Program Information

The CA-782nd Air Force Junior ROTC program located at Valencia High School is open to students enrolled at Valencia High, West Ranch High, and Saugus High Schools. The program is offered by the Hart High School District through a contract with the Air Force in which costs and responsibilities for the program are shared.

Through the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, cadets become leaders, better citizens, more confident, self-reliant, and self-disciplined. The Aerospace Science curriculum explores the civilian, industrial, and military aspects of aerospace science and history.

Cadets are involved in dozens of extracurricular activities each year. Cadets organize three major formal events for themselves: the traditional military Dining In, the Military Ball, and the end of year Awards Banquet. Field trips to local military bases, community service projects, and fundraisers are also common activities.

Cadets have the opportunity to join competition teams as well. The cadet corps has several sword, unarmed drill, rifle drill, and color guard teams. These teams compete in an average of six to eight competitions per year, and the best are able to compete at the Air Force Academy in Colorado.

The cadet corps hosts an annual summer encampment. This leadership training program is two weeks long and is hosted at a military base. Leadership, followership, character, physical fitness, self-discipline, teamwork, and confidence are stressed. Training days are long and filled with many activities.

Instructor Information

The program is taught by retired Air Force Personnel. The Senior Aerospace Science Instructor is Captain Edward A. Colley. Capt Colley first entered active duty in 1976 when he enlisted in the Army and trained as a cryptologist and radio communications intelligence analyst. He served for nearly three years in Germany during the Cold War. After separating from the Army, Colley earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering and joined the Air Force. While on active duty in the Air Force, Colley served in New York, Ohio, Texas, and Colorado; he earned his Masters of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. Captain Colley’s final assignment was to Germany as the Senior Engineer for the European Space Systems Ground Site in Germany where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Capt Colley retired from active duty in 1995 and was hired by the Hart District. Capt Colley holds a valid California Teaching Credential and a public school Administrative Credential.

-Captain Colley-