We receive many questions from curious parents and students, so we have some of the most common questions answered below!
What is JROTC?
JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) is a high school program that specializes in teaching leadership and responsibility.
Cadets in this program have the opportunity to participate in countless volunteer events for the school, as well as the city, providing a service to the community. Students may take this class in place of Physical Education for twice the course credits.
JROTC is commonly misconceived as a military recruitment program, which is far from the true goal of this class. Its goal is to allow young students to build strong leadership skills along with personal responsibility skills, and to allow students to create a supportive community of peers for the benefit of themselves, their own future, and those around them.
By enrolling in JROTC, are you joining the army?
No. Although this is a common misinterpretation of the program, cadets (students in JROTC) are just regular high school students and have no military obligation whatsoever. The connections JROTC has with the Army lie in the uniform, drill activities, and funding. However, it is always up to you to pursue a military career later down the line, and we will never pressure you or necessitate you to join the army.
Is JROTC like a "Boot Camp"?
No, JROTC is just like any other high school course. We use textbooks, have tests, and learn in a classroom environment. Further, cadets participate in moderate physical training once a week on designated PT (physical training) days, but these activities are dissimilar to anything one might find themselves doing in any Boot Camp.
How much time does JROTC take up, weekly?
JROTC cadets are only required to come to class during class-time, just like in any other High School subject. Cadets can choose to devote additional time and energy to the program by joining various the JROTC teams available to join, such as Color Guard, Drum Corps, Orienteering, or Raiders. In addition, cadets can volunteer. Joining these teams, or volunteering, is recommended but not required.
Further, with each successive year spent in JROTC, more responsibilities are given to the cadet during class, including learning to lead drill, tutoring younger cadets, or taking upon the responsibilities of the cadet staff and command. This being said, in the end, each individual cadet determines independently how much time they wish to spend with JROTC.
How can a student benefit from taking JROTC?
JROTC can:
Teach time-management strategies.
 Increase the student's interest and pride in their school, community and country.
Teach the student self-confidence, self-discipline, and leadership.
Gives the student a sense of belonging and self-achievement.
Help the student to apply teamwork and leadership skills in real life.
Provide extracurricular and team activities.
Recognize the students' efforts and success in JROTC and outside of JROTC.
Teach the student real-life skills that they can use beyond high school including first aid, nutrition information and skills relating to community service.
What High School requirements does JROTC provide you with?
Being an elective course, JROTC will allow you to earn 5 credits. Should you choose to partake in the Physical Education Independent Study (PEIS), you can earn an additional 5 credits for PE.
If you decide to join a special team, you will earn another 5 credits for being in drill lab (the official term for being in a JROTC team).
How much is the uniform?
JROTC will provide the uniform at no cost to the student and will cover the costs of awards, name tags and ranks.
How many times does a student have to wear their uniform?
Cadets are required to wear their uniform once every other week. However, there are some (non-mandatory) events where we ask these students to wear their uniform; such as during parades, drill competitions, Color Guard events, and more.
Who can join JROTC?
JROTC is open to all students, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, and citizenship.