What is the class like?
The program is a full credit elective class for every semester a person takes it. JROTC combines interesting classroom instruction with the opportunity to serve the school and the community, participate in extra-curricular activities, enjoy social activities and have the chance to be in leadership positions.

What is exactly taught in class?
The material covered in the program varies throughout the year, with short segments of leadership training, basics of citizenship and other topics related to the U.S. Army. The Army JROTC curriculum also covers topics such as U.S. Military History, first aid, human relations, good techniques for oral communication, drill and ceremony, military map reading, personal hygiene, marksmanship, orienteering, and staff functions and procedures.Underlying all subject matter is a focus on character development and citizenship.

Is there an obligation to go into the armed services after high school?
Absolutely not. We do NOT recruit for any military service, and there is no obligation of any kind to join the service.  In fact, most cadets do not go into the military. But for those who are interested in pursuing a career in the military, Army JROTC is a real benefit.

Who are the instructors?
There are two instructors. The Senior Army Instructor (SAI) is Lieutenant Colonel Scott Buhmann, The Army Instructor (AI) is First Sergeant Leo Marshall. Both are retired from active military service.

Do I have to pay for books or uniforms?
No. The course materials, uniforms, supplies, and equipment is issued to the cadets free of charge by the US Army. There are some things that a cadet might have to pay for, such as a field trip, issued equipment that is lost or damaged, special equipment for a particular team or optional personal clothing with the JROTC logo.

Can both girls and boys take JROTC?
Yes. All leadership positions are equally available to both genders.

What are some of the benefits of taking the program?
Aside from earning high school credit and developing a mature character, there are several benefits. First, cadets that enlist in the military after taking JROTC for at least three years enter service at a higher rank. Second, if the cadet enrolls in senior ROTC (college level) they may skip up to two years of training and enter the program as an advance course cadet. Third, JROTC success is an impressive resume builder for cadets who choose to apply to college, for a scholarship or even for a job directly out of high school.  JROTC instructors serve as references who can connect cadet motivation, education and ability to practical life application.

Do I 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. Usually uniform day is on Thursday of each week, but there are exceptions. The uniform is provided by the military, and is custom-fitted to each cadet. The uniform consists of a jacket, trousers, shirt, shoes, black socks, black belt and buckle, a garrison cap and all cadet emblems and ribbons. Cadets earn rank and awards to put on their uniforms. It is considered an honor to wear the uniform and cadets wear it with pride.

Are there special regulations I have to follow?
There are regulations about the personal appearance of cadets when in uniform, wearing of the uniform, and even how to address the cadre and other cadets. For example, when in uniform, boys may have no visible piercings, they must shave, and their hair must be neatly trimmed.  In uniform, girls may have one set of earrings and keep their hair up off their collar.In no case must a cadet shave their head or take any other extreme measure to fit in.

Can I still do other activities, outside JROTC?
Certainly, JROTC students are involved in varsity sports, band, drama, chorus, student government and other clubs. Many have jobs after school.  You can spend as much or as little time as you want to with JROTC. JROTC offers opportunities to participate on the rifle marksmanship team, take field trips, attend summer camp, volunteer for community outreach service and a number of other group-sponsored activities. These are not mandatory, and we encourage cadets to participate in other school sponsored activities.

What kind of recognition can I get by participating in the program?
There are a number of awards which cadets can earn for participation and achievement in the program. JROTC sponsors many of the awards, but other local veteran and civic organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution sponsor academic, leadership and participation awards. All awards have eligibility criteria, but are open to all who can achieve those criteria. Commitment, good leadership traits, and being an active participant of the program are the main requirements.

What about the leadership training?
TO be a good leader, one must first understand being a good follower. The JROTC curriculum teaches all aspects of being a good leader and a good follower. We also encourage practical application in other school activities as well.

How can I enroll in the program?
If you want to be in the program it is as simple as seeing your counselor. Any person can start JROTC any grade in high school, it is not required that you enroll in ninth grade. 

How long do I have to be in the program?
Freshmen may enroll for up to a semester, and we like for cadets to commit to a semester as a freshmen.  Sophomores, juniors and seniors may enroll for a quarter or for all four.  We encourage cadets to be consistent and take the class as much as possible to gain the full benefit, but we do not want to discourage those who can only fit it in for a quarter or two.  The longer a cadet is in the program and the more consistent they are, the more opportunity they have to be a leader.