Army JROTC » FAQs

FAQs

AJROTC gives you the chance to acquire many life skills and leadership abilities, but its primary objective is to develop good citizenship
and patriotism in each student.
The AJROTC program has a lot to offer young men and women who want to get the most out of their high school years. What you will learn in the program will be useful to you now and in the future because much of the instruction and experience you will receive isn't available any other way at the high school level.
 
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
 
What does a cadet learn in the JROTC course?
You'll learn what teamwork is all about. You'll learn to think quickly, to be sure of yourself, to communicate your ideas, discipline, leadership and to become self-reliant. You'll also learn military history and the military role in current events, and you'll develop a full appreciation of our national heritage. As a JROTC cadet you will study such topics as Current Events and World Events.
The JROTC course of instruction is offered during the regular school day as part of the school curriculum. You'll be instructed by experienced Army officers and noncommissioned officers who have a high regard for education and training and enjoy working with young adults. In JROTC you'll get practical experience in organization and leadership development.
 
It meets the graduation requirement for elective or physical education.
 
JROTC will provide uniform and supplies at no cost to the student.  However, if a cadet loses or destroys an issued item, they have to pay for it.
 
 Student will wear their uniform once a week to class.
 
JROTC is open to all students enrolled in school.
 
No. Not all students who enroll in JROTC join the military nor are they required to. There is no military obligation for enrolling in JROTC. Students take the class for which they receive credit. It's considered a high school elective.
 
We sponsor a variety of extracurricular activities through JROTC.  Among these are drill teams, honor and color guards, marksmanship teams, and orienteering. Through your participation in these activities, you'll be a more involved student and community member. Of course, as a JROTC cadet, you'll also have time to socialize with other cadets. Picnics, Military Ball (formal), trips to Six Flags, and Cadet/family bowling nights and miniature golf are just some of the planned activities you'll enjoy.
 
Yes. A cadet may still join the Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps if they so choose. This JROTC program will focus mainly on the Army and its role in the world, but there are many opportunities to learn about any of the other branches of the military and the jobs that they have to offer.
 
No, the program is funded by the Department of Defense. Some extracurricular activities require the cadet to pay, (like trips to amusement parks) but the course itself is free.


How does one enroll into JROTC at San Pedro High School?

There are multiple ways a student may enroll in JROTC.  SPHS counselors meet with 8th grade students every spring semester to enroll new 9th grade students into SPHS. This is the first opportunity to inform counselors of their desire to enroll in JROTC. Also, SPHS conducts new student/parent orientations every summer before school begins and this is also an ideal time to inform counselors of their desire to enroll in JROTC. Once school begins, students may request schedule changes through their counselors as another way to enroll in JROTC if they do not already have JROTC in their class program. Lastly, any student may visit JROTC in classroom 166 and one of the JROTC instructors will assist the student to get enrolled in JROTC. 

Are students required to participate in any JROTC-related extracurricular activities?

Joining a team is completely optional for students in the JROTC program. Like sports or cheerleading, students are not required to join our after-school activities to benefit from the class objectives. However, like sports or cheerleading, students who do join our extra-curricular activities are expected and required to follow school and JROTC rules as well as attend team practices after school.

What extra-curricular activities does JROTC offer to students?

There are several after-school activities for students to join. JROTC offers five team activities including color guard, armed, unarmed, and the raider team (physical fitness team). Additionally, students may become involved with our cadet leadership staff that plans, organizes, and leads all student activities.

If a student does choose to join the military after high school, how does JROTC benefit them?

All branches of the armed services recognize the AJROTC three year certificate for increased rank when enlisting and some recognize the two year certificate. Increased rank means higher pay. Additionally, should you desire to go into a college ROTC program, JROTC also provides some benefits including special looks from scholarship boards.

Will students be forced to do pushups or have people yelling at me?

No, not in Army JROTC. This is a high school program - not the military. We help our students become better citizens regardless of their intentions after high school. We feel that we can give our students the tools needed to be successful in life without yelling, screaming, or making them do physical activities. 

Do I have to be able to run and do excessive physical activity? No. While physical fitness is 20 percent of our curriculum, everything is done on an individualized approach. Our goal is help our students improve their personal, overall fitness knowledge and conditioning. The fitness portion of the curriculum includes informational classroom lessons along with fun and interesting outdoor activities.

Are young ladies involved in Army JROTC?

Absolutely! Young ladies now comprise almost fifty percent of all students enrolled in JROTC.

If I join Army JROTC, will I receive credit?

Yes. JROTC is a general elective class and students receive five credit hours toward graduation requirements for each semester of successfully completing JROTC.

What is the difference between Junior ROTC in high school and ROTC in college?

High school Junior ROTC program is open to any 9th - 12th grade student who desires to develop their leadership and citizenship skills. There is no military obligation for joining JROTC. The mission of the college ROTC program is to produce officers and leaders for the military through their scholarship and commissioning program. Also, there is an obligation to join the military upon completion of the ROTC program.

Do Army JROTC cadets ever get to leave the high school campus?

Generally SPHS JROTC has several off-campus activity each semester. Additionally, we travel to color guard, drill meets and PT competitions several times each year during the week or on weekends.

What does Army JROTC offer that would be of interest to at-risk youth?

Army JROTC offers positive role models, a place to belong, excel, and be rewarded. Cadets have a positive educational experience in which they are encouraged to graduate and pursue higher education opportunities. Additionally, Army Junior ROTC stresses and teaches the values of citizenship, self-esteem, and self respect, service to the community, pride in belonging, self-discipline, and personal, family and social responsibility.  A strong anti-drug message is part of the program. As mentioned above, Army Junior ROTC provides post-high school opportunities in the way of enlistment, with advanced rank and college scholarship opportunities.