Air Force Junior ROTC

The Air Force Junior ROTC program (AZ-20064) at Sandra Day O'Connor High School was founded in 2006. We offer students the opportunity to learn about the military, enhance leadership abilities, develop life skills, and participate in multiple unique activities not found in other high school courses.

Mission…the WHY we are here: To develop young citizens of character who are dedicated to serving their nation and community

Honor Code…the HOW we do it: Create a personal desire in cadets to live by an honor system that says: "I will not lie, steal or  cheat, nor will I tolerate those who do.”

Values…the WHAT we do: Involve Cadets in numerous activities and opportunities that helps them demonstrate Core Values like: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do!”

What’s In It For Me?

After graduation from high school as an AFJROTC cadet, you’re eligible to pursue college studies in a technical or non-technical major. Air Force ROTC offers scholarships for cadets that’ll pay most tuition costs for up to three or four years, plus books and fees at more than 1,000 universities and colleges.

Enrollment in AFJROTC does not subject you to a military obligation and is not tied to an accession or recruiting program. It provides tools for success after high school, regardless of a chosen career path. However, there are benefits available for students willing to pursue a military avenue. If your goal is to apply to a military service academy, there’s a direct application program specifically reserved for qualified AFJROTC cadets. With all other factors being equal, such as grades, SAT scores, community involvement, etc., your JROTC experience provides a competitive edge over the rest of the applicants.

If going to college right after high school graduation is not for you, you may want to pursue a military career.  After 3 years in AFJROTC, you have an opportunity to enter the Air Force two grades higher, which is approximately $500 per month increase in pay. You’re also automatically enrolled in the Community College of the Air Force earning you college credit towards an associate’s degree.

Co-curricular opportunities available to cadets: Community Service Opportunities, Color Guard, Air Rifle, Orienteering, Archery, Remote Control Aircraft, Hiking, Leadership Camp, and Raiders competitions

***11 years of consistently being recognized as Top 5% in the nation for Community Service with Excellence***

AzCTE Conference Color Guard Freshmen Camp Marsh mellow Towers Stetson Hill Clean-up AWACS Guest Speaker Drill Practice Barry Goldwater Range A-10 Pizza Party Shield Building Aug 29 Football Stadium Clean-up Archery Class Raiders practice Sept 11 Football Game Flowing Wells Air Rifle Prescott Orienteering Flag Raising Raiders-Prescott Luke AFB Career Day Hall of Fame Shoot Football 3 Oct Walk-a-thon PT Bootcamp Paintball USAA  NAMI Class Activities Hotshot Hike HOCO parade RC aircraft HOCO rally football NRA Air rifle Oct25 Feeder school rallies Halloween Party NASCAR Future Freshman night Westbrook Village Veteran Day Ceremonies Anthem Parade Anthem Veterans Memorial Cox Colors NRA 15 Nov Young Eagles Urban E&E Robotics Salvation Army  Escape and Evade Christmas Party Mercy House Guarantee Rate Bowl Fiesta Bowl NRA Regional Championship Andre House Gonzo's retirement Escape & Evade 2026 Davis Monthan AFB Jr Olympics AZ State Championship Air Rifle Spirit week Military Ball Amassing the Colors CMP National Air Rifle Comp HQ Assessment-Exceeds! Tombstone Raiders Meet NASCAR Mar 26 Muppet Teambuilding AZ State Trap Championships Hawaii Trip Bataan Memorial 14-mile hike Tuskegee Ceremony Young Eagles Apr 26 Luke AFB Apr 26 Desert Sage Field Day Eagle Scout Raiders Pole Project Jr Olympics Anniston Alabama Awards Night Eagle Kinder Day Rockets Mother's Day Dance TA Last day Departure Graduation Paintball

Additional Resources: 

• Instructor Introduction video
• Cadet Guide
• Awards_Uniform_Grooming guide
• Sample Budget worksheet
• Use-Car Checklist
• Embry Riddle University Free Aviation 101 course
• Emergency Numbers
• Basic Auto Survival
• ASVAB Practice Tests
• Air Rifle Safety Book