|
Wed, 16 Jan 2008 21:39:00
 |
|
|
 Students from left to right, seniors Sharmeam Kim, David Bickerstaff, Hans Silvera, and Allen Sei wear their "blues" to school as a part of their academy class, Air Force JROTC. |
|
|
|
Article by:
Amy Steinbuechler
|
|
|
|
|
|
Everyday, a group of dedicated AHS students prepare for take off to attend an Academy class. But this is not just an ordinary session. It is the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, also known as AFJROTC.
One may have noted several students walking through the halls of AHS wearing what appear to be military uniforms. AFROTC students are required to wear the provided uniforms every Wednesday and Thursday.
“On Wednesday we wear ‘Basic Combat’ uniforms and on Thursday we wear the ‘Blues’,” said Senior Hans Silvera.
Currently seven AHS students are enrolled in the AFROTC program, including David Bickerstaff, Sharmean Kim, Justin Nguyen, Allen Sei, Hans Silvera, Swaray Ume and Nhan Tong.
The AFJROTC is offered at Chantilly High School. Students have the option of riding the bus or driving themselves to class.
“I would rather have class at Annandale but leaving is good because you get out of school,” said Senior David Bickerstaff.
The course, held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., covers material such as Air Force history, military policies, flight and navigational principles, rocketry, space vehicles, geography, cadet management and aerospace careers. Sessions are held in the classroom everyday except for Friday. On Fridays students participate in physical training, called P.T.
“My favorite part of AFJROTC is the P.T. [physical training],” said Silvera. Bickerstaff enjoys the field trips and drills.
The AFJROTC program is a two-year course and does not require students to join the military nor does it hold them to further commitment after the course.
The course is, however, beneficial to students who plan to attend military academics, join ROTC programs in college, apply for ROTC scholarships, or go straight into the military with higher rankings.
“I joined the ROTC because it would help me get a better rank in the Air Force,” said Senior Sharmean Kim.
Silvera plans to use the course to gain more respect and integrity. The course has already helped Silvera with organizational skills.
Students who complete the course are also able to pursue military careers with not only the Air Force but also with the Air Force Reserves, Army Reserves, Navy Reserves, Marines Reserves, the United States Army, Navy and Marines.
Students can also advance in careers in business management, meteorology, computer science or engineering.
Many of the students enrolled in the program plan on joining the military after high school but face obstacles on and off the drill field. Getting his parents on board with the idea of the military was one challenge Kim faced. His parents don’t recommend joining the military but he plans on pursuing his dream.
On the other hand, some students are following in that parent’s footsteps. “Both my parents were in the military. My mom was in the Navy and my dad was in the Marines,” said Bickerstaff.
Requirements to be a part of the AFJROTC include: a G.P.A. of 2.0, wearing the mandatory Air Force uniforms, having the ability to perform physical training, and working in competitive environment. Students are not required to shave their heads but must maintain a short haircut, off their necks and ears.
Despite the stressful challenges these students face on a daily basis, after they complete the AFJROTC two-year course, they can consider the mission accomplished.
|
AHS enforces new...
Science National Honor...
Annandale reacts to...
