A new year on the hill welcomes a new elective! The AFJROTC program brings military discipline, a sense of community, and of course, scholarships! With a total of 87 members, it’s almost reached its minimum required participation level. Leading students into this program are Colonel Cooper and Master Sergeant Jordan. Both have regarded the point of JROTC is not to enlist in the military, but rather to build future leaders and a better future for America.
JROTC is a PE credit and welcomes all grade levels. You will learn how to march, compete in Plank competitions, and even participate in the veteran 5k run! Another part of the program is Drill and ceremony. This is exactly what you see at the football games, and what they go to competitions for. Similarly, drill and ceremony in JROTC focuses on precision and teamwork as cadets practice marching and formations. These events prepare students for competitions and instill discipline and respect.
Most people don’t know this, but before Barbers Hill started its AFJROTC program, the school actually had the option to go with either the Air Force or the Navy. Both programs bring a lot to the table. Navy JROTC has a strong focus on maritime history, discipline, and service, and it offers great opportunities for students interested in naval careers and STEM fields. Air Force JROTC also builds leadership and citizenship, but leans more into aerospace, innovation, and modern mission-focused learning.
After looking at both options, Barbers Hill decided to move forward with Air Force JROTC. The program lined up well with the school’s goals for student leadership, academic enrichment, and long-term growth. We are excited to represent the Air Force here, while still recognizing that the Navy’s program is outstanding in its own right.
No matter the branch a school chooses, JROTC is built around one thing—student leadership. The program here at Barbers Hill is shaped by our cadets, and their involvement is what will determine its success.
Another very important aspect of the program is our student leadership! For the 2025-2026 year, we have Cadet Col. Irwin and Cadet Lt. Col Montgomery. Please note that there are many more people in the program who hold leadership positions. Most of these people are upperclassmen and hold very high ranks. Speaking of upperclassmen, scholarships are perfect opportunities for seniors and upperclassmen to show off their leadership skills and commitment. These scholarships can come from the Air Force itself or local organizations and help cover tuition and other educational costs. When applying, you’ll typically need to highlight your achievements and get a couple of recommendation letters. Being active in the Air Force JROTC activities can make your college applications shine. Plus, these scholarships can pave the way for both military and civilian career paths!
In conclusion, the AFJROTC program offers students a unique blend of military discipline and community spirit, all while fostering leadership skills and providing opportunities for personal growth. With dedicated instructors like Colonel Cooper and Master Sergeant Jordan at the helm, cadets not only learn the importance of teamwork and respect but also get to partake in fun activities and competitions. As we look forward to the upcoming year with our strong student leadership, the future of the AFJROTC program shines bright, continuing to prepare students for success both in and out of the classroom.
