Cadet Grade/Promotions. The cadet promotion system promotes cadets to permanent grades commensurate with the number of years successfully completed in AFJROTC. It also promotes cadets to temporary grades to fill cadet jobs, and it promotes exceptional performers. The cadet job assignment system places cadets in leadership positions where they can demonstrate and refine their leadership skills. Promotions and assignments are not based solely on past performance but on the cadet's potential and willingness to assume jobs of increased responsibility. Promotions are tied to leadership position assignments. Here a cadet will learn from challenges and be able to perfect their decision-making abilities. Promotion cycles occur at the end of each academic semester for promotion eligible cadets.
General. Promotion provides constant challenges and motivation to members of the active Air Force. Experience has shown that promotion also commands attention and respect from members of AFJROTC. This attention and respect is proper since the insignia of promotion is visible evidence of progression and good standing. Further, rank is evidence of growing maturity, and the ability and willingness to accept additional responsibility. It shows growth of leadership and the ability to direct others toward the achievement of objectives.
Promotions in GA-958 are based on AFJROTC academics, conduct on and off-campus, job performance, athletic prowess, commitment to community service, and interest in leadership development requirements. Promotion eligibility is based on the "whole person" concept and includes but is not limited to academic excellence, teamwork, cooperation with instructors and other cadets, uniform wear and personal appearance, physical conditioning, school, community, and corps involvement, and conduct. Doing well in one area and failing in another is unacceptable for those cadets aspiring for promotion. One must excel in all areas.
The promotion system is patterned after the active Air Force and conforms to guidance provided by Headquarters AFJROTC. The following provisions apply --
There are two kinds of rank a cadet may hold -- permanent rank and temporary rank.
Permanent Rank. This rank is awarded based on cadet performance on promotion tests. Permanent ranks are awarded at the end of each academic semester for those cadets who remain promotion eligible and who pass the requisite promotion exam.
Additionally, to wear permanent officer ranks, a cadet must complete an approved AFJROTC leadership camp or equivalent. Credit attending a five-day cadet leadership course (CLC) approved by Headquarters AFJROTC is grounds for -- but is no guarantee of -- promotion to the rank of Cadet Second Lieutenant. Credit for attending other leadership courses not recognized by Headquarters AFJROTC will be considered by the SASI and the ASI on a case-by-case basis.
Temporary Rank. The only temporary ranks that will be assigned throughout the school year will be Cadet Colonel, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel, and Cadet Major for the cadet corps commander, deputy corps commander(s), and squadron commanders respectively. Upon completion of their time in the position, they will revert to the rank of Cadet Captain if they do not graduate at the end of their tenure.
Normally, third and fourth year cadets will fill cadet commander positions and NCO positions can be filled by second year cadets. Based on the corps composition, exceptions may be made by the SASI. Consideration is given for previous military experience in other JROTC units as well as superior ability and enthusiasm.
Normally, a cadet will not hold a rank higher than that authorized for the position assigned; however, if a cadet holds two positions of different rank authorization then the higher rank will be worn. Exceptions may be made. As a form of appreciation, fourth year cadets are permitted to retain the highest grade held for the last semester of their senior year. Retention of the higher temporary rank will occur ONLY if reassigned from that position to accommodate the cadet rotation system. The SASI can modify this rank retention policy for disciplinary reasons.
The corps organizational chart reflects a limited number of authorized leadership positions. To give every cadet an opportunity to experience an active leadership role, a rotation system will be utilized when appropriate. Rotation may be laterally (moving to another leadership position of the same rank), or vertically (moving to a higher or lower rank). Every cadet MUST UNDERSTAND AND COOPERATE with the rotation system to obtain maximum leadership training. Each cadet will give his or her successor the same degree of loyalty and respect that he or she sought while holding that position. During a cadet's tenure in the corps, he or she will experience both being a follower and a leader on an alternating basis and therefore must be flexible and responsive to unit needs. When in a leadership position, LEAD, and when not, FOLLOW. Cadet Records. All probation letters, promotion, demotion, notification letters, and orders are filed in the cadet’s personal record and in WINGS. Cadets leaving or transferring to another school must have the gaining unit request the cadet’s file through the SASI or ASI.