JROTC stands for Junior Reserver Officer Training Corps and is a program in most Local high schools. JROTC was established to motivate young people to become better citizens using military tactics. Most parents usually believe that JROTC is basically a recruitment class for the military, its really not.
Cadets are required to wear uniform on a certain day, chosen by the SAI, and their uniforms need to be taken care of(dry cleaning and perfection), On their chosen uniform days most cadets will inspected by their company commander and first sergeant(see under company positions). They get graded for some few regulations, for example: Their military creases, ribbon placement, dirty shoes, etc. The program is run by certain people in the program.
SAI
An SAI is short for Senior Army Instructor. Usually retired from the army, a SAI is there to teach the cadets his wisdom and lessons. An SAI is usually accompanied by an AI.
AI
An AI is short for Army Instructor. Most usually the AI has recently retired from the Army.
Certain Cadets
A few cadets can demonstrate their leadership by obtaining high positions, such as Battalion Commander, Battalion XO, and Command Sergeant Major.
The Cadet Creed
The Cadet Creed is a creed in which all cadets must know, the cadets have to live through the life style portrayed in this 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 Battalion
The battalion is all companies combined together, the whole JROTC program is the Battalion. If one company looks bad, the whole Battalion looks bad. The battalions is usually run by the Battalion Commander, with the help of the staff. The staff includes the following positions.
Battalion Commander
The Battalion Commander is to lead the battalion, it is the Highest position and hard to keep if your not up to it.
Staff
S-1(Adjutant)
The S-1's job is to update all records on files and make sure all cadets receive their ranks and ribbons.
S-2(Security)
The S-2's job is to make sure rifles are not stolen,broken,etc. and that the room is locked and secure after a school day.
S-3(Operations)
The S-3's job is to organize events or any other activities,and write out the weekly schedule.
S-4(Supply)
The S-4's job is to create a record of uniform handed out to a cadet, and they must maintain accountability.
S-5(Special Projects)
The S-5's job is to make a representative for the battalion for newspaper and yearbook.
Battalion XO
The Battalion XO is in command of the whole staff, if XO is absent, the S-3 takes her place for the day.
Command Sergeant Major
The Sergeant Major's job is to assist the Battalion Commander in running the battalion as much as possible. The CSM is in charge of the enlisted ranks(E-1 through E-9).
There is only one Sergeant Major for the Battalion
Ranks
Ranks are achieved of proving leadership and commitment. most ranks are obtained after company inspection.
Officers
- O-5 C/Lieutenant Colonel
- O-4 C/Major
- O-3 C/Captain
- O-2 C/First Lieutenant
- O-1 C/Second Lieutenant
Enlisted Ranks
- E-9 Command Sergeant Major
- E-8 Master Sergeant/First Sergeant
- E-7 Sergeant First Class
- E-6 Staff Sergeant
- E-5 Sergeant
- E-4 Corporal
- E-3 Private First Class
- E-2 Private
- E-1 Private(no insignia)
NCOs
NCOs are cadets with the ranks of Corporal(E-4) through Sergeant Major(E-9). These cadets are the ones that are going to be in charge of the companies and teams, they must know their general knowledge.
Company
A company is runned by other cadets, there is a different company each period: 1-Alpha, 2-Bravo, etc.
In each company there is a commander, First Sergeant, Platoon sergeants, Platoon Leaders, Squad leaders, and squad members, depending on total number of cadets.
Company Commander
A company Commander makes sure the company is running smoothly and that cadets are doing their job. if a commander has to take charge because the first sergeant cant control the situation, that is a sign that all the cadets are wrong. The Commanders are usually in the back of the formation watching all the cadets. The number of Commanders in the battalion depends on the number of Companies.
First Sergeant
The First Sergeant stands in front of the company and calls it to attention to take roll and review announcements. The number of first sergeants in the battalion depends on the number of Companies.
Platoon Sergeants
Platoon Sergeants stand in front of a platoon and behind/front of a First Sergeant, their job is to echo off the command given. The Platoon sergeant is basically a First Sergeants assistant.
Platoon Leaders
Platoon Leaders are is a platoon sergeant, but working for the company commander, they echo off the commanders commands.
Squad Leaders
A Squad leaders job is to maintain the their squad and report to the platoon sergeant when they're receiving accountability
Squad Members
They have no jobs, but can challenge their squad leaders position if they are up to it.
Those are the basics for JROTC, The fun part of JROTC is coming on my second article soon.
