Why JROTC?
"I wanted to thank you for everything you both have done for my son over the years,. We truly appreciate it. When we first met with Sgt Major in 8th grade, all I wanted you to do was get in my son's face to scare the military out of him. Now, I couldn't be prouder of the man he has become and wouldn't want anything else for him because the military is truly what he was meant to do. As a Henrico employee, I'm very proud of the amazing program that we have at Tucker. "
R. Mikell
"Gentlemen, with my youngest of three kids now graduated from Tucker and MCJROTC, I would like to extend my deep and sincere gratitude for all that you, your predecessors, and the program has done for my kids and by extension, me. You have positively influenced, impacted, molded and guided my kids through high school and well beyond. That influence is still very evident in all three of them, in their bearing, maturity, respect for others and themselves, and the way they conduct themselves. The MCJROTC is one of the best, if not the best, endeavors they undertook in high school. So thanks again for all you have done and continue to do for Tucker’s students."
W. Bassett
Per U.S. Code Title 10, Subtitle A, Part III, Chapter 102, Section 2031: The purpose of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) is to instill in students in United States secondary educational institutions the values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment.
At J.R. Tucker High School's Marine Corps JROTC program, we combine the above purpose into three foundational pillars: leadership, character, and citizenship development.
Through leadership, character, and citizenship development, cadets receive the "life-skills" necessary to be successful both during high school and after, be it enlistment, employment, education, or some combination of what Henrico County Public Schools refers to as the "Three E's."
Program goals:
Develop leadership and build character.
Create informed, patriotic, and responsible citizens.
Develop responsible young adults who are physically, mentally, and morally fit.
Develop informed and civic-minded young adults prepared for higher education, civilian careers, and public service.
Instill self-discipline, respect, and responsibility through military-related subjects and activities.
We also offer cadets the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Cadets represent the U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Corps JROTC, and J.R. Tucker High School. We like to think of our 150+ cadets as a big extended family – a place for everyone. Our program has numerous teams to join or events and activities to be involved with. Examples include but are not limited to: competing as a member of our Marine Corps JROTC national championship winning Academic Team, our Drill Team and Color Guard, our Marksmanship Team (air rifles), and our physical training team, or participating in our Marine Corps birthday and Veterans Day ceremonies, community service events, leadership camps, and field trips to various locations.
Please visit the Outside of the Classroom page to learn more about the many additional opportunities available.
Who can become a J.R. Tucker MCJROTC cadet?
Candidates for enrollment must be at least 14 years old, in "average" (2.0 Grade Point Average) academic standing, have very few disciplinary infractions, be in "good" health and at a moderate level of physical fitness, and live in the J.R Tucker H.S. district or obtain an approved variance (A variance may be applied for from outside of the J.R. Tucker district if your school does not provide a JROTC program. See the Forms page for more variance related information.). Most importantly a potential cadet must possess a genuine desire to be part of a unique high school experience and have a personal willingness to comply with program regulations. Whether or not our cadets follow high school or college with service to our great nation, they will be better informed citizens for having been part of this program. Successful completion of the MCJROTC program does not guarantee acceptance in the U.S. Armed Forces nor does participation result in an obligation to serve in the military.
Who are some of our cadets?
There is no single type of J.R. Tucker student that defines a MCJROTC cadet. J.R. Tucker MCJROTC cadets participate in a wide array of school activities, clubs, sports teams, academic organizations, etc. For example, some of our cadets are members of the marching band, serve as the Student Council representatives, are active in the Dungeons and Dragons Club, or are members of the track & field, football, baseball, field hockey or other teams. However, some cadets aren't involved in any extracurriculur activities, while some only participate in MCJROTC teams. See the Outside of the Classroom and MCJROTC Teams pages to learn more.
What do you learn in MCJROTC?
At J.R. Tucker, our MCJROTC program is an elective known as "Military Science" and is split into four levels of Leadership Education based on how many years the cadet has been in the program (LE I-IV). Our curriculum consists of core (mandatory) classes and electives. All cadets receive instruction on leadership, citizenship, personal growth and responsibilities, public service and career exploration, and other general military subjects. See the During Class page to learn more about what we do in class.
Why JROTC? Videos by Cadets...
Why JROTC? Hear from Sgt. Maj. Cauley, Cadets Sgt. Ali and PFC Rustemovic...
20230503_083122.mp4Why JROTC? Hear from the Cadets...
Are you in ACA? Hear from Maliha Chowdhury on why ACA students should join JROTC.
2nd Lt Chowdhury.MOV