Frequently Asked Questions
For parents, students, and cadets alike
What does JROTC stand for?
JROTC stands for Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps. It is a military regulated high school program whose purpose is to educate high school students in leadership roles while making them aware of the benefits of citizenship. The mission of JROTC is to motivate young people to be better citizens.
What is the class like?
The program is classified as a pathway, cadets will receive credit after 3 years of participation. JROTC combines interesting classroom instruction with the opportunity to serve the school and the community, participate in extra-curricular activities, including teams, enjoy social activities, and have the chance to be in leadership and staff positions.
What is taught in class?
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. Army. The Army JROTC curriculum also covers topics such as U.S. Military History, first aid, human relations, winning colors, good techniques for oral communication, drill and ceremony, military map reading, personal hygiene, and staff functions and procedures.
Is there an obligation to go into the armed services after high school?
Absolutely not. There is no obligation of any kind to join the service. However, those who are looking into the armed services can benefit greatly. Even if you decide not to join you will learn valuable life skills.
What does the program cost?
There is no cost to enter the program. The course materials, uniforms, supplies, and equipment is issued to the cadets free of charge by the U.S. Army. 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 team competitions.
Can both males and females enter the program and/or be leadership/staff?
Yes, the position you get is not determined by your gender, but rather by the dedication and willingness to learn that cadets show their Army Instructors and leaders.
What are some of the benefits of the JROTC?
Aside from being a credit in high school, there are several other benefits that can be obtained from joining the program. First, for people that enlist in the military after taking JROTC for at least three years, the military will take them up two pay grades and ranks. Second, many colleges give advance standing and credit for completion of the JROTC program if the cadet decides to enroll in college ROTC. Third, the JROTC instructors have been very successful in helping high school students, who are interested, obtain ROTC scholarships and service academy appointments. Scholarships obtained from the ROTC program can be up to $60,000.00.
Do the cadets have to wear the uniform?
Yes. After receiving a uniform in the beginning of their first year, cadets are required to wear their ASU during inspection days and approved community service events. The uniform consists of a pair of trousers, shoes (must be shined), black socks, shirt, black belt, and buckle. Cadets earn their rank and awards to put on their uniforms. It is considered an honor to wear the uniform and cadets wear it with pride.
What is the difference between the blue uniform and the green one?
The "blue" uniform is also known as an ASU (Army Service Uniform). It is usually worn at formal events, color guards, and select volunteer events. The "green" uniform is also known as an ACU (Army Combat Uniform). It is usually worn at events that require physical activity including Raider competitions, and select community service events. The ASU is issued to every cadet enrolled in the program, while the ACU is issued only to those on the Raider team, Community Color Guard, or those in staff and leadership.
Are there special regulations I have to follow?
Yes, there are regulations about the personal appearance of cadets, wearing of the uniform, and even how to address the other military personnel and cadets. (Also see cadet reference page) For example:
No nail polish can be worn while in uniform
Males' hair must be cut so that no hair is touching the collar or ears
Males must be clean shaven and sideburns can not pass the ear canal
Females must police up hair in a tight and neat bun, so that no hair is touching the collar of their uniform
Earrings can not exceed 1/4 an inch on females, males are not permitted to wear earrings
Bracelets and wristbands are not permitted
Religious necklaces are allowed, however they must be worn underneath the uniform
What is mandatory for the cadets and what is optional?
Volunteer events - Just as the name implies, they are voluntary, but it is a great opportunity for the cadets to help out the community, get to know important people around them, and earn community service hours.
Candy Sales - It is mandatory for each cadet to sell a specified amount of candies in order to help support the program.
Homecoming Parade - It is a mandatory event. All cadets must participate in the march, and their uniform must be inspected.
Military ball - This event is optional for cadets, but an implied task for leadership and staff.
Awards Ceremony - A limited number of cadets are selected and invited to attend this event, it is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged.
Field Trips - These are voluntary. We have several annual trips that we take, most operate under the "first come, first serve" rule. Cadets have get a permission slip signed, exhibit good behavior 30 days prior to the trip, and there may be a fee attached.
What kind of recognition can I get by participating in the program?
There are a large number of 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, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. These are just a few of the organizations that give awards. All awards have certain criteria, but are open to all who achieve that criteria. Involvement, good leadership traits, and being an active participant of the program are the main requirements.
How do I enroll in the program?
If you want to be in the program it is as simple as signing the course sheet for that program. Any person can start JROTC any grade in high school, it is not required that you enroll in ninth grade.
JROTC stands for Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps. It is a military regulated high school program whose purpose is to educate high school students in leadership roles while making them aware of the benefits of citizenship. The mission of JROTC is to motivate young people to be better citizens.
What is the class like?
The program is classified as a pathway, cadets will receive credit after 3 years of participation. JROTC combines interesting classroom instruction with the opportunity to serve the school and the community, participate in extra-curricular activities, including teams, enjoy social activities, and have the chance to be in leadership and staff positions.
What is taught in class?
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. Army. The Army JROTC curriculum also covers topics such as U.S. Military History, first aid, human relations, winning colors, good techniques for oral communication, drill and ceremony, military map reading, personal hygiene, and staff functions and procedures.
Is there an obligation to go into the armed services after high school?
Absolutely not. There is no obligation of any kind to join the service. However, those who are looking into the armed services can benefit greatly. Even if you decide not to join you will learn valuable life skills.
What does the program cost?
There is no cost to enter the program. The course materials, uniforms, supplies, and equipment is issued to the cadets free of charge by the U.S. Army. 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 team competitions.
Can both males and females enter the program and/or be leadership/staff?
Yes, the position you get is not determined by your gender, but rather by the dedication and willingness to learn that cadets show their Army Instructors and leaders.
What are some of the benefits of the JROTC?
Aside from being a credit in high school, there are several other benefits that can be obtained from joining the program. First, for people that enlist in the military after taking JROTC for at least three years, the military will take them up two pay grades and ranks. Second, many colleges give advance standing and credit for completion of the JROTC program if the cadet decides to enroll in college ROTC. Third, the JROTC instructors have been very successful in helping high school students, who are interested, obtain ROTC scholarships and service academy appointments. Scholarships obtained from the ROTC program can be up to $60,000.00.
Do the cadets have to wear the uniform?
Yes. After receiving a uniform in the beginning of their first year, cadets are required to wear their ASU during inspection days and approved community service events. The uniform consists of a pair of trousers, shoes (must be shined), black socks, shirt, black belt, and buckle. Cadets earn their rank and awards to put on their uniforms. It is considered an honor to wear the uniform and cadets wear it with pride.
What is the difference between the blue uniform and the green one?
The "blue" uniform is also known as an ASU (Army Service Uniform). It is usually worn at formal events, color guards, and select volunteer events. The "green" uniform is also known as an ACU (Army Combat Uniform). It is usually worn at events that require physical activity including Raider competitions, and select community service events. The ASU is issued to every cadet enrolled in the program, while the ACU is issued only to those on the Raider team, Community Color Guard, or those in staff and leadership.
Are there special regulations I have to follow?
Yes, there are regulations about the personal appearance of cadets, wearing of the uniform, and even how to address the other military personnel and cadets. (Also see cadet reference page) For example:
No nail polish can be worn while in uniform
Males' hair must be cut so that no hair is touching the collar or ears
Males must be clean shaven and sideburns can not pass the ear canal
Females must police up hair in a tight and neat bun, so that no hair is touching the collar of their uniform
Earrings can not exceed 1/4 an inch on females, males are not permitted to wear earrings
Bracelets and wristbands are not permitted
Religious necklaces are allowed, however they must be worn underneath the uniform
What is mandatory for the cadets and what is optional?
Volunteer events - Just as the name implies, they are voluntary, but it is a great opportunity for the cadets to help out the community, get to know important people around them, and earn community service hours.
Candy Sales - It is mandatory for each cadet to sell a specified amount of candies in order to help support the program.
Homecoming Parade - It is a mandatory event. All cadets must participate in the march, and their uniform must be inspected.
Military ball - This event is optional for cadets, but an implied task for leadership and staff.
Awards Ceremony - A limited number of cadets are selected and invited to attend this event, it is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged.
Field Trips - These are voluntary. We have several annual trips that we take, most operate under the "first come, first serve" rule. Cadets have get a permission slip signed, exhibit good behavior 30 days prior to the trip, and there may be a fee attached.
What kind of recognition can I get by participating in the program?
There are a large number of 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, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. These are just a few of the organizations that give awards. All awards have certain criteria, but are open to all who achieve that criteria. Involvement, good leadership traits, and being an active participant of the program are the main requirements.
How do I enroll in the program?
If you want to be in the program it is as simple as signing the course sheet for that program. Any person can start JROTC any grade in high school, it is not required that you enroll in ninth grade.