Program Information

The United States Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) came into being with the passage of the National Defense Act of 1916. Under the provisions of the Act, high schools were authorized the loan of federal military equipment and the assignment of active duty military personnel as instructors. In 1964, the Vitalization Act opened JROTC up to the other services and replaced most of the active duty instructors with retired members of the armed forces, who worked for and are cost shared by the schools. ~US Army JROTC Website

The U.S. Army’s JROTC program currently operates in more than 1,700 public and private high schools, military institutions, and correctional centers throughout the United States and overseas. Approximately 40% of JROTC programs are in inner city schools, serving a student population of 50% minorities. As JROTC students (Cadets) progress through the program, they experience opportunities to lead other Cadets. A major component of the JROTC leadership and citizenship program is female Cadets. Female Cadets make up 40% of the Cadet population. The JROTC faculty is led by nearly 4,000 instructors who are retired from active duty, reserve duty, or National Guard Army service. Instructors are trained and qualified in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act 2007 to teach and mentor approximately 314,000 JROTC Cadets annually.

At Shikellamy High School, located in Sunbury, PA our JROTC program is constantly adapting to benefit our community and its members. We take pride in giving back to those who may be less fortunate, were heroic heroes in time, or those who may be in need. The class is an elective course that any student can take throughout their time at Shikellamy. Both our Senior Army Instructor, Lt. Colonel Joseph Walsh and Army Instructor 1st Sergeant Daniel Alderson can both agree that teamwork and leadership are two keys to success in any aspects of life. Our program offers a wide range of amazing activities such as Drill and Ceremony, Color Guard, Raiders, and a Marksmanship course. These programs are run directly inside our program and are for cadets who want to go above and beyond by learning new techniques and skills that can better prepare them for the future. During the year we will provide various field trips and exciting activities that will encourage the cadets to expand on their leadership principals which ultimately can influence them to be come better citizens of their community. Our program is a U.S. Army based program and in no way sets our cadets to become military personnel. It is about learning to be a good leader and be a good citizens. To find more about the program you may contact the Shikellamy High School for more information.