MCHI JROTC INFO
While many have heard about Junior ROTC, I’d like to provide some details about our program and dispel a few myths in hopes of gaining your interest and participation in JROTC.
Firstly, please feel free to get “official” program information at these links:
JROTC History: http://www.usarmyjrotc.com/JROTC_History.html
JROTC Overview: http://www.usarmyjrotc.com/JROTC_Overview.html
JROTC Program Information: http://www.usarmyjrotc.com/JROTC_ProgramInfo.html
To summarize, though, JROTC is a program established by Congress in 1916. It is a partnership between the Army and the school and incorporates an accredited curriculum that teaches students (Cadets) character education, student achievement, wellness, leadership, and diversity. Collectively, these lessons motivate Cadets to be better citizens. In addition to promoting citizenship, JROTC also prepares Cadets for post-secondary options including college or the workforce.
JROTC is NOT a recruiting platform. While the military and its role in our Nation’s defense is discussed in JROTC, only an average of 33% of all graduating Cadets enter into military service, and none of them are pressured into such service. In any case, the lessons, principles and experiences presented in JROTC are of value in any and all career fields and are beneficial to our Nation as a whole.
At the center of our curriculum is the Cadet Creed:
I am an Army Junior ROTC Cadet.
I will always conduct myself to bring credit to my family, country, school and the Corps of Cadets.
I am loyal and patriotic.
I am the future of the United States of America.
I do not lie, cheat or steal and will always be accountable for my actions and deeds.
I will always practice good citizenship and patriotism.
I will work hard to improve my mind and strengthen my body.
I will seek the mantle of leadership and stand prepared to uphold the Constitution and the American way of life.
May God grant me the strength to always live by this creed.
The curriculum is facilitated and taught by qualified retired Army personnel who are employed by the schools. JROTC teacher qualifications are based on military experience, maturity, stability, and leadership acquired over 20 years of service to our nation. To safeguard the viability of the JROTC program, the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Education endorse the proposition that states recognize that JROTC instructors are certified to teach JROTC and the array of subject areas embedded (e.g., Physical Education, Health/Wellness, Civics, etc.).
Participation in McHi JROTC is open to all High School students. It only requires a daily class period, with the addition of about two events per semester outside of the school day. These additional events are normally a parade, the Military Ball and a couple of promotion/awards ceremonies. Other than that, any other after school co-curricular events and activities are purely voluntary.
All uniforms are loaned to the Cadets free of charge. There is a small fee for the battalion t-shirt, name tape and the military ball. Some camps also require a small fee, but those are voluntary only and in many cases are paid for by the JROTC program.
While JROTC is not run like a military school or a boot camp, basic principles of discipline, respect and adherence to the values in the Cadet Creed are central to the success of the program and the Cadets. Active measures are taken to coach the Cadets along a path to success, and they are rewarded and recognized with advancement in rank and presentation of awards. Additionally, Cadets who demonstrate strong interest and leadership aptitude are given opportunities to excel in increasingly challenging leadership and staff positions.
Academically speaking, JROTC is recognized worldwide by Colleges and Universities and is highly regarded in the selection process for admissions and scholarships.
For questions pertaining to JROTC and participation in our program, please don’t hesitate to ask me in person or at Leonard.Cianciotto@mcallenisd.net
Hooah!
LTC Leonard Cianciotto
“Colonel C”