RCave

5-Year Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2013
Messages
52
AFJROTC is offered at another school in my campus, so I was wondering if it'd be of any benefit to do that my Senior year. I've heard from people that it's a "joke" and doesn't contribute to applications, but I'm certain that's just talk.

Would AFJROTC be worth taking? Would it make any difference on my Academy application? They'd have to bus me over to the other High School just for that period and then back again.
 
I'm not an ALO so what I say may be false, however something I really saw on the USAFA website was GET INVOLVED. There have been a lot of people asking for opinions on whether or not their activity is a good activity for their application. My personal answer would be that any activity is better than not being active at all. I did participate in jROTC and I'm not quite certain, yet, if it will help me up at USAFA. But, I do know that I learned how to march and the chain of command, through JROTC, which is more than the average direct appointee. Of course every corps is different, but I would say why not try it? JROTC offers many leadership positions and so if you can use JROTC to show USAFA who you are more clearly and if you think there is any way that you might benefit from the program, well the answer is pretty clear. Senior Year was my opportunity to really fill in any gaps that I hadn't filled. There isn't some magical formula for which extra curricular activities equal an appointment, or at least I didn't find it! As USAFA has been pretty clear that they look for the overall person, I would do whatever you enjoy as you continue to show USAFA that you are that overall well rounded person that deserves a slot.
 
AFJROTC is offered at another school in my campus, so I was wondering if it'd be of any benefit to do that my Senior year. I've heard from people that it's a "joke" and doesn't contribute to applications, but I'm certain that's just talk.

Would AFJROTC be worth taking? Would it make any difference on my Academy application? They'd have to bus me over to the other High School just for that period and then back again.

It will def be helpful. i did ROTC and it make my application a little more competitive. but don't just rely on that. do other things. consistent volunteering. make a difference. Be a leader while still making great grades. thats how you stand out.
 
I think it will be helpful, but do it because you enjoy it. It will be what you make of it.
 
I think it will be helpful, but do it because you enjoy it. It will be what you make of it.

Perfect answer! :thumb:

I have pretty intimate knowledge of AFJROTC and can tell you that it can definitely be beneficial; if for no other reason than you learn basic facing movements, get used to being "led/directed" by others, and put yourself under a semblance of military/personal discipline.

Aside from that...on your application...it's one more thing you're doing. Will it be a decider in and of itself; I doubt it. When I see it, I ask the candidate WHY are you in it?

Be in it because YOU are interested in it. If you are, go for it; but if not, focus elsewhere to keep yourself competitive.

Just my 57 cents worth.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
Perfect answer! :thumb:

I have pretty intimate knowledge of AFJROTC and can tell you that it can definitely be beneficial; if for no other reason than you learn basic facing movements, get used to being "led/directed" by others, and put yourself under a semblance of military/personal discipline.

Aside from that...on your application...it's one more thing you're doing. Will it be a decider in and of itself; I doubt it. When I see it, I ask the candidate WHY are you in it?

Be in it because YOU are interested in it. If you are, go for it; but if not, focus elsewhere to keep yourself competitive.

Just my 57 cents worth.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

Thank you flieger! I always look forward to your posts.

I guess my main concern is that the cons will outweigh the pros. I would hands down do AFJROTC if it were available at my High School. I'm mainly worried about the logistics of getting over there during school and joining my last year.

I just wouldn't want to be the lone Senior from my school heading over there to stand with some guys who don't think I belong with them. I think that having someone to help with my application on that level along with help prepare me for(and administer) the fitness test would be beneficial, I just don't want JROTC to start conflicting with my other classes.

Edit: Also, is JROTC in any way an 'alternative' to Civil Air Patrol? What are the differences?
 
Thank you flieger! I always look forward to your posts.

I guess my main concern is that the cons will outweigh the pros. I would hands down do AFJROTC if it were available at my High School. I'm mainly worried about the logistics of getting over there during school and joining my last year.

I just wouldn't want to be the lone Senior from my school heading over there to stand with some guys who don't think I belong with them. I think that having someone to help with my application on that level along with help prepare me for(and administer) the fitness test would be beneficial, I just don't want JROTC to start conflicting with my other classes.

Edit: Also, is JROTC in any way an 'alternative' to Civil Air Patrol? What are the differences?

Take it from a CAP cadet: the programs are COMPLETELY different, due to their different mission focus. If you want to learn more about CAP, I will be glad to assist you.
 
it doesn't necessarily have to be JROTC... if you've done sports your past few years stick with it or maybe fit in JROTC if you're interested. but i think the whole thing is the academy wants to see that you're committed and are seeking leadership roles, not being an idle kid etc etc. the biggest thing someone told me was the academy doesn't want to see idle kids.

one thing too is that people have said that you shouldn't really do JROTC just to say you did it. If you do get into the academy i highly doubt it will be solely based on your decision to do JROTC. your profile and past performances as a whole will have a lot greater influence on their decision.

when i got interviewed for my nomination i think they asked me if i was in JROTC or why i didn't do it and i told them that i didn't do it because i was already committed to my sports and academics and found that it'd be hard to maintain everything plus JROTC. i also feel like a lot of kids at my school to AFJROTC just to have it as an extracurricular because most of them i have spoken to said they have no plan to continue with it after high school
 
Take it from a CAP cadet: the programs are COMPLETELY different, due to their different mission focus. If you want to learn more about CAP, I will be glad to assist you.

PM'd.

it doesn't necessarily have to be JROTC... if you've done sports your past few years stick with it or maybe fit in JROTC if you're interested. but i think the whole thing is the academy wants to see that you're committed and are seeking leadership roles, not being an idle kid etc etc. the biggest thing someone told me was the academy doesn't want to see idle kids.

one thing too is that people have said that you shouldn't really do JROTC just to say you did it. If you do get into the academy i highly doubt it will be solely based on your decision to do JROTC. your profile and past performances as a whole will have a lot greater influence on their decision.

when i got interviewed for my nomination i think they asked me if i was in JROTC or why i didn't do it and i told them that i didn't do it because i was already committed to my sports and academics and found that it'd be hard to maintain everything plus JROTC. i also feel like a lot of kids at my school to AFJROTC just to have it as an extracurricular because most of them i have spoken to said they have no plan to continue with it after high school

I didn't plan on attending a school requiring as much dedication and extracurricular involvement as the Academy until I found it the second semester of this year.

I feel like I've got leadership and dedication covered from being a part of 2 Varsity Choirs(3 during competition season) and being a Section Leader and Officer, plus some volunteer work and Boys State this summer.

My main goal behind joining either Civil Air Patrol of AFJROTC is to try and make up for the last two years by hopefully showing the admissions board that I am fully dedicated to receiving an appointment. These two options aren't exactly to show leadership but to attempt to show how much I'll do just to get a chance at the Academy. I don't know if they'll see it that way, but that is my intention.
 
PM'd.



I didn't plan on attending a school requiring as much dedication and extracurricular involvement as the Academy until I found it the second semester of this year.

I feel like I've got leadership and dedication covered from being a part of 2 Varsity Choirs(3 during competition season) and being a Section Leader and Officer, plus some volunteer work and Boys State this summer.

My main goal behind joining either Civil Air Patrol of AFJROTC is to try and make up for the last two years by hopefully showing the admissions board that I am fully dedicated to receiving an appointment. These two options aren't exactly to show leadership but to attempt to show how much I'll do just to get a chance at the Academy. I don't know if they'll see it that way, but that is my intention.
that's good and i'm sure if you're heart is in the right place and you're honest they will probably see it that way. i was kinda in the same situation. i didn't really know where i wanted to go until summer after junior year. luckily i had been planning to go to any good school so i tried throughout high school and my last year i kicked it up another notch and took all AP classes and continued to run varsity track and varsity xc.

i'm sure you will be fine
 
Just an opinion, but in reading your posts it doesn't sound like you're dying to do JROTC and it might not be the best situation for you. Many, many kids without JROTC and who don't see USAFA as an option until late in high school get appointments (my kid). The experienced posters will tell you that commitment and passion in your pursuits and leadership roles attained are more important than the kind of activities you engage in to meet that extracurricular/leadership requirement. Do what will make for a successful and fulfilling senior year. Good luck!
 
The experienced posters will tell you that commitment and passion in your pursuits and leadership roles attained are more important than the kind of activities you engage in to meet that extracurricular/leadership requirement. Do what will make for a successful and fulfilling senior year. Good luck!

Well said. Do NOT do what you think USAFA wants to see. Do all your activities because that is what excites you. Strive for leadership in those activities because they will make you a better leader, not because they will 'look good' to USAFA. Admissions is pretty good at spotting applications/candidates that are just checking off boxes in order to get into the Academy. That is why you never hear that "you have to be in" XYZ (CAP, Scouting, JROTC, etc.) in order to get an Appointment. You need to be doing things that make you well-rounded and provide you personal growth. If your focus is on self-improvement and fulfilment, then your life will speak loudly of your acomplishments as a person. That is the type of person USAFA is looking for. Best wishes to all. :thumb:
 
I just spoke with my counselor and signed up for JROTC. I'm not 100% I won't have to change it later due to schedule conflicts(not dropping a choir) but we'll see how it goes.

I assume that I'll be welcome as a Senior despite not having been in ROTC before, right?
 
I just spoke with my counselor and signed up for JROTC. I'm not 100% I won't have to change it later due to schedule conflicts(not dropping a choir) but we'll see how it goes.

I assume that I'll be welcome as a Senior despite not having been in ROTC before, right?

If the unit values itself, then yes, they will help you with open arms.
 
Back
Top