Air force junior rotc vs CAP?

Question

I'm in high school and i want to attend the air force academy i know how hard it is but i want to try. but i was wondering what would be better to do should i join air force junior rotc or should i join civil air patrol which will benefit me the most. thanks in advance

Answer 1

Joining the AFJROTC program (if your high school offers it) would be the best option if you were wanting to eventually join the Air Force. The CAP is made up of volunteers and is usually found performing SAR and disaster relief missions. That is not to say that the CAP is not as good as the AFJROTC program for getting involved in aviation, but if the Air Force is your ultimate goal, you'll want to try the JROTC route.

Remember that if you are unable to make it into the Air Force Academy (very difficult, as you mentioned), you can still join a ROTC program in college and join the Air Force Reserves.

Answer 2

Definitely CAP.  If you are looking to fly, then it would be immensely helpful to get some free time with them.  It will also look great on your application to help you get in.  JROTC is basically just another bullet to toss on your resume to get in.  Less active involvement and leadership opportunities, and doesn't really do much for you in a military way either.    

Answer 3

I second the CAP route.

AFJROTC: Comprised of both dedicated people as well as all the clown-acts looking for some easy extra-curricular activity and credit in high school.  No flight time/training.  Very little actual leadership training in comparison with CAP.  Mainly a lot of marching where the ultimate event is the St. Patrick's day parade, wuhoo.

CAP: Has an actual mission.  As the USAF Auxiliary, executes search-and-rescue missions for downed aircraft where the AF cannot dedicate such resources.  Its cadet program develops young leaders and can provide those who are successful in it with flight experience if not training all the way to solo.  It also provides a foundation of aerospace education.  I have seen the plaque on the wall at the Academy that has all the CAP graduates on it.  I haven't seen the plaque with JROTC kids on it (if there is one) if that says anything.  I think there might also be leadership schools and summer activities available that take a few weeks.  However, if you are already around 18, you may be too far behind the power curve to make it happen – you'd just need to talk to someone in the CAP to see if it's workable.  http://www.cap.gov/visitors/members/cade...

In the active-duty military, I've seen tour groups come through the simulator from both JROTC and CAP groups.  Not to sound too harsh, but the JROTC groups are simply untrained un-interested kids (mostly), whereas the CAP groups are all deeply interested and educated young adults.  While your application won't shine above all others with one or the other, you should certainly pick one.  JROTC might be more convenient.  Sure, there are bad apples and dorks in both groups, but get your experience, get your training, meet new friends, and move onward.  You'll forget all about it by the time you're in the Academy.  And the Academy will be a faint memory when you're at the merge with another F-22.  Part of succeeding at anything in life involves surrounding yourself with like-minded people.  That's mainly why I would pick CAP over JROTC.  Good luck.

Answer 4

"Freshmen"

"I"

"Air Force Academy"

"Air force Junior ROTC"

"Civil Air Patrol"

Get ahead of the others by getting flight training on your own.

Neither JROTC nor CAP experience carries any weight with AF Academy recruiters.  --Might even be a disadvantage.