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Glossary of JROTC Terms

BCO - Basic Cadet Orientation. This is a week-long orientation class for new cadets where they are introduced to the high school JROTC program, learn basic marching commands and meet senior JROTC cadets.

Cadet - A student enrolled in the JROTC program.

Flight - The group of high school JROTC cadets is broken up into several smaller groups, called flights. This coincides with the Air Force unit organizational structure where squadrons are broken out into flights, much like an army company is broken out by platoon.

Military Bearing - This refers to a cadet's posture, expression and behavior. A cadet demonstrates military bearing when he or she maintains the appropriate posture, facial expression, attire and self-controlled behavior.

PT - Physical Training (also called Physical Conditioning). This refers to the organized program for physical conditioning that the cadets follow. PT uniform consists of the grey Air Force t-shirt and shorts.

Rank, Awards and Ribbons - As cadets progress through the high school JROTC program they earn rank, awards and ribbons. Rank refers to their levels within the organization. As cadets earn higher ranks they take on greater leadership responsibilities over cadets with lower ranks. Awards are formal recognition for accomplishments or ongoing performance. In some instances, an award coincides with a ribbon - this is a rectangular, multi-colored device worn on the cadet's uniform on the left side of the chest.

Uniform of the Day - The Leadership Team will specify the uniform of the day, which is the precise combination of shirts, pants, ties, coats and/or utility uniforms that all cadets are expected to wear on that day.