APPEARANCE & UNIFORMS

 

MCJROTC cadets must set and maintain the highest possible standards in uniform appearance. The military image reflected by attention to detail in wearing of the uniform is a key element in the public image of the unit.

When not in uniform, a proud cadet will still stand out. They will stand out in the crowd because, out of habit, they will exhibit the same neatness, cleanliness, immaculate grooming, erect posture, and feeling of pride and confidence that go with wearing the uniform. With pride comes esprit de corps (“spirit of a unit”), honor, and a good feeling for being a member of a first-class team.

Marine Corps standards of grooming do not allow eccentric or faddish styles of hair, facial hair, make-up/nail polish, jewelry, or eyeglasses. Eccentric and faddish individual appearances detract from uniformity and team identity. Because it is impossible to provide examples of every acceptable or unacceptable style of "conservative" or "eccentric/faddish" grooming and attire, the good judgment of Marines at all levels is key to enforcement of Marine Corps standards in this issue, as in other issues. The following definitions are provided to aide in the interpretation of these regulations:

- Eccentric. Departing from the established or traditional norm.

- Faddish. A transitory fashion adopted with wide enthusiasm.

- Conservative. Traditional in style.

- Inconspicuous. Not readily noticed or seen.

- Unsightly. Unpleasant or offensive to view.


HAIR (male)

Hair will be neat and closely trimmed. The hair may be clipped at the edges of the side and back and will be evenly graduated from zero length at the hairline in the lower portion of the head to the upper portion of the head. Block-style trimming of hair on the back of the head is not authorized. Hair will not be over 3” in length fully extended on the upper portion of the head. The back and sides of the head below the hairline may be shaved to remove body hair. Sideburns will not extend below the top of the orifice of the ear.

Sideburns. Sideburns will not be styled to taper or flare. The length of an individual hair of the sideburn will not exceed 1/8 inch when fully extended.

Facial / Chest Hair. The face will be clean shaven, except that a mustache may be worn neatly within the margins of the upper lip (see below). The individual length of a mustache hair must not exceed 1/4". Chest hair should not protrude above the collar of the shirt worn.


HAIR (female)

When in uniform, hair will be styled so as not to interfere with the proper wear of uniform headgear (see photos below for guidelines). Hair, which protrudes from beneath properly worn headgear in an unsightly manner, is considered excessive, regardless of length. Medium and long hair may be braided. Multiple braiding (more than two braids) is authorized. When worn, multiple braids shall be of uniform dimension, small in diameter (approx. 1/4 inch), show no more than 1/8 of an inch of scalp between the braids and must be tightly interwoven to present a neat, professional, well-groomed appearance. Foreign material (i.e., beads, decorative items) shall not be braided into the hair. Braids must continue to the end of the hair in one direction, in a straight line, and can be worn loose per medium hair length guidelines or secured to the head in the same manner as described for medium or long length hair styles. Ends shall be secured only with inconspicuous rubber bands. If multiple braids are worn they must encompass the whole head.


EARRINGS

Female cadets may wear small, polished earrings, ball or round stud type with all uniforms except camouflage. Earrings must not exceed 1/4 inch in diameter. Only one earring per ear is authorized. Earrings may not be worn while participating in parades, reviews or ceremonies.

*All other piercings and/or ornamentations to the face and/or body are prohibited for both male and female cadets while in & around the JROTC program

**Articles of religious/medical apparel are authorized, but will not be visible or apparent when worn with the uniform


NAILS

Nail length will be no longer than 1/4 inch from the tip of the finger. When worn in Service/Dress uniform, fingernail polish must be in shades of red (within the red spectrum, to include pinks and burgundies). Fingernails with multiple colors and decorative ornamentation are prohibited. Colored fingernail polish is not authorized for wear with the utility uniform.

*Male cadets will not wear nail polish, earrings or facial makeup while in uniform or in the MCJROTC classroom. Female cadets will not wear makeup in uniform.


NOT INCLUDED, BUT IMPLIED

Eye color, eyelashes, piercings, tattoos and other fads may be considered eccentric. For further discussion, see the Senior Marine Instructor.


UNIFORM DAY

The MCJROTC program requires that cadets wear their uniform at least one day a week. The Senior Marine Instructor will establish what day of the week cadets should wear their uniforms.

The Marine Corps uniform marks the wearer as associated with the long line of men and women who honorably serve today and have served this nation so faithfully in the past as United States Marines. Marine JROTC cadets are different than cadets from other service JROTC programs in that Marine cadets wear the same uniforms as United States Marines. This distinction requires cadets to wear the uniform properly with pride and the utmost respect for what it represents.

The prescribed uniform will be worn all school day on the designated uniform day. It will be worn ALL SCHOOL DAY. Failure to wear the uniform for the entire school day will result in a grade of zero.

You are responsible for your uniform, and if you lose the uniform or any part of the uniform, you must pay for it.

The announced uniform will be worn in its entirety. The cover will be worn when outdoors. All coats and shirts will be buttoned in accordance with uniform regulations.

Shoes, boots, and brass will be maintained and inspected as part of the uniform.

Although these uniforms are issued to individual cadets, they remain the property of the United States Marine Corps. All uniforms must be turned in to your Instructor before the cadet checks out of school, moves, drops the course, or otherwise departs the program. If a uniform and all of its parts are not returned in serviceable condition, a fine will be forwarded to the school administration equal to the cost of replacing the uniform at its current value.


CONDUCT IN UNIFORM 

Any time a cadet wears their uniform, it should always be worn with pride and care.  Cadets must always be on their best behavior when wearing their uniforms.  Improper behavior by cadets is not tolerated at any time, and is severely dealt with if in uniform.  Your appearance and conduct should be impeccable while in uniform:

Wear your entire uniform indoors at all times

Do not chew gum. Do not smoke. Do not walk and eat

Do not use a cellphone while walking

Earbuds/headphones are not authorized

Do not walk or stand around with your hands in your pockets

Wear your cover outdoors at all times and remove it indoors

Salute all officers. Greet all cadets and treat everyone with respect

Do not use foul language, tease others, or wrestle/play in uniform or engage in public displays of affection


UNIFORM INFORMATION

LEI Utility uniform

LEII Utility uniform, Service uniform

LEIII/IV Utility uniform, Dress uniforms

Drill Teams Each member will receive either dress shirts & blue trousers or a full set of dress blues

Color Guard Each member will receive a full set of dress blues 


Digital Utility Uniform

Cover - The cover will be worn with the bill straight and centered, parallel above the eyebrows.

Coat - The digital coat will be worn outside the trousers with all buttons buttoned with the exception of the top.  When the sleeves are up, they will be rolled inside out, forming a “snug to the arm” roll about three inches wide, with the bottom of the rolled (folded) sleeve slightly above but no more than half the distance between the top of the shoulder and the top of the elbow.  (Roll them up before you put your coat on)

Undershirt - Only the Marine Corps issued green undershirt is authorized with the utility uniform.  The green undershirt will be tucked into the trousers.

Trousers - The trousers will be worn at the waistline and no sagging is allowed. They will be bloused between the second and third eyelets of your boots.

Web Belt - With buckle start on your left side, counting 7 belt loops around your waist.  The web belt buckle and web belt tip should be buffed with a soft cloth. The tip of the belt should be 2 to 4 inches past the buckle.  The buckle should be aligned with the fly of the trousers when worn with the uniform.  

Socks – Only brown or black cushion socks will be worn with the boots

Boots - The boots will be laced with a bridge and left over right as you are looking down at your boot.

*the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform is not authorized for wear outside of school grounds and MCJROTC events.  Exceptions are limited to travel to & from school.

 


MISCELLANEOUS

MCJROTC Patches - All coats, blouses and khaki shirts that require patches will have them placed on the left sleeve one- half inch (1/2) below the shoulder seam and centered. The wings of the Eagle must be parallel to the deck.

MCJROTC nametapes - All camouflage blouses will have them placed on the left breast pocket.

Corframs - The Corfram shoes should be sprayed with glass cleaner and dried off with a cloth or paper towel. Only long black thin socks will be worn.

Khaki Shirt - The khaki shirt must have military creases. Males should have a total of 7 creases: 3 creases in the back dividing the shirt into 3 equal parts, 1 on each sleeve and 2 down the front of the shirt one on each side and centered. Female shirts have a crease down each sleeve.


Necktie / Necktab – neckties & clasps are worn with the male long sleeve khaki shirt.  Nacktabs are worn with the female long sleeve khaki shirt (black tab with Blue trousers; green tab with Green trousers).

Military Alignment - Shirt edge, belt buckle and fly of trousers are all in a straight vertical line.

Tie Clasp - Centered between the 3d and 4th button on the long sleeve shirt.

Trouser Length - Slacks will be long enough to break slightly over the shoe in front and to the juncture of the welt of the shoe in the rear. A variation of 1/2 inch above the welt is acceptable. The hem on the slacks will be from 2 to 3 inches wide. Slacks will be pressed to present a smooth vertical crease at about the center front and rear of each leg. The crease will extend from the bottom of the hem to about 2 inches above the crotch.

Cover - Never worn indoors. Cadets are allowed to wear their cover with the uniform on uniform day. Cadets are allowed to remove their cover when eating and staying in a stationary position.

Marine Corps Emblem - On the cover, the wings of the emblem are placed parallel to the deck (floor) and the anchor is pointed forward. On the Dress Blues, the left and right collar emblems are worn with the wings parallel to the deck with anchors pointed in.

PT Gear - PT gear will be worn on designated days. The uniform will consist of the red JFK MCJROTC shirt, black MCJROTC shorts and athletic shoes. During inclement weather, USMC sweat top may be authorized. (Females) long hair must be secured; pony tails are authorized. When hair-securing devices are worn (i.e. barrettes, small pony tail holders, etc.), they must be consistent with the hair color.  Scrunchies, bows, ribbons, and alligator clips are not authorized to secure hair for PT.  For safety purposes, jewelry will not be worn.


UNIFORM CARE

- Digital Camouflage uniforms and cotton T-shirts can be washed in warm or cold water only.

- Khaki shirts & ties, green & blue trousers and dress coats must be dry-cleaned. Do not wash these items.


UNIFORM REPLACEMENT

- Unserviceable uniforms can be exchanged for serviceable uniforms.

- Notify your platoon guide and request an appointment to exchange the uniform during lunch or before/after school hours.

- Replacement of lost, stolen or damaged uniforms is the financial responsibility of the cadet. Keep your uniforms in a safe place.

- Cadets are responsible for their uniform!

- Rank insignia, marksmanship badges, and ribbons/medals are provided free of charge at promotion/award presentation. Replacement items are available, but at the financial responsibility of the cadet.

 

DO NOT LEAVE UNIFORMS IN LOCKERS OR CARS 

DO NOT LEAVE UNIFORMS IN THE CLASSROOM FOR ANY REASON AFTER EVENTS

DO NOT LEAVE PT GEAR IN THE CLASSROOM ON PT DAYS

 

SPECIAL UNIFORM ITEMS

Tanker Jacket: Worn by LE2/LE3/LE4 when in Service B or C, and Dress Blue C or D uniform. Rank will be worn on appellate, 3/4” from the shoulder seam and centered for enlisted, with the lamps facing forward and centered on the appellate for Officers.

Gortex Jacket: Worn by LE2/LE3/LE4 with digital utility uniform during the winter months. Rank will be worn on lapel, centered with the lamp facing to the wearer’s right.


UNIFORM TYPES – 4 types of uniforms are Dress, Service, Utility and Physical Training.

                      Dress Blue "A"                         Dress Blue "B"                                                            Dress Blue "C"                                                                               Dress Blue "D"

Uniform Components

Dress Blue  “Alpha” Blue trousers with blue coat, medals and ribbons.

Dress Blue  “Bravo” Blue trousers with blue coat, ribbons and shooting badge.

Dress Blue  “Charlie” Blue trousers with khaki long sleeve shirt and tie/tab.

Dress Blue  “Delta” Blue trousers with khaki short sleeve shirt.

Service “Bravo” Green trousers with khaki long sleeve shirt and tie/tab.

Service “Charlie” Green trousers with khaki short sleeve shirt.

Utility Uniform MARPAT Camouflage blouse and trousers.

RANK INSIGNIA, MEDALS, RIBBONS AND BADGES

The Lamp of Learning device used in the cadet enlisted rank insignia signifies intensive study, a source of intellect, and moral and spiritual illumination.

Rank insignia, medals, ribbons and badges are an integral part of the MCJROTC cadet’s uniform. Therefore, these items must be worn correctly and placed with great care.

1. Gold rank insignia for enlisted cadets will only be worn on the Blue Coat shoulder strap 3/4” of an inch from the edge and centered, with the lantern facing forward.

2. Black rank insignia for enlisted cadets will be worn with all other uniforms with the exception of the Physical Training uniform. When wearing the rank insignia it will be centered near the bottom of the collar and 1/2" from each side, with the lamp facing in.

3. Cadet Officers will wear their large rank insignia centered on the shoulder strap of their Dress Blue coat and Tanker Jacket. On khaki and utility shirts, the small rank insignia will be worn centered between the top and bottom edges of the collar, one inch from the front edge. Small rank insignia will be worn on the right side of the green service cap opposite to the Eagle, Globe & Anchor.

4. Medals will be worn on the Blue Coat when prescribed in the training schedule. They will be worn centered over the left breast pocket, with the upper edge of the ribbon bar midway between the first and second buttons. Females will wear medals centered on the left side, with the top of the holding bar worn 1” above the highest part of the pocket and centered. If there is no pocket, females will wear their medals 2” above the top button, and centered on the left side.

5. When wearing medals, ribbons for which there are no medals are worn 1/8” above and centered over the right breast pocket. Females will wear these ribbons on the right side of the coat front in about the same vertical position as worn with Dress Blue "B" (see below). (Marksmanship badges will not be worn when medals are worn.)

6. Ribbons. Males wear ribbons 1/8” above and centered over the left breast pocket of the khaki shirt or Dress Blues coat. When worn with the marksmanship badge, ribbons will be 1/8” above the badge. Females will wear their ribbons level with the top visible button on the khaki shirts. When worn with the marksmanship badge, ribbons will be worn 1/8” above the badge. When worn without the badge, ribbons will be worn 1/8” and centered between the top and second button of the Dress Blues coat. For female Dress Blues coats, ribbons will be worn centered between the top and second button, and centered on the left side.

7. Badges. Males wear authorized badges 1/8” above and centered over the left breast pocket of the Dress Blue coat. Females will wear badges centered between the top and second button, centered on the left side of the Dress Blues coat.

*when medals are worn on the Blues coat, badges will not be worn

 

Wearing of Medals, Ribbons and Badges

Medals, ribbons and badges authorized and procured through the MCJROTC program. Awards will be worn as authorized for inspections & prescribed events.

1. Medals. Medals will only be worn with the Dress A uniform, typically for the Marine Corps Birthday Ball or Mess Night. Medals will be worn in the precedence listed in the chart below with the senior medal on the top row and right-most medal on the suspension bar.

2. Ribbons. Ribbons will be worn in the precedence listed in the chart below with the senior ribbon on the top row and right-most ribbon on the ribbon bar.

3. Badges. Badges may be worn with Dress Blue B, and – when directed –Dress Blue C & D or Service B & C. Marksmanship badges will not be worn with medals on the Dress Blue coat.

(Cadet Enlisted rank on collar)


(Cadet Officer rank on collar)


Placement of medals & ribbons on the Male Dress Blue Uniform


Placement of medals & ribbons on the Female Dress Blue Uniform


Placement of ribbons on the Female Khaki Shirts


Placement of Rank Insignia on the OFFICER Service Cap


MCJROTC AWARDS CRITERIA

The Senior Marine Instructor will establish an Awards Board comprised of the CO, XO, 1stSgt and Co GySgt, in order to determine nominees for awards.

 

Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement 

Criteria: have an MCJROTC class standing in the top 25% of their class; have a school academic class standing in the top 25% of their class; have demonstrated exemplary military leadership; have demonstrated academic leadership (demonstrated qualities of leadership in scholastic activities, student organizations, community activities, and interscholastic athletic participation); nominees must be enrolled in MCJROTC their senior year in order to be eligible for this award.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor may recommend one eligible Junior year cadet.  Approval is under the authority of The Legion of Valor, Inc.

Ribbon: Medal & ribbon.

 

Marine Corps Reserve Association (MCRA) Outstanding Unit Award 

Criteria: those cadets whose unit received recognition by placing first in competition for the outstanding MCJROTC unit.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will ensure that only those cadets who were members of the unit at the time of competition are eligible to wear this unit award.  Approval is under the authority of the Marine Corps Reserve Association.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.

 

American Legion Bronze Medal for Scholastic Excellence 

Criteria: have an academic average earned on all courses other than MCJROTC in the upper 10% of their class; have grades in all MCJROTC subjects within the top 25%; have demonstrated qualities of leadership; have actively participated in related student activities such as student organizations, constructive activities, or sports.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor may select one cadet for this award. 

Ribbon: Medal & ribbon.

 

American Legion Bronze Medal for Military Excellence 

Criteria: be in the upper 25% of the class in academic standing, including all MCJROTC subjects; have demonstrated outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor may select one cadet for this award. 

Ribbon: Medal & ribbon.

 

Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) JROTC Bronze Medal 

Criteria: Junior cadet who has exhibited the highest standards of leadership, soldierly bearing, and excellence.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will select one recipient per year.

Ribbon: Medal & ribbon.

 

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) JROTC Bronze Medal

Criteria: Graduating cadet in the upper 25% of the graduating class in all subjects, including MCJROTC; has demonstrated qualities of dependability and good character, adherence to military discipline, leadership ability, and a fundamental and patriotic understanding of the importance of JROTC training.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will select the recipient.

Ribbon: Medal & ribbon.

 

Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) Bronze Medal

Criteria: Outstanding first year cadet who excels in both military and scholastic activities during the year; be in good standing in all military and scholastic courses at the time of selection and presentation of the award; have indicated, by grades, extracurricular activities, individual endeavor, and a desire to serve the United States; have committed to continue in the MCJROTC program for the next school year.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will select the recipient.

Ribbon: Medal & ribbon.

 

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) JROTC Medal 

Criteria: Presented to a cadet for outstanding academic achievement.  The cadet must be in the top 10% of the class; have an "A" average in MCJROTC subjects; hold an Officer’s billet in the unit; be in the Junior year of high school.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will select the recipient.

Ribbon: Medal & ribbon.

 

Veterans of Foreign Wars JROTC Bronze Medal 

Criteria: Cadets who possess individual characteristics contributing to leadership both in and out of uniform; a minimum grade of "B" in MCJROTC, and a "C" in overall school academics; the cadet must be active in at least one other extracurricular activity or club and may not be a former recipient of the award.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will select one senior, junior, and sophomore cadet.

Ribbon: Medal & ribbon.

 

Daedalian JROTC Achievement Award 

Criteria: Presented to a Junior cadet who has demonstrated an understanding and appreciation of patriotism, love of country and service to the nation; shows a desire and potential to pursue a military career; ranked in the upper 10% of the MCJROTC junior class, and 20% of the school's junior class.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will select a Junior cadet who meets criteria.

Ribbon: Medal & ribbon.

 

Women Marines Association (WMA) Award For Outstanding Cadet 

Criteria: Outstanding cadet in the unit who is participating in at least the second year of MCJROTC; has satisfactory record of academic accomplishment and citizenship; has the highest leadership education grades in the MCJROTC unit.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will select the eligible cadet.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.


Noncommissioned Officers (NCOA) Association Medal

Criteria: Most outstanding cadet NCO in the unit during the past school year; the award must be made to the cadet NCO/SNCO who has consistently exhibited the best military bearing, personal appearance, deportment and leadership ability.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will select the eligible cadet.

Ribbon: Ribbon & medal.

 

Military Order of the Purple Heart JROTC Medal 

Criteria: Deserving cadet who combines both military and scholastic excellence with strong leadership skills.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will select the eligible cadet.

Ribbon: Ribbon & medal.

 

Navy League Youth Medal 

Criteria: Outstanding cadet in recognition of their professionalism and academic excellence and dedication to the MCJROTC program.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will select the eligible cadet.

Ribbon: Ribbon & medal.

 

Reserve Officers Association JROTC Medal 

Criteria: Deserving cadet who has demonstrated outstanding competence in military skills and has contributed to the common good of the school, community, and nation.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will select the eligible cadet.

Ribbon: Ribbon & medal.

 

Naval Reserve Association JROTC Medal 

Criteria: A cadet in recognition of their outstanding service and dedication to the MCJROTC program, academic excellence and desire to serve the school, community, and nation.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will select the eligible cadet.

Ribbon: Ribbon & medal.

 

American Veterans (AmVets) JROTC Medal 

Criteria: A cadet for diligence in the discharge of duties and the willingness to serve school, community and nation.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will select the eligible cadet. 

Ribbon: Ribbon & medal.

 

National Sojourners Award 

Criteria: A sophomore or junior, not previously a recipient who is enrolled for the next year; in the top 25%; has encouraged and demonstrated the ideals of Americanism.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will select an eligible cadet.

Ribbon: Ribbon & medal

  

Scottish Rite JROTC Medal 

Criteria: A cadet who has encouraged and demonstrated Americanism by deeds or conduct through participation in extra-curricular activities or unit sponsored community projects and has demonstrated exceptional dependability, character, self-discipline, citizenship and patriotism.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will select the eligible cadet.

Ribbon: Ribbon & medal.

 

Outstanding Cadet Award 

Criteria: The cadet who demonstrates a consistent superior performance in all facets of the Leadership Education Course; academic achievement in the top 25% of the class in all academic subjects including MCJROTC; exceptional qualities of leadership, discipline, character, military bearing, and military proficiency.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will select one cadet annually.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold Marine Corps emblem device will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Student Leadership Award 

Criteria: Cadets who hold an elected office in the student body of the school.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will determine those cadets eligible.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold Lamp of Learning device will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Officer Leadership Award 

Criteria: Cadet Officer who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, discipline, character, military bearing, and military proficiency.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will select the eligible cadet.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold Marine Corps emblem device will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Award 

Criteria: Presented annually to that cadet noncommissioned officer who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, discipline, character, military bearing, and military proficiency.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will select the eligible cadet.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold Marine Corps emblem device will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Civic Service Award 

Criteria: Outstanding community service or noteworthy unit participation performed by a cadet, accumulating 60 hours while in MCJROTC.

Selection: Any qualifying cadet on an annual basis. The Senior Marine Instructor will determine eligibility.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold Marine Corps emblem device will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Best Drill Cadet Award 

Criteria: Cadet(s) who demonstrate superior performance (95%) in comparison with other cadets in the following categories: Rifle Manual, Unit Leader, Sword Manual, and Guidon Manual.

Selection: Any qualifying cadet.  The Senior Marine Instructor will determine eligibility.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold Marine Corps emblem device will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Distinguished Scholastic Achievement Award 

Criteria: Cadet(s) who have for one semester maintained a 4.0 GPA or "A" average in academic subjects to include MCJROTC Leadership Education, and/or be in the top 10% of the class.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will determine eligibility of cadet(s).

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold Lamp of Learning device will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Arts and Academics Award 

Criteria: Any cadet who participates in school arts, showcased on campus.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will determine eligibility.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold Lamp of Learning device will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Distinguished Military Training Award 

Criteria: Any cadet who participates in MCJROTC training at a military installation.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will determine eligibility for this award.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold Marine Corps emblem device will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Physical Achievement Award 

Criteria: Earned, annually, by those cadets who participate in both semi-annual PFTs and achieve the specified minimum score for their age on either of the PFTs.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will determine eligibility.

Ribbon: Ribbon only. The bronze, silver and gold Marine Corps emblem device will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Superior Marksman Award 

Criteria: Cadets who qualify as a superior marksman, either by placing in regional or national air rifle matches, or by achieving a score of 270 or better during the MCJROTC Postal Match.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will determine eligibility.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold Marine Corps emblem device will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Athletic Participation Award 

Criteria: Cadets who participate in interscholastic athletics.  Interscholastic competition includes at least three JROTC events.  Marksmanship Team earns this award if the cadet competed against other schools.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will determine eligibility.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold Lamp of Learning will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Longevity/Fidelity Award 

Criteria: Cadets who have successfully participated in the MCJROTC program for two years and have met all the requirements of Leadership Education I (LE I) and Leadership Education II (LE II). In the event a senior student is enrolled in LE II, the award may be made at the commencement of the cadet's final semester in the program.

Selection: This award will be presented to any qualifying cadet on an annual basis. The Senior Marine Instructor will determine eligibility.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze Marine Corps emblem will be attached to the ribbon on initial presentation. The silver and gold Marine Corps emblem will be used to denote third and fourth year participation in the MCJROTC program respectively.

 

Distinguished Conduct Award 

Criteria: Individuals shall not have received any demerits or adverse conduct reports from any staff or faculty member for the entire year.  Further, the cadet will maintain a “C” or above in all classes during the school year.  Cadet and NCO of the Month qualify for this award.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will determine eligibility.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold Marine Corps emblem will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Best Drill Squad Award 

Criteria: Cadets comprising the best drill squad.  The best drill squad is determined, through competition with other drill squads in the unit, to be superior in close order drill, military bearing and appearance.  In absence of a squad competition, this award may be earned by the platoon with the highest Inspector General Annual drill evaluation.

Selection: This award will be presented to any qualifying cadet on an annual basis.  The Senior Marine Instructor will determine eligibility.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold Marine Corps emblem device will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Color Guard Award 

Criteria: Cadets who distinguish themselves as members of the unit's color guard, participating in at least one event. .

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will determine eligibility.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold device bar device lettered “COLOR GUARD”  will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Drill Team Award 

Criteria: Cadets who comprise the unit drill team in drill team competition.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will determine eligibility.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold bar device lettered “DRILL TEAM” will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Band/Drum and Bugle Corps Award 

Criteria: Cadets who distinguish themselves in the school's band/drum and bugle corps.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will determine eligibility.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold bar device lettered “BAND” will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Rifle Team Award 

Criteria: Cadets who distinguish themselves on the unit's rifle team(s), participating in at least one event competition.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will determine eligibility.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold bar device lettered “RIFLE TEAM” will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Orienteering Team Award 

Criteria: Cadets who distinguish themselves on the unit's orienteering team(s).

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will determine eligibility.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold Marine Corps emblem device will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.

 

Recruiting Award 

Criteria: Cadets who have contributed to the growth of the unit by taking an active role in recruiting cadets into the MCJROTC program.  Cadets who refer at least one new cadet to the program, who completes the school year, as well as those leaders selected to represent the program in Middle School recruiting efforts.

Selection: The Senior Marine Instructor will determine eligibility.

Ribbon: Ribbon only.  The bronze, silver and gold Marine Corps emblem device will be used to denote second, third and fourth awards respectively.


MCJROTC RIBBON CHART

UNIFORM INSPECTIONS

Weekly, uniform inspections are conducted by platoon leaders. Inspections will be conducted following the uniform regulations described above, documented on the enhanced MCJROTC Region 4 Inspection Checklist, and will follow the sequence below.

To Open Ranks

The purpose of this movement is to increase the distance between ranks to 70 inches in order to accommodate the movements of an inspection party. It may be executed when halted in line at attention, and at normal or close interval. If armed, rifles will be at order arms. The commands are “Open Ranks,” “MARCH;” “Ready, FRONT;” and “COVER.”

When at normal interval, on the command of execution “MARCH,” the front rank takes two 30-inch steps forward, halts, and executes dress right dress. The second rank takes one 30-inch step forward, halts, and executes dress right dress. The third rank stands fast and executes dress right. When at close interval, all ranks will execute at close interval, dress right dress in place of dress right dress.

The platoon sergeant verifies alignment as for dress right dress, except that they will verify the 70-inch distance between ranks by taking two 30-inch steps and one 10-inch step when moving from one rank to the next. After verifying the alignment of the rear rank, they cross over to the right in marching, marches 3 paces beyond the front rank, and 1 pace to the guide's right, halts, faces to the left, and commands “Ready, FRONT” and “COVER.” The platoon responds to these commands in the same manner as when they are given following dress right dress.

The platoon sergeant, after the command “COVER” will take one step to the front so that they are 3 paces directly in front of the guide, and then execute a right face. From this position the platoon sergeant reports to the platoon commander.


Inspection: The platoon leader will step in front of the cadet; the cadet will salute, and greet: “Good morning Staff Sergeant, Cadet Private Gomez prepared for inspection; I am an LE-1” the inspector will return the salute, and then inspect according to the checklist, asking questions to test the cadet’s knowledge. A squad leader will be used to take notes and document the results.


To Close Ranks

The purpose of this movement is to decrease the distance between opened ranks to a normal distance (40 inches). It may only be given when the platoon is at attention at open ranks. The command is “Close Ranks, MARCH.” It should be given immediately after the reason for opening ranks is accomplished, and before the platoon is given further drill movements or dismissed.

On the command of execution “MARCH,” the front rank stands fast while the second rank takes one 30-inch step to the front and halts. At the same time, the third rank takes two 30-inch steps to the front and halts. Each individual maintains cover and alignment while moving. No dressing movements are executed.

The platoon commander/sergeant may give the command to close ranks when:

After the platoon is inspected, the platoon sergeant returns to a position 3 paces in front of the guide and halts facing to the front. It is from this position that the inspecting officer critiques the inspection. The platoon sergeant exchanges salutes with the platoon commander and, after that platoon commander has departed, the platoon sergeant faces to the left and then commands “Close Ranks, MARCH.” The platoon sergeant, on the command “MARCH,” moves to their position 6 paces and centered on the platoon.

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