1. What is JROTC and what are it’s benefits? What is all covered?
In the program we place a lot of trust in students. This means students are the leaders, most activities hosted by JROTC are led entirely by the cadets. Which would explain a popular phrase in the program, “Cadet lead, cadet run.” This allows multiple opportunities to grow and shine as a leader.
The material covered in the program varies throughout the year, with short segments of leadership training, basics of citizenship and other topics related to the U.S. Navy. The Navy JROTC curriculum also covers topics such as U.S. Military History, first aid, human relations, time management, self-discipline, good techniques for oral communication, drill and ceremony, military map reading, confidence & Physical Training (PT), personal hygiene, marksmanship, orienteering, ship identification, meteorology, oceanography and staff functions and procedures.
What about the leadership training?
In JROTC, being a leader means first being a follower. The curriculum teaches all aspects of being a good follower and being a good leader. The program encourages practical application in other school activities as well as in JROTC. If considered, cadets have a chance to attend NJROTC leadership camps over the summer to prepare them for leadership positions within the program. Also, there are a variety of outside entities that allow for additional training that cadets can attend that range from online leadership academies to campus leadership academies such as ones at North Georgia Military College and University of North Georgia. (examples)
2. Are we obligated to join the military?
We want you all to understand that JROTC DOES NOT try to recruit anybody for the military in any way, shape, or form. We encourage all of our cadets to have a solid plan after graduation, whether that be college, the military, or being an overall productive citizen. However, joining any branch of the US Military after two years of JROTC does give advance promotions to E-2/E-3 depending on the branch.
Rather, the mission of the JROTC is to Motivate young people to become better citizens. We are a program that wants to benefit the students on their own morals and values, not for any other reason.
3. Do I have to wear uniforms every day?
Every Cadet is required to wear the uniform once a week, which is every Thursday for “Uniform inspection”
Wearing the uniform on uniform day is significant percent of a cadets grade.
Cadets are not required to pay for the uniform whatsoever unless it is damaged, lost, or they fail to return it at the end of the school year.
The uniform must be worn at all times during the school day and kept properly. Meaning taking it to the dry cleaners, lint rolling it, and storing it properly until the next wear
4. Do I have to cut my hair?
Hairstyles must be kept within regulation for uniform inspections. This means a nicely gelled bun for girls with long hair or a small and tightly wrapped ponytail for girls with short hair.
Every Thursday on inspection day, the cadets are required to have their hair done. The hair cannot touch the collar of your jacket.
Boys' hair must not touch their ears and no longer than four inches on top. Girls' hair must be tied up into a bun.
Hair color should remain natural as well, blonde, brown, and black hair colors are acceptable. Neon or artificial colors are not.
5. Do I have to wake up early in the morning so that I can come to the program?
NO you are not required to wake up early to come to the school or program
NOTICE: if you are on certain teams such as Academics or on the Varsity Color Guard you may be required to come early some mornings in preparation for events/competitions. Most of our teams practice after school which allows kids to come to school normal hours.
6. Can I be a part of more than one team?
YES, most of our team members are on multiple teams. Because of the size of the unit, and our events and competitions, we will never hold back cadets from being on multiple teams. We practice different days for separate teams for this reason. A cadet can be on just one team, or all teams of they desire.
7. Do I have to join a team?
NO you do not have to join a team, it is completely optional and voluntary if you want to join a team or not. JROTC is considered an elective like all others, which means you come to us like a normal block period.
8. Can I do other activities at the school while being a part of JROTC?
YES, being a part of JROTC does not stop you from being in other activities within the school. Several of our cadets are heavily involved in their four year magnet programs, band, football, soccer, wrestling and other sports and activities. Also, Magnet program recognizes parts of our curriculum as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and in most cases will warrant a CTAE Stem pathway seal on your Diploma. (If a Magnet student)
As a cadet, you can spend as much or as little time as you want to with activities in JROTC. The program offers several additional teams (Rifle team, Drill team, Color Guard, Orienteering, etc. ) that cadets may join in additional to the normal JROTC class activities. The program also offers field trips, summer leadership camps, military balls, and other group-sponsored activities. These offers are not mandatory for cadets to participate in; in fact JROTC encourages students to participate in other activities.
9. Do I have to take Physical Education or health as well?
NO, JROTC covers your PE/Health credit after three semesters in our program. Look at it as a win-win situation. Get your credits and learn leadership skills.
By the way, what is the class like?
The program is a full credit elective class for every semester a person takes it. JROTC combines interesting classroom instruction with the opportunity to serve the school and the community, participate in extra-curricular activities, enjoy social activities, and have the chance to be in leadership positions.
10. What does the program cost?
There is no cost to enter the program, however there is a one-time activity fee. This activity fee makes local trips free of charge and long distant/overnight trips significantly cheaper the activity fee payer. The course materials, uniforms, supplies, and equipment are issued to the cadets free of charge by the U.S. Navy. There are some things that a cadet might have to pay for, such as a field trip, issued equipment that is lost or damaged, or special equipment for a particular team which is significantly cheaper if activity fees are paid.
11. Why would JROTC be a good choice?
-There are several great reasons why JROTC is a great program for students, parents and the community. These are a few:
a. It is a fantastic peer group. JROTC students are a cross-section of the student body as a whole. However, most teachers and administrators will tell you that JROTC students are more self-disciplined and motivated than their counterparts who do not take JROTC. We seek to instill positive personal morals, respect and responsibility. These are characteristics that carry our students throughout their high school years and into adult life. Cadets also make life long bonds similar to a tight knit family during their tenure in JROTC.
b. It has many extracurricular activities. A common denominator for JROTC students is their level of involvement in school sponsored extra-curricular activities and community service. It is generally recognized that students involved in wholesome activities tend to present fewer problems at school and at home. JROTC provides opportunities to become involved in after school activities like, Color Guard, Drill Team (armed and unarmed), Exhibition Teams (armed and unarmed) Academic team, Marksmanship Rifle team, Orienteering team and Drone team.
c. It assists in attaining scholarship and increased rank in the military. Some students do take JROTC with an eye on entering the military after graduation. Others have desires to obtain ROTC scholarships to college or to attend one of our nation’s prestigious military academies. Those who complete 2 to 4 years of JROTC may enter service having already achieved rank that will provide significant increase in pay per month. For those students who wish to go on to college, we get literature and share our knowledge to mentor and assist them to achieve their goals of an education and commission as a military officer as well.
d. It has dedicated Instructors who are concerned with each student’s success. JROTC Instructors are retired military professionals certified to teach and mentor high school students. Each of us has experienced a great deal of the world and have children of our own. From this vantage, we consider our work a calling rather than just a job. We love what we do!
12. What kind of recognition can I get by participating in the program?
There are many awards which cadets can earn for participation and achievement in the program. Some are given by the unit, but others can be awarded by local military organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of Purple Heart, Daughters of the war of 1812, and many more! These are just a few of the organizations that give awards. All awards have certain criteria but are open to all who achieve that criterion. Involvement, good leadership traits, and being an active participant of the program are the main requirements.