JROTC FAQ
What is JROTC?
What will I learn?
Who teaches the classes?
Is JROTC a regular credited class?
How can JROTC prepare me for college or help me in school?
Is JROTC just a regular classroom course?
Do I have to join the military after high school?
Will I have any fun?
Will I need to buy anything?
Will I need to buy anything?
Do I have to cut my hair?
Can I wear jewelry?
There are restrictions while in uniform on the type of jewelry authorized. When not in uniform, the school’s dress policy applies. The instructors will explain the proper procedures to each cadet.
Is the uniform hard to care for?
Not really. Just like any other suit of nice proper clothing, it requires regular dry cleaning and proper hanging and storage after wear. The uniform is issued to each cadet cleaned, and the cadet is responsible for its upkeep and cleanliness until it is returned at the end of the year.
Will other students make fun of me in uniform?
They may, but those are usually the students who are not involved in any activities at school or have a low opinion or no confidence in themselves. Our cadets feel a special bond with each other in the program and look extremely sharp in their uniforms on inspection days. The teachers at school are extremely supportive of our program and give proper praise and recognition to the cadets in their class.
What are the JROTC teams I hear so much about?
Our teams are all voluntary extra-curricular activities much like the varsity team sports offered by the school. The teams are Drill Team, Raider Adventure Training, Color Guard, Robotics and Air Rifle. Each team is cadet led, run, selected and instructor supervised or mentored. The cadets organize the team and train for competitions, meets, and matches we participate in throughout the school year. Joining a team requires an additional commitment by the cadet in time, effort, and dedication, but the rewards are so much more important. The teams train and practice regularly after school or before school, and most of their competitions or performances are on weekends or in the evenings. You can check more information at https://shs.rcschools.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=601271&type=d&pREC_ID=2409601
Do I have to join a team?
No. However, the cadets who are on the teams tell us that is where they learn the most and experience the best of JROTC. They enjoy the teamwork and comradeship of membership in a special group of cadets. Team members become the best leaders in our program. The more you participate the further you will advance in the program.
Do we go places?
The teams compete against other high school JROTC programs at a variety of locations. Each team has 3-5 competitions a year. The competitions are like varsity sports contests in that we are competing with our best against their best. We travel to the competitions in school buses or our activity buses. Parents are always welcome to attend and watch you compete.
Can I play a school sport or marching band and still be in JROTC and on a team?
Yes. We have several members of the school’s sports teams and marching band in JROTC. When you join a sports team or marching band, you must commit to their practice and performance schedule during that particular activity’s season. We will work with you to allow you to attend our team practices. After the sport or band season is over, you may participate fully on a JROTC team.
What are the physical fitness activities?
We conduct physical training every Friday for class. Cadets must bring PT clothing and shoes to school to change into. The instructors allow time for the cadets to change clothes. Training includes stretches, functional fitness, running, and team or group fitness activities. We also learn and practice close order marching drills utilizing the US Army drill regulations. Classes are formed into platoons and squads to conduct the drills or exercises. All activities are cadet led and instructor supervised.
What special events are there?
Every December, we hold our formal JROTC Military Ball. This is a required attendance function for all cadets. The first Wednesday of each month we hold a battalion formation in the gym before school allowing the cadet leaders to practice their drill and command procedures and to present promotions, awards, and other recognitions. We hold promotion boards each semester and have an awards ceremony end of the year.
What do we do for the school?
We are constantly involved in school activities. We formally raise and lower the school flags weekly. We have cadets who are office and guidance workers. We direct traffic and control parking at school athletic events. We provide the Color Guard for each home sporting event. We are involved in our school’s open houses, orientations and registration nights. We perform school grounds cleanup and beautification. And most importantly, we have a cadet member in nearly every authorized club at Smyrna High School. We are the largest group at school and are excellent ambassadors for our school when we travel.
What do we do for the community?
We are actively involved with our partner elementary and middle schools in Smyrna. We participate in numerous city functions with color guards and cadet representatives. We have an Adopt a Highway section of our city’s roads for community beautification. We visit local hospitals and nursing homes during holiday seasons, and honor veterans with ceremonies on Veterans’ Day. It is all a part of our mission to become better citizens.