FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS    

Why should a student enroll in JROTC? To appreciate the ethical values and principles that underlie good citizenship.  To develop leadership potential, while working cooperatively with others.  To be able to think logically and to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing.  To appreciate the importance of physical fitness in maintaining good health.  To understand the importance of high school graduation for a successful future, and learn about college and other advanced educational and employment opportunities.  To develop mental management abilities.

     What does JROTC stand for?  JROTC stands for Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. It is a military regulated high school program whose purpose is to educate high school students in leadership roles while making them aware of the benefits of citizenship. The mission of JROTC is to motivate young people to become better American citizens.

    By enrolling in JROTC, are you joining the military?  No.  Students who enroll in JROTC don't join the military.  They take a JROTC or Leadership class for which they receive credit. 

    Will my son/daughter have to serve in the military if they join high school JROTC?  No.  There is no commitment to serve in the armed forces if a student goes through the high school JROTC program.

    Does the JROTC program recruit for the Armed Forces?  NO!  We do not recruit for the Armed Forces. Less than 15% of Houston ISD JROTC students enlist in the military after graduation; most enroll in college.  However, some of our students do elect to join one of the military services.  If they do join, they enter the service with an accelerated promotion which means and immediate $350.00 monthly raise. 

    Who teaches the students?  All teachers or JROTC instructors are retired from active military service.  They are certified to teach JROTC in accordance with published standards from each of the military services (Army, Navy, and Air Force).

    Is JROTC like boot camp? No.  The JROTC course is a leadership and  character education program that does not rely on harsh discipline techniques like a boot camp.

    If the mission of JROTC is to “motivate young people to be better citizens,” how do you accomplish this mission?  By instilling discipline, respect for self and authority, accepting responsibility and being accountable for their actions and learning to work as part of a team. 

    What can students expect to learn by taking JROTC or Leadership?  Leadership, Citizenship, Organizational Skills, Self Discipline, Drug & Alcohol Abuse, Team Building Skills , Leadership Ethics, Respect/Courtesy, Punctuality/Grooming, Methods of Instruction, Physical Fitness, Computer Skills, Managing Peer Pressure, Stress Management, Map Reading, Orienteering, Service Learning, Economics, Overcoming Adversity, Military History, Personal Finance, Character Values, Personal Fitness, Test Preparation, CPR & First Aid, Self Confidence, Self Esteem. 

    What do I get out of taking JROTC?  Life skills! The development of your personal potential, the enhanced ability to communicate with others, the knowledge and ability to coordinate varied activities, the focused skills to plan, organize, and lead group activities and the knowledge and skills to motivate and bring a team together will give the student a distinct advantage in college and beyond. 

     What makes JROTC different from other classes?  Students in JROTC learn through a unique program that involves both classroom and "live" situations. For instance, a JROTC cadet might be found leading classmates in and outside the classroom. 

    How much does JROTC cost?  Costs for Houston ISD High School JROTC programs are remarkably low.  Uniforms and training materials are provided by the program, as are the buses that transport cadets to competitions or trips.  Cadets are expected to pay for dry cleaning their uniforms. Cadets are expected to pay for their own meals at competitions or on trips. There is a $30 fee for cadets to attend the annual JROTC summer Camp held in June of each school year.  Summer camp is voluntary and selection is limited to 10% of each school’s enrollment. Cadets also pay to attend an annual JROTC Ball; costs vary from year to year for this event. 

    Why do the students conduct drill or march?  JROTC uses drill and ceremonies as a well-defined, relatively easy to master training tool or vehicle.  This tool is used to teach and develop teamwork, leadership, instructional skills, attention to detail, bearing, respect for authority and for others, responsibility, and endurance.

    Are students required to 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.  The uniform is provided by the military, and is custom-fitted to each cadet. The uniform consists of a pair of trousers, shoes, black socks, shirt, black belt and buckle, and a gray beret.  Cadets earn their rank and awards to put on their uniforms.  It is considered an honor to wear the uniform and cadets wear it with pride. Members of JROTC teams may wear the uniform more often for events and competitions.

    Why do the students wear the uniform?  Students wear the uniform to put all cadets on the same level. Any additions to the uniform are ranks and awards that are earned by the individual cadet. They are earned for application of positive traits and principles that will serve you and your community well in the future. These are not given on the basis of wealth or any such issue.  Remember, many citizens wear uniforms:  McDonalds, Post Office, Police Officers, UPS, etc.

    Are both girls and boys enrolled in JROTC?  Yes.  All leadership positions are available to both sexes equally. 

    Are there special rules students are required to follow?  Yes, although not to the extreme.  There are, however, regulations about the personal appearance of cadets, wearing of the uniform, and even how to address the other military personnel and cadets.  

    What kind of recognition can I get by participating in the program?  There are many awards which cadets can earn for participation and achievement in the program.  Some are given by each school, but others can be awarded by local military organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of Purple Heart, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.  These are just a few of the organizations that give awards. All awards have certain criteria, but are open to all who achieve those criteria.  Involvement, good leadership traits, and being an active participant of the program are the main requirements. 

    What about the leadership training?  In JROTC, being a leader means first being a follower.  The curriculum teaches all aspects of being a good follower and being a good leader.  Cadets must learn the 14 leadership traits of a good leader.  The program encourages practical application in other school activities as well as in JROTC.