Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC)
Rewarding opportunities that benefit students and the community
While Warren High School’s 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. 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.”
Outcomes of the JROTC program
Warren High’s 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
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.
Meet Warren’s Senior Army Instructor
Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Melissa Gardner graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Communications and received her commission on an ROTC scholarship at Eastern New Mexico University. She later earned her Master of Arts in Education from Chapman University in Orange, CA. LTC Gardner served 27-years as an Intelligence Officer in the United States Army holding positions in both active and Reserve units. After retiring, she started a second career teaching JROTC and truly enjoys being in the classroom with high school students. LTC Gardner’s top priority for all cadets is that they have a plan for after graduation – college, trade school, family business, or military- you must choose a destination before you can begin your journey
The Program at a Glance
Warren High School’s 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.
Students who enroll in Warren High School Army JROTC will receive a PE credit required for graduation from high school, and/or credit for a University of California G-elective which is required to be accepted into a California university. WHS counselors work hard to ensure students receive the credits where they are needed or required.
| 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anybody enroll in the JROTC?
JROTC is open to all interested students who agree to comply with the standards of the program. It is a 4-year program, so ideally, first year students will begin their freshman year. However, students may begin the program at the Leadership Education and Training (LET) 1 level. Students are expected to maintain a 2.5 GPA to remain active in the program as well as participate in many of the community service events.
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.
Do JROTC students wear uniforms?
Yes! All JROTC students wear a uniform for one full day each week. Additionally, many will wear the uniform for special events, color guard, and some competitions. Uniforms are provided free-of-charge by the Army. Students are expected to keep
uniforms clean, wear them properly, and return them to the program at the end of the school year.
Do boys have to get a short haircut?
All students are expected to maintain a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance, especially when in uniform. While there are minor allowances made for students who are “checking out” JROTC, students who wish to represent the school’s program in a leadership position, on a team, or at an important event must choose to maintain a grooming-level similar to that of persons in the military.
What activities are available for JROTC students?
JROTC offers a wide variety of activities to peek the interest of a broad spectrum of students. Notably, the color guard team, armed and unarmed drill teams, academic and leadership team, Raider team, cybersecurity team, and VEX robotics and drone teams in the future. JROTC also participate in community service activities for the school, the district, and the community. Annual Cadet Balls, awards ceremonies, and leadership camps also top the list of the multitude of activities. And students may choose to be part of the program command and staff since JROTC is a student-run program.
Can JROTC students participate in other activities like band or sports?
JROTC students are encouraged to participate in other school activities. They are not penalized when a game, tournament, concert, or play conflicts with one of the many JROTC events. There are a few mandatory events that are planned and announced well in advance. Students are expected to communicate any conflicts to the JROTC teacher and adult supervisor of the conflicting event to achieve a reasonable resolution.
JROTC News
ASVAB Test
The ASVAB will be hosted on Nov.6th at 8:30 in the library. This exam will be open for Juniors and Seniors who are at least 16 years of age. This exam isn't strictly for students that plan on enlisting in the military. This exam helps identify students' strengths...
Bear Battalion’s first JCLC
Army JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) involves select cadets from multiple programs gathering to put their leadership skills into practice. Challenging themselves mentally and physically, learning new skills, meeting new cadets, and having FUN!
Warren’s JROTC is the first in the nation to complete AI course
Warren High School’s JROTC program was recently recognized for having its students completed their Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course – the first JROTC program in the country to have done so