Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC)
Rewarding opportunities that benefit students and the community
While Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) is a military-regulated high school program, it is not just for students interested in serving in the military. In fact, the main purpose of JROTC is to provide high school students with citizenship and leadership development focusing on Essential Learning Skills (soft skills) necessary for today’s competitive workforce. It is the largest character development program for youth in the world, with the mission to “motivate young people to be better citizens.”
Student Benefits
- Improving Physical Fitness
- Remaining drug free
- Thinking critically and creatively
- Communicating effectively
- Working as a team member
- Graduating from high school
- Pursuing meaningful careers, especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
Additionally, there is a positive correlation between GPA and JROTC participation, typically better school attendance, and greater engagement in community service.
Students who participate also have an opportunity to enhance college applications and benefit from scholarships.
The JROTC Curriculum
The JROTC curriculum provides equitable and challenging academic content and authentic learning experiences for all students (Cadets), conducted by instructors who are retired Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard officers and enlisted personnel.
It includes lessons in health and wellness, physical fitness, first-aid, geography, American history and government, communications, and emotional intelligence. All lessons are designed using a four-part model to motivate the Cadet, allow the Cadet to learn new information, practice competency, and apply the competency to a real-life situation.
As JROTC Cadets progress through the program, they experience opportunities to put lessons of leadership to use as they lead other Cadets.
| Chapter | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
| JROTC Foundations | X | |||
| Leadership Development | X | X | X | |
| Personal Growth and Behaviors | X | X | X | X |
| Team Building | X | X | X | X |
| First Aid | X | |||
| Decision Making | X | X | X | |
| Health and Fitness | X | X | X | X |
| Service Learning | X | X | X | X |
| Government and Citizenship | X | X | X |
Outcomes of the JROTC program
The JROTC program helps teenagers gain character attributes, as well as leadership, life skills, and a sense of determination they can use to succeed in their education, career, and life ahead.
Students learn to…
- act with integrity and personal accountability
- lead others to succeed in a diverse and global workforce
- become interested in civic and social concerns in the community, government, and society
- make decisions that promote positive social, emotional, and physical health
- graduate prepared to excel in post-secondary options and career pathways
Options and legacy that the US Army offers
While participating in JROTC carries no commitment to later serve in the military, students are exposed to the over 150 different careers the US Army offers.
“You could go into combat arms specialty. You could be a cyberwarrior. You could train to be a lawyer. You could train to be a dog veterinarian. You can be a paratrooper that’s been trained in culinary arts,” said Gen. Gary Brito.
JROTC offers many opportunities in the STEM world with high-quality training to ensure that students have the training they need to perform well and contribute to the combat mission of the United States Army. Many of those skills are transferable if a student should decide to get out after a couple of years, and many of those skills are built upon if they decide to stay in the army and advance from rank to rank through their professional military education, some of which may involve some higher-level education.
Application Process
The application window for the 2023-2024 school year is now closed. Follow your respective high school on social media for updates.
1. Complete and submit an application
Applications must be submitted before the school’s deadline. There will be sections for both students and parents to fill out.
2. Attend Future Freshman Night
Applying parents and students are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and tour the campus.
3. Interviews
Applications will be screened and a pool of candidates will be selected for a short interview.
4. Notification
Students will be notified about program acceptance before May. A mandatory Parent night and 4-year commitment are required once accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anybody enroll in the program?
The Early College Program has limited capacity and therefore is application-based. Students who fulfill the following requirements are encouraged to apply:
- Be an incoming 9th grader
- Have an 8th Grade GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Have completed the Early College application by the deadline
Applications will be screened and a pool of candidates will be selected for a short interview. Students accepted into the program must attend a mandatory meeting and commit to the 4-year program.
Who instructs JROTC?
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.
Is there any type of service obligation?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! There is no obligation of any kind for future service in the armed forces. We recognize that most students are not interested in entering the military after high school. There is no requirement to continue to higher levels of JROTC or ROTC in college.
Does JROTC help prepare for college?
JROTC course material is academically sound and enhances the college preparatory curriculum. JROTC is well represented in the ranks of the National Honor Society, National Merit Scholarship, and other academic and scholarship programs.
Will JROTC students have to wear a uniform?
JROTC students are required to wear uniforms to school one full class day per week.
Do boys have to get a short haircut?
Both boys and girls will be expected to meet standards of appearance when in uniform. The standards for boys include hair of natural color, no “unique” hairstyles, hair may not touch the collar of the uniform, and may not hang over the ear. Boys may not wear ponytails, hair pieces, or hair retention devices. Mustaches must be neatly trimmed. Beards are not allowed. Boys may not wear earrings. The standards for girls’ hair extending past the bottom edge of the collar is that hair may be worn in a coiled braid or bun. Earrings must be plain posts (one per ear), and make-up must be of a subdued or neutral color.