Q&A
How does the JROTC Competition differ from the Aerial Drone Competition?
JROTC Programs compete in the same missions, the same Qualifying Criteria, and are student-lead teams with the added benefit of being able to attend JROTC Invitationals.
Can a JROTC program partner with an existing drone program at our school?
Yes JROTC programs are encouraged to work in partnership with their existing school programs, but there are some rules that could apply.
- Army JROTC Programs are given the guidance that teams should be at least 50% cadets with the Flight Team being 100% Cadets
- Air Force teams are encouraged to meet, practice, and collaborate with their schools robotics program, but AFJROTC teams should be 100% cadets.
Is there an LOI or SOP for Army JROTC the Aerial Drone Competition?
Currently, there isn’t a LOI or SOP for the Aerial Drone Competition. Please consult with your brigade leadership for more details or contact JROTC@recf.org.
Where is the JROTC All-Service National Championship?
The JROTC All-Service National Championship for Mission 2026 will be May 22 - May 23, 2026 in Columbus, GA. The Agenda and more event details can be found on RECFEvents.org
How do JROTC Teams qualify to the National Championship?
JROTC teams may qualify for the JROTC All-Service National Championship by winning designated awards at regular season events. The awards that qualify are shown on the Awards tab of each event on RECFevents.org. Once qualified, teams will be able to register for the event, if there is capacity remaining. At the end of the season, teams may also be invited to fill any open spots based on their Global Skills Rankings earned during the season.
1. Qualifying Award
Winning a qualifying award at an official qualifying JROTC Invitational Event or a Local Qualifying Event. Qualifying awards include:
- All Around Championship at events with up to 18 teams
- Other awards may qualify at larger events.
2. Skills Ranking
If the JROTC All-Service National Championship is not filled to capacity through qualifying awards, teams may qualify through the World Skills Standings. Teams invited through the World Skills Standings are invited in ranked order approximately 6 weeks before the JROTC All-Service National Championship. Scores earned after this date will not be used to qualify teams to the JROTC All-Service National Championship.
3. Waitlist
If there is remaining capacity due to teams not accepting a formal invitation, the JROTC All-Service National Championship capacity may be lowered or teams may be invited from the Waitlist. This will be decided by the REC Foundation RSM. When inviting teams from the the waitlist, the REC Foundation RSM will give priority to:
- Teams from underrepresented areas
- Teams offering to support the event with volunteers or equipment
- The order in which teams waitlisted themselves
See the Qualifying Criteria for additional details.
Can JROTC Teams compete in both the JROTC All-Service National Championship and the Regional Championship in their home region?
Yes, if a JROTC team qualifies for both events they are encouraged to represent their program in both competitions.
If a school already has a team can they have a JROTC team with a different base number or must it have the same base number?
Having a different base number is the best route. We want the JROTC program to have their own base numbers.
Where can I get a signed 889 Form?
To get the most current 889 form, please contact JROTC@recf.org.