You hear the stomp of marching footsteps from study hall and you wonder what’s happening. The thump, thump, thump makes you question everything. Then, out of the corner of your eye, you see a line of navy blue and realize it is the Space Force JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) kids doing their drill practice. The class focuses on helping cadets grow as citizens, develop leadership skills, and learn the complex rankings of the Space Force. In addition, drill steps and aerospace travel are also a main focus which all culminate in the opportunity for students in the class to receive scholarships in the college-level ROTC programs or other programs.
The entire Space Force JROTC, organization closely follows the rankings and hierarchy of the Space Force, making promotions a main part of the class and how it functions. The higher the rank, the more authority and responsibility you have to cultivate a positive environment for your colleagues. In the latest set of promotions, 17 students were given staff positions to help keep the squadron working to the best of their abilities. Additionally, ranks within the individual flights (classes) were awarded such as Flight Sergeant, CHWP (Cadet Health & Wellness Program), and Logistics management. The Flight Sergeant helps lead the day-to-day for each flight including roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. On the other hand, the CHWP leads the PT (Physical Training) days and the Flight Logistics NCO (Non-Commanding Officer) handles any problems that might occur during training.
Promotions were awarded in each flight class on November 8 and 9 after the students worked to meet the specific requirements for each role and were recommended by their flight commander. These recommendations are only given to the Top 3 within the entire squadron and require approval for promotion from the Colonel and Sergeant. One of the best ways for the cadets to show initiative for promotion is by showing up after school as it helps the cadets to stand out to the top staff. As the top 3 want people who are active within the unit, especially for the staff positions for the flights and the entire squadron.
Promotions were awarded to:
– Cadet Sergeant Weslow to Cadet Senior Master Sergeant and given First Sergeant
– Cadet Specialist 3 Guiton to Cadet Master Sergeant and given Public Affairs Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge
– Cadet Specialist 3 Busigo to Cadet Sergeant and given Personnel Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge
-Cadet Specialist 2 Ortiz to Cadet Sergeant and given Special Projects NCO
-Cadet Specialist 2 Harvey to Cadet Technical Sergeant and given Alpha Flight Sergeant
-Cadet Sergeant Mulugeta to Cadet Technical Sergeant and given Bravo Flight Sergeant
-Cadet Specialist 4 Rosado to Cadet Technical Sergeant and given Charlie Flight Sergeant
-Cadet Specialist 1 Turner to Cadet Technical Sergeant and given Delta Flight Sergeant
-Cadet Specialist 1 Alverado to Cadet Technical Sergeant and given Echo Flight Sergeant
-Cadet Specialist 1 Sparks to Cadet Sergeant and given Alpha Flight Logistics NCO
-Cadet Specialist 3 Rossi to Cadet Sergeant and given Bravo Flight Logistics NCO
-Cadet Specialist 1 Scally to Cadet Sergeant and given Delta Flight Logistics NCO
-Cadet Specialist 1 Warren to Cadet Sergeant and given Alpha Flight CHWP NCO
-Cadet Specialist 1 Fisseha to Cadet Sergeant and given Bravo Flight CHWP NCO
-Cadet Specialist 1 Robinson to Cadet Sergeant and given Charlie Flight CHWP NCO
-Cadet Specialist 1 McGunagle to Cadet Sergeant and given Delta Flight CHWP NCO
-Cadet Specialist 1 Castillo to Cadet Sergeant and given Echo Flight CHWP NCO
Of the special staff positions, the First Sergeant is the highest enlisted and helps with the top 3’s duties and oversees the Special Projects team. The Special Projects NCO is on the special projects team and does miscellaneous tasks that need to be done. The Public Affairs NCOIC is the NCO of the Public Affairs team and helps to get stuff ready for when guests come and speak to the unit. The Personnel NCOIC assists the Personnel Officer and puts promotion and ribbon information into the unit’s data system, WINGS.
Special thanks to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Daly the Squadron Commander for his time talking to me about the unit and congratulations to the promoted cadets.
