Syllabus

PURPOSE: The JROTC program prepares high school cadets for responsible leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities and privileges as American citizens. The program emphasizes and reinforces the importance of a high school diploma as a first step in achieving a successful career.

MISSION: The mission of the JROTC program is to “Motivate young people to become better citizens”.

SCOPE: The JROTC Program is a cooperative effort on the part of the Army and Westfield High School to provide secondary school students the opportunity for total development. The Program of Instruction provides up to 4 years of elective credit toward a high school diploma and covers such topics as Leadership Theory, Foundations for Success, Citizenship, Fitness and First Aid. Students that take JROTC receive ½ PE credit per semester for a maximum of 1 ½ PE credits total. Successful completion of the program can also lead to advanced placement credit in the Senior ROTC program or to advanced rank in the armed forces.

CLASS SCHEDULES:

MONDAY-TUESDAY

• Class (Tuesday Uniform Day)

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY

• Leadership Lab (Drills, Ceremonies and Military Courtesies)

FRIDAY

• Physical Training / Fun Day

OVERALL PROGRAM DESIRED LEARNING OUTCOMES 

1. Appreciation of the ethical values and principles that underlie good citizenship. These values include integrity, responsibility and the respect for constituted authority.

2. Development of leadership potential with the ability to live and work cooperatively with others.

3. Ability to think logically and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

4. Appreciation the importance of physical fitness in maintaining good health.

5. Knowledge of the effects and danger of substance abuse, ways to resist pressures to try drugs, and how to help others to avoid them.

6. Development of mental management abilities including goal setting, time management, and problem-solving techniques.

7. Knowledge of educational and vocational opportunities and the development of basic skills necessary to work effectively as a member of a team.

EVALUATION OF CADETS

Cadets will be evaluated on a weekly basis as follows:

Academics: Normally, cadets will be evaluated for an academic grade each 9-week period in 4 separate areas as follows:

• ACADEMICS (25%):  Textbook material, written and oral quizzes and tests

• LEADERSHIP (15%): Hands-on performance-oriented tasks

• UNIFORM WEAR (40%):  Proper wear of the uniform

• CONDUCT/PARTICIPATION (20):  Cadet behavior, preparation , participation in class

When a cadet is absent from class, it is the cadet’s responsibility to determine what was missed and to arrange with the instructor to make up the work PRIOR to the end of the 6-week period. If a cadet fails a major test/evaluation, it is the responsibility of that cadet to arrange with the instructor to retake the test for a passing grade PRIOR to the end of the grade period.

Cadets receive ½ credit per semester for Physical Education; therefore, cadets must comply with JROTC physical training requirements.

PROMOTION/ADVANCEMENT

Junior ROTC utilizes a military-type organization through which leadership principles and skills are taught and exercised. Many facets of JROTC are cadet-led and most activities involve the successful completion of a task through teamwork. Cadets are evaluated on their demonstrated leadership potential and teamwork skills and are recommended for promotion by the cadet chain of command. Promotions will be approved by JROTC instructors.

MERIT SYSTEM

The JROTC Department uses a merit system to reward cadets who participate in JROTC extra-curricular activities. Merits count towards both the Academic Grade and cadet promotions/advancement.

EXPECTATIONS OF CADETS

Each cadet is expected to:

• Attend class on a regular basis.

• Be prepared for the scheduled class training. You MUST BRING YOUR NOTEBOOK/WRITING SUPPLIES AND UTILIZE EVERY class period.Take notes, practice, and study for all scheduled evaluations. STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE!

• Maintain a positive attitude and participate in scheduled training. If you are physically unable to participate in scheduled training, you will need to bring a parent/guardian or school nurse signed note. For an extended period, you will need to provide a signed medical evaluation

• Wear the proper JROTC uniform with pride on scheduled uniform wear days. If a cadet is absent on a uniform wear day, the cadet can make it up during the following week for full credit. If a cadet is present on uniform wear day but not in uniform, they must make it up within the next five school days. The first day following the scheduled uniform wear day is only for 70%. For each day that passes, another 10% is deducted. Cadets are responsible for the cleanliness and proper maintenance of all uniforms in their possession in addition to the proper grooming standard in order to receive full credit on grade book.

• Set a positive behavior standard in EVERY class period (not just in JROTC). Be aware that the JROTC staff works in conjunction with other teachers to ensure your behavior meets the standard. Disciplinary infractions in non-JROTC classes can impact the cadet’s JROTC Leadership grade

• Be a team player.

• Be individually responsible for coordinating and completing any required make-up work prior to the end of the 6-week period. (JROTC instructors will not chase you down for make-up work or missed work) – that is your responsibility. “Incompletes” will change to “zeros” at the end of the grade period.

Because an organization is only as strong as its weakest link and the success of an organization depends on the positive input of each of its members, EVERY cadet is expected to participate in each of the following 4 unit events: (1) the annual fundraiser, (2) the Homecoming Parade, (3) Military Skills Meet, (4) the Annual JROTC Banquet. Treat yourself and your fellow cadets with dignity and respect.

The requirement for hair grooming standards is necessary to maintain uniformity within a military population. Many hairstyles are acceptable, as long as they are neat and conservative. It is not possible to address every acceptable hairstyle, or what constitutes eccentric or conservative grooming. It is the responsibility of leaders at all levels to exercise good judgment in the enforcement of Army policy. All cadets will comply with the hair, fingernail, and grooming policies while in any military uniform regardless of the school grooming standard.

Leaders judge the appropriateness of a particular hairstyle by the appearance of headgear when worn. Cadets will wear headgear as described in the applicable chapters of AR 670-1. Headgear will fit snugly and comfortably, without distorted or excessive gaps. Cadets may not wear hairstyles that do not allow proper wear of headgear.

Extreme, eccentric, or trendy haircuts or hairstyles are not authorized. If cadets use dyes, tints, or bleaches, they must choose those that result in natural hair colors. Colors that detract from a professional military appearance are prohibited. Cadets should avoid using colors that result in an extreme appearance. Applied hair colors that are prohibited include, but are not limited to purple, blue, pink, green, orange, bright (fire engine) red, and fluorescent or neon colors. It is the responsibility of leaders to use good judgment in determining if applied colors are acceptable, based upon the overall effect on the soldier's appearance.

For more information about the grooming policy please see it in our website. 

TRANSPORTATION:

Parent or Guardian indemnifies indemnities and holds them, their agents, and instrumentalities, employees and successors harmless from any and all torts, claims, loss, damage, injury or other casualty, whatsoever to the above named cadet or to any other party, person or property, caused or occasioned by the use of any such facilities or equipment or in transporting any persons to or from the said facilities or domicile, whether due to imperfection in said facilities or equipment, negligence of Indemnity, or other person or party, or for any other cause.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

LAB FEE – Each cadet will be required to pay a $25.00 JROTC Lab Fee within the initial 2 weeks of enrollment. This lab fee covers the cost of accident insurance to cadets participating in adventure training activities, State Park entrance fees and replacement costs for expendable supplies used by cadets. Failure to pay the Lab Fee can result in termination from JROTC. A required for school functions, a Unit Shirt is available for $10.00 (Fees Non-Refundable).

In order to participate in JROTC, each cadet MUST provide a signed “Parental Release and Statement of Health” form (issued to the cadet during the first week of enrollment) within 30 days of enrollment. Cadets not returning the form within 2 weeks will not be allowed to participate in training until the form is returned or the cadet is terminated. Cadets must also return a signed “Waiver of Responsibility/Media Release” form in order to participate in Obstacle Course, Leadership Reaction, Rappelling, Climbing Wall, Zip Line and Marksmanship training, additionally to photograph your child and use for school related activities.

• Cadets will be issued the JROTC uniform at no cost to the cadet (with the exception that male cadets must provide a plain white crew-neck t-shirt). Each cadet will initial/sign for all issued clothing and equipment and will be held financially responsible for missing items. Only under unique circumstances (hurricane, fire, etc) does “LOST” waive financial responsibility (LOST usually means “I was irresponsible and left it somewhere”).

• Cadets will be responsible for maintaining the uniform in a CLEAN, PRESSED, and SERVICEABLE condition throughout the year.

• The uniform will be turned in at the end of the year. The uniform will be worn as scheduled. The JROTC uniform is not authorized for wear for non-JROTC activities.

• Cadets must maintain the school-issued daily planner throughout the year and bring it to class; that is a graded requirement.

• Cadets must participate in scheduled Leadership Lab activities and Physical Fitness training unless specifically excused as a result of medical evaluation. A signed doctor’s evaluation must be provided.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Extra-curricular team practices may be scheduled on Monday thru Thursday afternoons from 1430-1630 hrs.

MERIT AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Merit Ribbon: Any cadet who has received an accumulated total of fifteen (15) or more merits will qualify for an award of the LD-1, LD-2, LD-3, or LD-4 Merit Ribbon as appropriate. For each additional fifteen (15) merits, a lamp of knowledge or a combination of lamps of knowledge will be awarded for the appropriate merit ribbon. The procedure for awarding lamps of knowledge is explained in paragraph 1 b, Section VII of this handbook. 

Commendation Ribbon: Any cadet who has earned an accumulated total of ninety-five (95) or more merits will be awarded the Commendation Ribbon in addition to the merit ribbon awards.

Merit Trophies: A cadet may qualify for an award of a merit trophy if he or she can meet the criteria specified in paragraph 3 e, Section VII of this handbook.

SCHOOL LETTER JACKET:

The basic criteria that must be satisfied to be eligible to receive a school letter jacket is the completion of two – three years in the Junior year of the ROTC program. If otherwise qualified, the jacket will be awarded as early as practicable during the cadet’s fourth year in the corps. The School will setup dates where the paperwork and sizes will be taken to process order. In addition to the basic criteria, the cadet must have accumulated a total of 350 merits in JROTC and must have occupied a position of leadership (platoon sergeant or above) for at least one (1) semester.

1st 9-WEEK Period

• Leadership Principles

• Study Skills

• Decision-making

• Communication Skills

• Citizenship Skills

• Drill and Ceremony

• Physical Fitness

2nd 9-WEEK Period

• Leadership Principles

• Problem-solving

• Time Management

• First Aid / Drug Abuse

• Geography and Earth Science

3rd 9-WEEK Period

• Success Profiler

• Portfolios

• Marksmanship

• Drill and Ceremony

• Physical Fitness

4th 9-WEEK Period

• Citizenship

• American History Career Planning

• Drill and Ceremony

• Physical Fitness

• Topics related to preparation for Summer Camp

JROTC Army LET 1

This laboratory course is designed to introduce students to the history, customs, traditions and purpose of the Army Junior ROTC program. It teaches students strategies to maximize their potential for success through learning and self management. Basic leadership skills to include leadership principles, values and attributes and communications skills are integrated throughout the course. High schools students develop an understanding of learning styles preferences, multiple intelligences, emotional intelligence and study skills. These self assessments will enable students to be self directed learners. The Junior ROTC curriculum is enhanced through physical fitness activities, extracurricular and co-curricular activities that support the core employability skills standards and McRel academic standards. 

JROTC Army LET 2

This laboratory course is designed to build on the self discovery skills sets taught in JROTC 1. As self directed learners, students study the fundamentals citizenship skills, the foundation of the American political system and our Constitution. Personal responsibility and wellness is reinforced by diet, nutrition and physical fitness activities. Drug and alcohol awareness and prevention are reinforced. Students are placed in leadership roles that enable them to demonstrate an understanding of basic leadership principles, values and attributes. The Junior ROTC curriculum is enhanced through physical fitness activities, extracurricular and co-curricular activities that support the core employability skills standards and McRel academic standards.

JROTC Army LET 3

This laboratory course is designed to build on the leadership experiences developed during JROTC Army 1 and 2. Basic command and staff principles are introduced to provide an overview of organizational roles and responsibilities. Leadership strategies, managing conflict, leading others, planning and communications skills are evaluated to improve organizational effectiveness.   Career planning is investigated. The Junior ROTC curriculum is enhanced through physical fitness activities, extracurricular and co-curricular activities that support the core employability skills standards and McRel academic standards.

JROTC Army LET 4

This laboratory course provides an introductory overview of the organizational and leadership structure in the Department of Defense and the Department of the Army. It provides instruction on leadership styles and practical time to experience leadership theories and the basic principles of management. Through self assessment, students determine their skill sets and develop lesson plans for peer teaching. The Junior ROTC curriculum is enhanced through physical fitness activities, extracurricular and co-curricular activities that support the core employability skills standards and McRel academic standards.

Core Competency 

The JROTC core competencies describe the broad, life-long skills that every Cadet needs for success in all career fields and life roles in the community. They are drawn from the overall goals and values that drive the JROTC program. The core competencies are linked to other lessons in order to integrate and implement them throughout the JROTC curriculum. In each lesson, the core competency will be introduced, facilitated, taught, reinforced, evaluated, and assessed. Every student should know and understand all of the core competencies, as they are essential, value-added skills that every employer seeks. The goal is for every Cadet to graduate high school and pursue post education, higher learning (college/university/technical) or be able to choose other options and alternatives to become a productive Citizen..

Examples of core competencies are:

- Take responsibility for your actions and choices.

- Apply critical thinking techniques.

- Communicate using verbal, non-verbal, visual, and written techniques.

- Build your capacity for life-long learning.

- Do your share as a good citizen in your school, community, country and the world.

- Treat self and others with respect.

PLANNED ACTIVITIES:

The Mustangs Battalion is planning to participate in four Orienteering Meets, six Drill Meets, a Veteran’s Day Program, the Homecoming Parade, the Annual JROTC Banquet, a Service Learning Project, conduct a Battalion Field Meet, a Battalion Review, and cadet support to High School and Community events as requested.