Drill Team

The Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School Thunderbird Battalion Drill Team—also designated as the Territorial Cadet Guard of Alaska—is an elite U.S. Army JROTC unit renowned for military precision, synchronized drill, and championship-caliber discipline. Operating under the battalion’s defining motto, "Choose Greatness... Strive for Excellence!", the team represents the premier JROTC program in Alaska.  

Joining the drill team offers students far more than crisp uniforms and marching routines; it delivers an unparalleled foundation in team leadership, physical agility, and mental focus. Cadets earn the chance to compete on the national stage—having captured titles such as the Division 3-Armed Regulation Championship at the High School National Drill Championships in Daytona Beach—giving members travel opportunities across the country while representing Alaska. Beyond competitions, you become part of a tight-knit family that fosters academic growth, civic pride, and lifelong confidence that stands out on college and job applications.