Cadet Leadership

MCJROTC Cadet Duties and Responsibilities

1. Billet Duties and Responsibilities

Each cadet is expected to seek opportunities to accept responsibility and perform the duties necessary to ensure that their assigned billet functions effectively. Cadet leaders are expected to take initiative, solve problems, communicate effectively, and hold themselves and others accountable.

The primary responsibility of every cadet officer and noncommissioned officer is to establish and maintain the highest possible standards of performance, conduct, leadership, and professionalism.

Cadets assigned to leadership positions are expected to lead by example. They must demonstrate the character, discipline, knowledge, appearance, and work ethic expected of those they lead.

2. Responsibilities of All Cadets

Every Culpeper County MCJROTC cadet represents themselves, their family, their JROTC unit, their school, and their community.

Cadets are expected to:

• Conduct themselves with courtesy, respect, professionalism, and integrity.

• Maintain high standards of personal appearance, grooming, and hygiene.

• Wear the MCJROTC uniform correctly and with pride.

• Follow all applicable school and MCJROTC rules, policies, and regulations.

• Follow lawful instructions and perform assigned duties to the best of their ability.

• Demonstrate accountability for their actions, decisions, and responsibilities.

• Treat fellow cadets, instructors, faculty, staff, and members of the community with dignity and respect.

• Maintain the highest standards of conduct whether in uniform or civilian attire.

Because cadets represent the MCJROTC program whenever they wear the uniform, their conduct directly reflects upon themselves, their families, their school, their unit, and the Marine Corps.

The standard is simple: Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.

3. Promotions and Leadership Assignments

Cadet promotions and leadership assignments are based on demonstrated performance, academic achievement, leadership ability, character, conduct, and participation in the MCJROTC program.

Cadets selected for leadership positions are expected to demonstrate:

• A positive attitude and willingness to lead.

• Consistent participation and support of the MCJROTC program.

• Strong academic performance.

• Demonstrated leadership ability.

• Initiative and sound judgment.

• Professional conduct and appearance.

• The ability to communicate effectively.

• A willingness to accept additional responsibility and accountability.

Cadet officers and senior noncommissioned officers are expected to set the example for their subordinates. Leadership billets require additional time, effort, preparation, and commitment.

Promotion is earned through demonstrated performance, not simply awarded because of time in grade.

Cadets who consistently fail to meet the standards or perform the responsibilities of their assigned billet may be reassigned, relieved of their billet, or reduced in rank in accordance with applicable MCJROTC policies and instructor guidance.

4. Company Commander — Captain

The Company Commander is responsible for everything the company does or fails to do. The Company Commander is accountable for the company's training, efficiency, discipline, administration, morale, and welfare.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior cadet leader and primary representative of the company.

• Establish and maintain high standards of leadership, conduct, and performance.

• Plan, organize, and supervise company activities.

• Coordinate with the Senior Marine Instructor, Marine Instructor, and company staff.

• Ensure company leadership effectively communicates information to all cadets.

• Monitor the performance of subordinate leaders.

• Conduct company formations, meetings, and leadership briefings as directed.

• Prepare correspondence and official communications to parents, teachers, cadets, and school personnel as directed.

• Ensure the company accomplishes assigned missions and training requirements.

Leadership Expectations

The Company Commander should be:

• A professional representative of the MCJROTC program.

• An excellent planner and organizer.

• An effective communicator.

• Knowledgeable of unit operations and procedures.

• A role model for all cadets.

• Capable of representing the MCJROTC program in a professional manner.

The Company Commander should be the face of the company and an example for the entire MCJROTC program.

5. Executive Officer — First Lieutenant

The Executive Officer (XO) is the second-in-command of the company and serves as the principal coordinator of company staff activities.

The XO:

• Assists the Company Commander in the execution of all company responsibilities.

• Coordinates the activities of company staff.

• Maintains awareness of all company activities and training.

• Monitors staff progress and follows up on assigned tasks.

• Assists with planning and execution of company training.

• Performs duties assigned by the Company Commander.

• Assumes command of the company in the absence of the Company Commander.

• Ensures continuity between company leadership and subordinate platoons.

The XO should be organized, proactive, dependable, and capable of assuming command when required.

6. Company First Sergeant — 1stSgt

The Company First Sergeant is the senior enlisted cadet within the company and serves as the principal enlisted advisor to the Company Commander.

The First Sergeant is responsible for assisting the Company Commander with:

• Discipline and accountability.

• Cadet conduct and standards.

• Company morale and esprit de corps.

• Formations and daily routines.

• Communication with platoon sergeants and subordinate leaders.

• Monitoring the performance and welfare of enlisted cadets.

• Ensuring standards are understood and enforced consistently.

The First Sergeant should maintain a high level of proficiency in drill, ceremonies, color guard, and other areas of unit operations.

The First Sergeant is expected to be a visible leader and a role model for all enlisted cadets.

7. Company Gunnery Sergeant — GySgt

The Company Gunnery Sergeant is responsible for supporting the company's logistics, supply, equipment, and maintenance requirements.

The Company GySgt:

1. Plans, coordinates, and supervises the storage, issue, maintenance, and recovery of supplies and equipment.

2. Maintains accountability of assigned equipment and custody records.

3. Coordinates logistical support for training and special events.

4. Identifies equipment shortages, deficiencies, and maintenance requirements.

5. Assists with planning and tracking resources required for training activities.

6. Coordinates with the Supply Officer/NCO and instructors to ensure proper accountability of unit property.

8. Company Guide

The Company Guide assists the company leadership with formations, ceremonies, and company movement.

The Company Guide:

• Assists with company formations and ceremonies.

• Supports the training and assignment of cadets participating in Color Guard.

• Assists with ceremonial commitments.

• Ensures assigned flags and guidons are properly handled and displayed.

• Coordinates with the Color Guard leadership as directed.

• Assists with the proper raising and lowering of the school's national flag when assigned.

9. Platoon Commander

The Platoon Commander is responsible for everything the platoon does or fails to do and is accountable for the platoon's training, efficiency, discipline, administration, morale, and welfare.

The Platoon Commander:

• Leads and supervises the platoon.

• Coordinates planning with the Company Staff.

• Prepares and publishes weekly training schedules as directed.

• Plans and coordinates inspections, evaluations, and tests.

• Schedules, assigns, and monitors ceremonial commitments.

• Develops Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&M) for assigned training events.

• Monitors platoon performance and accountability.

• Ensures platoon leaders and NCOs understand their responsibilities.

• Communicates company guidance to the platoon.

• Provides feedback to company leadership regarding platoon performance.

The Platoon Commander is expected to lead by example and maintain a professional relationship with all cadets.

10. Platoon Sergeant

The Platoon Sergeant is the second-in-command of the platoon and is the senior enlisted leader within the platoon.

The Platoon Sergeant:

• Assists the Platoon Commander with all aspects of platoon supervision and control.

• Assumes command of the platoon in the absence of the Platoon Commander.

• Conducts accountability and daily formations.

• Ensures cadets are prepared for daily training.

• Trains and develops subordinate cadet leaders.

• Maintains communication with squad leaders.

• Monitors discipline, appearance, and conduct.

• Tracks and manages platoon support taskings.

• Ensures assigned tasks are completed on time.

• Reports significant issues and concerns to the Platoon Commander.

The Platoon Sergeant's primary responsibility is to ensure the platoon is trained, organized, accountable, and ready to accomplish its mission.

11. Supply Officer / Supply NCO

The Supply Officer and Supply NCO are responsible for the accountability, issuance, inventory, maintenance, and recovery of MCJROTC uniforms and equipment.

Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining accurate inventory records.

• Issuing uniforms and equipment to cadets.

• Conducting uniform and equipment inventories.

• Tracking issued property.

• Recovering uniforms and equipment when required.

• Identifying lost, damaged, or unserviceable equipment.

• Maintaining organized storage areas.

• Assisting with uniform fittings and exchanges.

• Coordinating with instructors regarding supply requirements.

The Supply NCO should normally be a Corporal or Sergeant, based on demonstrated ability and instructor recommendation.

12. Squad Leader

The Squad Leader is responsible for the cadets assigned to their squad and assists the Platoon Commander and Platoon Sergeant in accomplishing platoon activities.

The Squad Leader:

• Maintains accountability of assigned cadets.

• Ensures squad members are prepared for training.

• Enforces standards of conduct, appearance, and discipline.

• Provides instruction and mentorship to squad members.

• Communicates information from platoon leadership.

• Reports problems and concerns through the chain of command.

• Assists with training and development of junior cadets.

• Sets the example for assigned cadets.

13. Class Leader

The Class Leader is a temporary leadership position and is not part of the formal chain of command.

Every cadet will have the opportunity to serve as a Class Leader at least once during their time in the program. The position will rotate at the discretion of the MCJROTC instructors to provide maximum leadership opportunities while maintaining classroom continuity.

The purpose of the Class Leader position is to give cadets practical experience in:

• Communication.

• Accountability.

• Organization.

• Time management.

• Problem-solving.

• Leadership.

• Responsibility.

• Working with peers.

Class Leaders are expected to manage assigned responsibilities professionally and communicate effectively with the instructor and members of the class.

14. Drill Team

The Drill Team consists of cadets who demonstrate an interest in the discipline, precision, teamwork, and attention to detail developed through close-order drill and the manual of arms.

The Culpeper County MCJROTC Drill Program may include:

• Exhibition — Male

• Exhibition — Female

• Inspection Drill — Male, with weapons

• Inspection Drill — Female, with weapons

• Color Guard

• Other drill teams or categories as directed by the instructors

Drill Team members represent Culpeper County MCJROTC at ceremonies, community events, exhibitions, and competitions.

Drill Team members are expected to set the highest standards for the unit in:

• Discipline.

• Uniform appearance.

• Grooming.

• Drill proficiency.

• Teamwork.

• Professionalism.

• Performance.

• Esprit de corps.

15. Color Guard

The Color Guard is responsible for the professional presentation and handling of the Colors during ceremonies, parades, sporting events, competitions, and community functions.

The Color Guard may present:

• The United States Flag.

• The Commonwealth of Virginia Flag.

• The United States Marine Corps Colors.

• MCJROTC unit guidons.

Color Guard members are expected to demonstrate exceptional discipline, precision, professionalism, and respect for the Colors.

The Color Sergeant is responsible for:

• Scheduling Color Guard commitments.

• Training Color Guard members.

• Evaluating Color Guard performance.

• Maintaining accountability of Color Guard equipment.

• Coordinating ceremonial requirements.

• Supporting morning and evening Colors at Eastern View High School and Culpeper High School, as assigned.

16. Air Rifle / Marksmanship Team

The Air Rifle Team consists of cadets interested in developing marksmanship proficiency, concentration, discipline, safety, and teamwork.

Team members are expected to:

• Follow all range safety procedures.

• Demonstrate proper handling and care of equipment.

• Attend scheduled practices and competitions.

• Maintain appropriate academic and conduct standards.

• Develop technical proficiency through consistent practice.

• Demonstrate discipline, patience, and concentration.

• Represent Culpeper County MCJROTC professionally at competitions and events.

Safety is the team's highest priority.

17. Raiders Team

The Raiders Team provides cadets with an opportunity to develop physical fitness, teamwork, leadership, resilience, and confidence through challenging team-based events.

Raiders training is designed to challenge cadets physically and mentally while developing:

• Strength and endurance.

• Cardiovascular fitness.

• Teamwork.

• Communication.

• Problem-solving.

• Leadership under pressure.

• Resilience and perseverance.

• Confidence and esprit de corps.

Cadets participating on the Raiders Team are expected to maintain high standards of physical fitness, attendance, discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

The goal of the Raiders program is not simply to compete. It is to develop stronger, more confident, disciplined, and capable cadets who can perform as a team under challenging conditions.

18. Leadership Standard

Regardless of rank, billet, or team assignment, every cadet leader is expected to:

Lead by Example.
Know Your Responsibilities.
Take Initiative.
Communicate.
Hold Yourself Accountable.
Develop Those Around You.
Accomplish the Mission.

Leadership is not defined by the rank on a collar. Leadership is demonstrated through actions, character, competence, and the ability to make those around you better.

Cadets, if you want your picture on our website. Please fill out this form (Social Media Permission Form)