JROTC Home

  • The Rams' Battalion Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Program at Southern Garrett High School is a dynamic and highly visible unit. As such, your membership in this motivated organization includes both specified and implied responsibilities of a personal and professional nature.

    The program in itself is quite unlike any other course. We have a unique culture in JROTC that contributes to personal self-development and the maintenance of a positive learning environment. As soon as you enter the JROTC classroom, you will notice a difference in the atmosphere that we are proud of, one that we insist on supporting. You are immediately presumed to be a young adult, and all that you show, say, and do, will support that assumption.

    The goals of the JROTC program are to teach students to:

    Act with integrity and personal accountability as they lead others to succeed in a diverse and global workforce.
    Engage civic and social concerns in the community, government, and society
    Graduate prepared to excel in post-secondary options and career pathways
    Make decisions that promote positive social, emotional, and physical health
    Value the role of the military and other service organizations

    With the school’s support, the JROTC program achieves these goals by using a world-class 21st Century, technology-driven, student-centered curriculum. The curriculum consists of education in citizenship, leadership, social and communication skills, physical fitness and wellness, geography, and civics.

    The Rams' Battalion is serious and fun about the business of learning, following, leading, and becoming more informed. We understand that our actions and words result in logical consequences. We are positive about ourselves and others, and we look for the lessons hiding in each of life's experiences... a way of life not for the weak-hearted or thin-skinned. We keep in mind that people and the world around us will respond to our contributions and actions.

    The mission of Army Junior ROTC is to motivate young people to become better citizens. We turn ordinary people into bold, self-confident, outstanding leaders. For cadets who participate in this program, life becomes something with clear objectives and goals. Grades have been shown to improve in other subjects. Many positive career and educational options have become available through JROTC. Enroll today, the train is rolling, and the ticket to ride is an open mind, a positive attitude, and the willingness to learn.

About JROTC

  • "It's different from other classes...kids learn how to teach others..."
    "It helped me to focus on my other classes too."
     
    About JROTC Program

    The Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) is a program offered to high schools that teaches students character education, student achievement, wellness, leadership, and diversity. It is a cooperative effort between the Army and the high schools to produce successful students and citizens, while fostering in each school a more constructive and disciplined learning environment. The outcomes of the JROTC program are:

    • -Act with integrity and personal accountability as they lead others to succeed in a diverse and global workforce. 
    • -Engage civic and social concerns in the community, government, and society
    • -Graduate prepared to excel in post-secondary options and career pathways
    • -Make decisions that promote positive social, emotional, and physical health
    • -Value the role of the military and other service organizations

    The JROTC Program at Southern Garrett High School is a dynamic and highly visible unit. As such, your membership in this highly motivated organization includes both specified and implied responsibilities of a personal and professional nature.  With the school’s support, the JROTC program achieves these outcomes by using a world-class 21st Century, technology-driven, student-centered curriculum. The curriculum consists of education in citizenship, leadership, social and communication skills, physical fitness and wellness, geography, and civics.

    The curriculum is facilitated and taught by retired Army personnel. Qualified retired Army personnel are employed by schools to teach the JROTC curriculum. JROTC teaching 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.).

    This course of instruction is not like other course offerings. We have a definite culture in JROTC that contributes to personal self-development and the maintenance of a positive learning environment. The moment you walk through the JROTC classroom door you will notice a difference in the atmosphere that we are proud of and insist on supporting. You will also notice that you are immediately presumed to be a young adult and that all that you show, say, and do will reflect that fact.

    We are about learning, following, leading, and becoming more informed about the real world. We come to understand that our actions and words result in logical consequences. We are positive about ourselves and others and look for the lessons hiding in each of life's experiences. We keep in mind that people and the world around us will respond based on our contributions and action... not on our unobserved potential.

    For the majority of the cadets who participate in this program, life becomes something with clear objectives, goals, and many positive career/educational options to select from upon graduation. So, get on board the train........ the ticket to ride is an open mind, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn.

    Questions People Ask About JROTC

    Q. You say you're not recruiting, but don't many JROTC graduates enter the military?
    A. Many cadets find they enjoy discipline and structure: it brings out their best and allows them to excel. Some win appointments to one of the military academies, and those who enlist can enter military service at a higher rank and pay grade. The JROTC program, however, is not set up to recruit and does not request or expect a military commitment of any kind.  A student that has military service as a plan can definitely benefit from JROTC, but the program is designed to " motivate young people to be better citizens" not recruit for the military.

    Q. Can JROTC help students go to college?
    A. We definitely can help. JROTC training improves the ability to study, to take tests, to set goals, and to focus.

    Q. Do cadets have to wear uniforms?
    A. Yes, but usually only once a week, or when taking part in special ceremonies. The rest of the time, normal clothing is fine.

    Q. Are there any fees for uniforms, books, or special equipment?
    A. The JROTC program supplies uniforms, books, and all equipment used in the course, free of charge.

    Q. Is JROTC as hard as it sounds?
    A. The course is demanding, but most students who make an effort really enjoy the challenge and thrive on the hard work and discipline.

    Q. Who teaches JROTC?
    A. Retired Army personnel with years of experience working with young people. Instructors are certified by the Army, but they are hired by and work for the school. Besides having state-of-the-art instruction techniques at their command, JROTC instructors serve as exceptional role models for maturing teenagers.

    Q. Are there any age requirements for JROTC?
    A. There's no firm age requirement but students must be in 9th grade to take JROTC.

    Q. What does LET mean?
    A. Leadership Education Training

    Q. How many LET levels are there?
    A. There are eight levels of JROTC available at SGHS

    Q. How many credits per JROTC class?
    A. 1 Credit per class

    Q. Where can I get more information about JROTC?
    A. The guidance counselor at the school or the JROTC instructors will be happy to meet with you and answer questions. Ralph Sheaffer or VerleWright.

Program Overview

  • "It helped me to earn a scholarship."

    Throughout the year, the JROTC unit is involved in many activities. Everyday, Monday through Friday, is used for a specific purpose both in school and outside of school. Besides the academic element of JROTC, cadets participate in events such as parades, sporting events, and drill competitions.

    JROTC Weekly Classroom Instructions
    Monday Academics
    Tuesday Academics
    Wednesday Leadership Lab
    Thursday Adventure Training/Academics/Leadership Lab
    Friday Physical Fitness Training(PT)

     

    During Academics, students are taught a variety of leadership instruction in a thorough an intense, fast-paced curriculum which is linked with many Common Core State Standards. The curriculum consists of education in citizenship, leadership, social and communication skills, physical fitness and wellness, geography, and civics.

    Adventure Training introduces Cadets to many tough, mentally and physically challenging activities which test and improve their leadership and teamwork skills. Cadets are asked to wear appropriate outdoor clothing and closed-toed footwear on Adventure Training days.

    The Leadership lab is primarily used for Cadets to learn and practice drill and ceremony. Cadets are given the opportunity to take command of a squad and move them using drill commands. Cadets are also introduced to Rifle and exhibition drill as well. Cadets who fill staff positions use time during Leadership lab to conduct staff work. Staff positions include; S-1 administration, S-2 security, S-3 training, S-4 logistics, and S-5 public affairs. Cadets who are chosen to fill staff positions have demonstrated the potential for this increased responsibility.

    JROTC Competitive Teams: The Rams Battalion has a variety of competitive teams which challenge Cadets both mentally and physically. To be a team member of any competitive team, Cadets must maintain high standards of discipline and academics; Cadets failing any classes or having disciplinary problems in school may not participate in any team activity.

    Air Rifle Team

    The Rams Battalion Air Rifle Team trains and competes in accordance with the Civilian Marksmanship Program. All Cadets have the opportunity to try-out for the Air Rifle Team and the best marksman is selected. Cadets learn fire arms safety, marksmanship skills and sportsmanship and travel throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, competing in ten-meter air rifle competitions during the entire school year. Air rifle is not only a high school JROTC sport, it is the only team that members can actually earn a college scholarship for, as it is an NCAA recognized collegiate sport. Cadets participating in the team must commit to an intense practice and competition schedule and have high standards. Practice for the Air Rifle team is Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30. Interested Cadets should contact LTC(R) Sheaffer. Financial donations can be sent to MidwayUSA Foundation at https://secure.midwayusafoundation.org.

    Prone position for air rifle.Equipment check for air rifle.Camp Perry Ohio.On the range at Camp Perry

    Drill Team

    The Rams Battalion Drill Team trains for and competes with armed and unarmed platoons and squads. The team represents the discipline, precision and teamwork that comes with hours of practice. The Drill Team is comprised of our most disciplined Cadets who display the mental toughness and attention to detail that is required to be successful. The Drill Team represents the Rams Battalion in competitions throughout our region and has a proud history of accomplishments. Drill Team practice is conducted every Monday and Thursday, from 3:30 to 5:30. Interested Cadets should contact 1SG(R) Wright.

    Leading by example

     

    Color Guard

    The Rams Battalion Color Guard Team is comprised of the most disciplined and committed Cadets from the Drill Team. The Color Guard represents Southern Garrett High School during home football games, parades, ceremonies and other community functions requiring a color guard. They also represent the Rams Battalion in Color Guard competitions throughout our region. The Color Guard practices in conjunction with the Drill Team every Monday and Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30. Interested Cadets should contact 1SG(R) Wright.

    Taking pride with our nation's colors. Football color guard

    The Color Guard Team performs in competition. The Color Guard posted colors for the SGHS football game.

    Raider Team

    The Rams Battalion Raider team is comprised of the most physically and mentally tough Cadets in the battalion. The Raider Team trains to compete in the Raider Challenge, an exciting, physically demanding display of teamwork, against other JROTC programs in our region. Raider Team events include: Physical fitness test; One Rope Bridge construction and crossing; 5 Kilometer Road March; Litter Carry; Knot Tying Relay, and other optional events determined by the SAI and AI.

Creed

  • The Cadet Creed is an important part of every cadet's life. It is memorized by each cadet and recited at the beginning of class. It is essentially a cadet's pledge to fully live up to all of the values which are truly universal. Cadets are not only expected to memorize the Creed but to fully comprehend its meaning and do their best to have it reflected in their day-to-day activities. Our Cadet Creed reads as follows.                   

    Army JROTC Creed

Instructors

  • The Senior Army Instructor (SAI) and Army Instructor (AI) of any Army JROTC program are retired service personnel that apply for qualification as JROTC Instructors. They head the program, answer to the school administration, and teach the Junior ROTC classes. Together, our instructors bring over 55 years of experience with leadership.