What Is JROTC?

The College Options Foundation, an independent organization of JROTC can assist Cadets in finding colleges that offer credits to complete JROTC. The College Options Foundation can help Cadets find colleges that offer college scholarships. This is not JROTC. For more information, visit www.collegeoptionsfoundation.net or https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/find-your-path/army-officers/rotc.html.

JROTC may be the most impactful and successful youth-oriented program in American history. We identified five Quality Indicators that educators use to assess the program’s effectiveness in high school. These five Quality Indicators include attendance, graduation, indiscipline and drop-out rates, as well as GPA. JROTC’s averages in each category are higher than those of schools.

JROTC isn’t just for students interested in joining the military.

• JROTC students make up less than 5% of all those who ever join a branch.
• We will help students who want to serve in the military.
• JROTC students are also supported by instructors to reach their post-secondary goals, including college scholarships, college enrollments and A+ benefits.
• Our primary goal is to develop citizenship and leadership skills, focusing on the Essential Learning Skills (Soft Skills), that are essential for today’s competitive workforce.

JROTC is a Leadership and Development Program.

The U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps is a character development program that focuses on military themes. It helps high school students to develop their leadership, character, citizenship, and community service skills.

These outcomes are achieved by the JROTC program using a 21st century, technology-driven, student-centered curriculum. The curriculum includes education in:

• Citizenship
• Leadership
• Social and Communication Skills
• Geography
• Civics
• Well-being and physical fitness

The JROTC program’s outcomes are:

• As you help others succeed in a global and diverse workforce, act with integrity and personal responsibility
• Engage in civic and social issues in the community, government, society
• Graduates are prepared to excel in career paths and post-secondary options
• Positive social, emotional and physical health are possible through positive decisions
• Admire the military and other service organisations’ role

What are the advantages of JROTC

JROTC is different from your average class. Students work in a group that encourages teamwork and collaboration. As a cadet, you can

• Different levels of leadership are possible
• Learn communication, decision-making, and time management skills
• Make life-long memories and friendships
• You can participate in many extra-curricular and co-curricular activities offered by Nixa JROTCThese opportunities and experiences provide cadets the essential life skills that are required to compete in today’s 21st century workforce.

Academic Credit

• Year 1: 1/2 credit for Physical Education and 1/2 credit for Practical Art
• Year 2: 1/2 credit for Physical Education and 1/2 credit for Practical Art
• Year 3: 1/2 credit elective
• Year 4: 1/2 credit elective
• Summer Camp: 1/2 credit elective

Curriculum:

Performance-based, learner-centered education that promotes core skills development

• A capacity to learn lifelong
• Communication
• Responsibility for actions and decisions
• good citizenship
• Respectful treatment of others
• Critical thinking techniques

Awards and Promotions

• Awards are based on academic achievement, participation, and leadership development within the JROTC program.

• Promotions Based on Cadets with demonstrated leadership potential, they will be considered to one of the many staff positions within the Cadet Chain of Command.

The core values of JROTC programs for high school junior reserve officer training corps are leadership, character, and community service. These values are the core of the JROTC Cadet Creed, which emphasizes the importance of working to improve the cadet’s school, family and country.

Experts agree that the goal of JROTC programs is to promote good citizenship.

Retired Navy Capt. James Boyer says that students feel a sense “of home”, a greater sense “of family and unity.” James Boyer is a senior naval science officer who was recently retired as a Navy JROTC instructor at Spring High School. He says that students learn citizenship by being responsible every day.

The branches of the JROTC program are composed of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Congressional Research Service report shows that 552,990 students participated in 3,432 units in the U.S. Department of Defense schools abroad in fiscal year 2020.

Before enrolling in any program, parents and students should be aware of these aspects.

JROTC Cadets are not subject to military obligation

JROTC is an optional program that students can take after they graduate high school. It does not require them to be military-ready.

Retired Maj. Trina Tilque, an Army JROTC instructor at Statesville high school in North Carolina, stated that “that is not the purpose of JROTC at any; the mission is prepare children to be better citizens.”

The Air Force JROTC website explains that the program is controlled by the military, and participants may be able to increase their rank after enlistment.

According to Col. Steve M. Smith (director of U.S. Army JROTC), only 20% of JROTC participants end up joining the military. He adds that JROTC stresses “health, physical education and ethics (and) financial accountability.”

Smith says that JROTC instructors are retired military personnel who have been through extensive background checks. They also receive classroom management training. JROTC instructors work full-time at schools, but the military contributes to the costs to pay for program leadership.

Students are required to dress in a uniform similar to that worn by military personnel in their branches.

Boyer states, “In most cases, they will likely wear (the uniform), once a week for an entire day at school and get a grade for proper attire.” He also said that students must wear uniforms for JROTC events outside of school.

Students can also participate in drill instruction and physical fitness training.

Boyer states that although each unit is different, the physical fitness of each unit will be the same. “We’re going out to do some general exercises, calisthenics, and general exercises. He also includes marching drills that help students learn how to work together as a team.

JROTC teaches leadership and life skills

Students can learn leadership, self-confidence, and discipline in a JROTC course. These are essential skills for any career. The importance of personal skills is also stressed: financial management, health, nutrition, and financial management.

Smith advises that students interested in joining should speak with their school counselor.

Marine Corps JROTC claims that the program can motivate students to learn, foster disciplined learning environments, (and) instill essential skills such as time management, goal setting and teamwork.

Students can also take on projects and manage programs at school or in their community.

Boyer states that community service encompasses many different activities. “There are leadership positions.”

Smith points out that the community service component can vary by unit. Some examples include cleaning up parks, working in shelters for the homeless, helping the elderly and volunteering at food banks.

Boyer says, “The expectation is you should be capable of helping instruct others who are a lower ranking, so you’re instructing them and helping them move up that rank structure.” Boyer also explains that Navy JROTC cadets begin with Ensign 1.

JROTC can prepare students for life after high school

A 2017study by The Rand Corp. (a non-profit think tank) showed positive results from JROTC participation.

The report states that studies on academic outcomes have consistently shown positive associations between Grade Point Average (GPA), and JROTC membership. Participation in JROTC was associated with lower dropout rates, better attendance, and a higher rate of JROTC graduation.

Smith points out that JROTC programs often take place in schools with high-risk youth or low-income students. Smith notes that program participation is very diverse, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity.

Rand stated that JROTC offers students a sense community and other benefits. You can also apply for JROTC scholarships or attend service academies.