Frequently Asked Questions!
Here are our top 22 frequently asked questions! Junior ROTC is a different kind of course that is both interesting and fun. This will help to explain some of the things that make it unique.
If there are any further questions please contact us!
1
What is JROTC?
The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, or JROTC Program, includes full credit elective courses which provide interesting classroom instruction combined with the opportunity to serve the school and community, participate in extra-curricular activities, enjoy active social programs, and have the opportunity for early leadership responsibilities. For students desiring to do so, JROTC may be substituted for the PE courses required for graduation.
2
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 become better American citizens.
3
By enrolling in JROTC, are you joining the military?
No. There is no commitment to serve in the armed forces if a student goes through the high school JROTC program.
4
Does the JROTC program recruit for the Armed Forces?
Of course NOT! We do not recruit for the Armed Forces. Less than 15% of Houston ISD JROTC students enlist in the military after graduation; most enroll in college. However, some of our students do elect to join one of the military services. If they do join, they enter the service with an accelerated promotion which means and immediate $350.00 monthly raise.
1
What is JROTC?
The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, or JROTC Program, includes full credit elective courses which provide interesting classroom instruction combined with the opportunity to serve the school and community, participate in extra-curricular activities, enjoy active social programs, and have the opportunity for early leadership responsibilities. For students desiring to do so, JROTC may be substituted for the PE courses required for graduation.
2
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 become better American citizens.
3
By enrolling in JROTC, are you joining the military?
No. There is no commitment to serve in the armed forces if a student goes through the high school JROTC program.
4
Does the JROTC program recruit for the Armed Forces?
Of course NOT! We do not recruit for the Armed Forces. Less than 15% of Houston ISD JROTC students enlist in the military after graduation; most enroll in college. However, some of our students do elect to join one of the military services. If they do join, they enter the service with an accelerated promotion which means and immediate $350.00 monthly raise.
5
Who teaches the students?
All teachers or JROTC instructors are retired from active military service. They are certified to teach JROTC in accordance with published standards from each of the military services (Army, Navy, and Air Force).
6
What do I get out of taking JROTC?
Life skills! The development of your personal potential, the enhanced ability to communicate with others, the knowledge and ability to coordinate varied activities, the focused skills to plan, organize and lead group activities and the knowledge and skills to motivate and bring a team together will give the student a distinct advantage in college and beyond. Also, this can be a fairly easy 90 grade or higher. This can help the overall GPA. Every student is capable to achieve this if they simply cooperate, follow instructions, pay attention in class, read the material, and study a little.
7
What makes JROTC and Leadership different from other classes?
Students in JROTC and Leadership learn through a unique program that involves both classroom and "live" situations. For instance, a JROTC cadet might be found leading classmates in and outside the classroom or perform first aid on a "dummy" in class.
8
How much does JROTC cost?
There are no special costs associated with this course. Course materials, uniforms, supplies, equipment, and most other costs are covered by the military or the school. Personal items such as undergarments, and such things as meals on field trips are not covered. Fund raising projects are scheduled as needed to raise funds for special equipment and projects.
9
Are students required to wear a uniform?
Yes. After earning a uniform in the beginning of their first year, cadets are required to wear the Army JROTC uniform once a week on uniform day. The uniform is provided by the military, and is custom-fitted to each cadet. The uniform consists of a pair of trousers, shoes (must be shined), black socks, shirt, black belt and buckle, and a garrison cap. 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. Members of JROTC teams may wear the uniform more often for events and competitions.
10
Why do the students wear the uniform?
Students wear the uniform to put all cadets on the same level. Any additions to the uniform are ranks and awards that are earned by the individual cadet. They are earned for application of positive traits and principles that will serve you and your community well in the future.
11
Are both girls and boys enrolled in JROTC?
Yes. All leadership positions are available to both sexes equally.
12
Are there special rules students are required to follow?
Yes, although not to the extreme. There are, however, regulations about the personal appearance of cadets, wearing of the uniform, and even how to address the other military personnel and cadets. For example, males are not permitted to wear an earring(s) in the classroom, and females are only allowed one pair of earrings, one earring in each ear. On uniform day, males must have their hair not exceed past the ears, lengthwise, and female cadets must have their hair in a bun or/and off the collar.
13
Can I still go out for the band and varsity sports?
Certainly, JROTC students are active in every phase of the school from varsity football to band, chorus, dance and student government etc. Whenever possible, JROTC extra-curricular group practices are scheduled so as not to conflict with other practices and meetings.
14
Tell me about some of the activities available to JROTC students
The JROTC unit supports a wide range of activities, with the exact number depending on the interests of the students. There are too many possible activities to cover in detail in one short fact sheet. Mentioned above are things like fancy competition drill teams, marksmanship teams, and color guard. There are summer camps; there are group-sponsored social activities; there is an annual formal military ball; there are trips locally and to distant places which are not only interesting but fun as well; and there are numerous other ways to become involved and to have fun
15
What kind of recognition can I get for participating in JROTC?
There are a large number of awards which are given for participation and achievement in JROTC. Some are given by the unit, some by the school, and others by local civic and patriotic groups. All are available for everyone to seek. Involvement, efforts, and being an active part of group are the main requirements.
16
How can I enroll?
If you are in the 8th grade then you can enroll JROTC in your course list. Ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students desiring to enroll in JROTC next year, should inform a JROTC instructor or their counselor that you would like to enroll in JROTC.