The mission of Air Force Junior ROTC is to "Develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community." Air Force Junior ROTC is not an USAF accessions program and cadets are never under any obligation to join the military. Air Force Junior ROTC is a Title 10 US Code mandated citizenship training program that is designed to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship, promote community service, instill personal responsibility, character, and self-discipline. The program achieves this through classroom education in air and space fundamentals and hands on learning opportunities in a number of fun and challenging extra-curricular activities. 

The Air Force Junior ROTC program is grounded in the Air Force core values of “integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.”