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AFJROTC

Colonel (Ret.) R. Mina Gawaran, USAF, Senior Aerospace Science Instructor

E-mail: rgawaran@riversideunified.org

Phone: 951-352-8316, ext. 61122

Senior Master Sergeant (Ret.) Rafael Perez-Rochin, USAF, Aerospace Science Instructor

E-mail: rperez-rochin@riversideunified.org

Phone: 951-352-8316, ext. 61123

Welcome to Unit CA-92 at Arlington High School, one of the founding AFJROTC (Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps) units in California! Our unit has been in existence since 1975 and has been recognized by the Air Force as a “Distinguished Unit.” Join us as we instill within our students the values of citizenship, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment through this one-of-a-kind program.

MISSION AND OBJECTIVES:

The Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) develops citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community. We ARE NOT a recruiting program for the military and there is ZERO obligation to any military service by being a part of this unique, one-of-a-kind high school program.

The objectives of AFJROTC are to educate and train high school students in citizenship and life skills; promote community service; instill a sense of responsibility; develop character and self-discipline through education and instruction in air and space fundamentals, leadership, and the Air Force core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do. 

We also provide opportunities for cadets to develop and practice leadership, teamwork, discipline, community engagement, and followership skills with hands-on experiences through participation in a multitude of Leadership Development Academies. These academies, such as Drill, Color Guard, Raiders, and STEM competitions like Drone, Robotics, or CyberPatriot, reinforce classroom learning and help cadets build confidence, refine their skills, and proudly represent their unit, school, and community. The academies are designed to give cadets a chance to plan, organize, and lead events and activities, motivating them to take on leadership roles and develop their abilities.

Participation in AFJROTC fulfills Arlington High School’s physical education requirements and counts toward a student’s elective credits.

 

Leadership Development Academies:

Drill Team - Competes in drill and ceremony competitions, demonstrating precision marching and complex rifle or flag maneuvers. These teams perform both regulation drill, following strict military protocols, and exhibition drill, which showcases synchronized movements and creative rifle handling in a more stylized format.

Color Guard Team - An elite group of cadets responsible for honoring and presenting the US and other flags at various ceremonial events, including school events, community events, parades, and competitions. Cadets are trained in marching and flag handling procedures. The team upholds military traditions and represents the AFJRTOC unit with pride and professionalism.

PT Raiders Team - A highly demanding team that tests cadets’ physical endurance, mental toughness, teamwork, and leadership through a series of outdoor, adventure-based challenges and competitions. Team members participate in events that test not only physical strength but also mental fortitude through various obstacle courses and activities.

Drone Team - This team centers on hands-on experience with drone operation, programming, and STEM concepts through participation in structured aerial drone competitions. Members gain experience in piloting, coding, problem-solving, and teamwork while developing skills relevant to various drone-related career pathways.

Robotics Team - Cadets will design, build, and program robots to compete in various competitions. This team is student-led and focuses on STEM skills, fostering collaboration, problem-solving, and computational thinking essential for future careers in technology and automation.