Junior ROTC: Frequently-Asked Questions
This page is offered to answer some common questions about the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, both from parents and potential cadets.
Q: Who teaches the class?
A: JROTC instructors are retired military personnel. They are, however, legitimate teachers, certified by their school district. Often, there will be two or more teachers, designated the SAI (Senior Army Instructor) and the AI (Army Instructor).
Q: Will I have to wear a uniform?
A: For one day a week (and other special events), yes, a uniform is required. Think of it this way, it's one day a week when you don't have to think about what you wear. Also, when I can scan in pictures, you can see how cool it's possible to look in uniform. Don't worry; stand tall.
Q: Will I have to join the military once I finish JROTC?
A: No. Many JROTC cadets (including yours truly) choose not to join the military. However, should you want to enlist (or attend an academy or college ROTC), there are many advantages to taking JROTC first.
Q: Is JROTC like boot camp?
A: No. A typical week in the life of JROTC goes like this:
- Monday: Drill day. Cadet leaders teach newer cadets how to march.
- Tuesday: Classroom day. Instructors teach classes on leadership, communication, map-reading, history, etc.
- Wednesday: Classroom day.
- Thursday: "Cadet Challenge" day. Cadets practice the mile run, 30-foot shuttle run, curl-ups, pull-ups, V-sit and reach, 50-yard dash, standing long jump, or flex-arm hang. Sometimes, however, cadets face-off against instructors in a friendly game of basketball.
- Friday: Uniform day. After a brief uniform inspection, cadet leaders get the chance to teach classes, to inform newer cadets and to improve their own communication skills.
Q: What are cadet leaders? How do I get to be one?
A: JROTC, as a program, works to develop leadership, hands-on. Cadet leaders are regular high school students who have been in JROTC for (usually) two or more years. Leadership positions range from team leader (responsible for approximately four cadets) to battalion commander (responsible for all the cadets in the school's JROTC program; for example, our battalion consists of almost 400 cadets).
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: JROTC Universe, maintained by C/COL Katherine Keirns, is the ultimate JROTC compendium.
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