Has anyone ever started a JROTC program in one of their area high schools? Any lessons learned to share? ?

Sir,

Needless to say, I have not been in the Army long enough to reach the point where I'd be starting JROTC groups, but I do have some experience from the cadet side of things that may give some idea.

1. Seek other schools to integrate or cross-train with. One of the other local high schools in my neighborhood refused to do this, while another school actively invited us to cross-train. This resulted in camaraderie between schools, lessons in communication and interpersonal tact, and others. Additionally, the local college also sought to bring the cadets in to classes and training, which was a great benefit for those thinking about pursuing a career.

2. As cadets, we wanted to be engaged in local events. Tour museums, volunteer at various Veteran's associations or fundraisers, color guard at sporting events and etc.

3. Obstacles that I saw that were encountered were mainly due to what I mentioned above: no intent to integrate with other schools or institutions, even the host school itself. Getting involved with the faculty and seeking ways to contribute seems to be beneficial.


I hope this is somewhat helpful, sir. Again, this is just what I observed from the student perspective, from what seems like forever ago!

In case you have not seen it, here is the official requirements. You need the school district to buy off on it, because it costs them money. The other hitch is 100 drilling cadets to keep it alive. http://www.usarmyjrotc.com/jrotc-program/establish-jrotc-program

I may only be eighteen months into my army career but I did just send three years as an AFJROTC cadet. The first thing you need to know about starting a program is that you will attract two types people. The first are highly motivated young men who want the guys they see in the movies i.e. a sf navy seal ranger pj, and yearn to see combat. Give them real rank structure and authority and make them do more push ups than paperwork because they will reward you with a successful corps and becoming future leaders. The other type of cadets are lazy students looking for an easy A or to get out of gym. They will do nothing but drag you down.

Sir,

I haven't! I started from the bottom now I'm here!

One of my old comrades from AD in Germany is a retired 1SG and is heavily involved in JROTC. Reach out to 1SG Kevin Moore on RP.

Good luck

I haven't started one but I am in one now that basically needed to be started from grass roots as both the SAI and myself were new to the school. I'm sure you're seeking answers in regards to how to go about getting the basics off the ground but after getting all your initial training done on the GPC, Supply Inventory/Hand Receipt issues then your main focus should always be on the kids.

Inventory everything, network with other JROTC Instructors/SAI"s and their programs in other schools so that you can get tips, borrow or barter if need be to support your Cadets and be willing to do the same with those schools/SAI's-AI's.

Best wishes to you and your new school be prepared to hear the unexpected from the kids because they will surprise you with things going on in their lives at home and at the school. Always make yourself available to them to be there as a Problem Solver or at least an ear to hear them out, be patient always.

For some of these kids we (Soldiers) are the only positive influences they see all day, continue to live your Army Values and Soldier's Creed and let them know that they should always live their Cadet Creed and Army Values 24-7/365 whether you are watching or not.

God bless you Sir, I wish you, your Sergeant and your Cadets nothing but the best.

Establish rules of discipline and how to carry them out, because the favorite push ups have become cruel and unusual punishment when done too much. So make sure that you read the whole school district regulations and keep an eye on your cadets.

it is very difficult to start a JROTC unt. Many schools are on waiting lists. California has another school-based alternative, the California Cadet Corps (http://www.cadet.org) run by the Cal National Guard Youth Programs directorate. This program dates back to 1911 (5 years older than JROTC) has had it ups and downs, but is doing very well now. I just got back from the summer program which includes basic cadet training, and advanced to include marksmanship, survival (the 2 adults in charge of this group are 2 brothers, a retired USAF pilot and a former SEAL!) mountaineering, law enforcement, medical, cyber and drill instructor schools They can be more flexible--they would apply through the NG Youth Programs, There is no minimum cadet enrollment numbers. Instructors (called commandants) can teach it as a class or an after-school program. Other adults can volunteer as assistant commandants or on state or brigade sfaff members. See website for more information. I have recently started volunteering for it.

I've done some research since I'm retiring in 9 months. First, the criteria to is less than Army ROTC. 2nd. You must be retired from the active army or have over 20 years national guard or reserve. Go online & look at the job packet.