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 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 4% of the 121,000+ High School JROTC students enlist in the military after graduation; most enroll in college. However, some of our students do elect join one of the military services. If they do join, they enter the service with an accelerated promotion which means an immediate pay raise.

Who teaches the students?

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, Marines, and Air Force) and, in the case of Esperanza High School, the state of California.

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, being accountable for their actions, and learning to work as part of a team.

What can students expect to learn by taking JROTC? Leadership, Citizenship, Organizational Skills, Self-Discipline, Team Building Skills, Ethics, Respect, Courtesy, Punctuality, Grooming, Methods of Instruction, Physical Fitness, Computer Skills, Managing Peer Pressure, Stress Management, Service Learning, Economics, Overcoming Adversity, Military History, Personal Finance, Character Values, 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. Every student is capable of doing well in this program if they simply cooperate, follow instructions, pay attention in class, read the material, and study a little.

What Academic Credit do you get for being in JROTC?

For every year in the program, students will receive full elective or P.E. credit towards meeting graduation requirements, depending on what is needed.

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.

Additionally, we have a lot of fun, take several field trips throughout the year and provide opportunities that cannot be found in other programs

How much does JROTC cost? 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. Esperanza AFJROTC is unique in that cadets participate in fundraising activities that pay for most expenses.  Most of the time, not all, the Corps is able to pay for meals etc. at events because of the fundraising activities mentioned. Summer camp is voluntary, selection is limited, and cadets pay a minimal fee for uniform cleaning. An annual JROTC Ball is held, tickets are offered to cadets at a reduced price.

Why do the students conduct drill or march? JROTC uses drill and ceremonies as a well-defined, relatively easy to master training tool. This tool issued 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 JROTC uniform once a week on uniform day. The uniform is provided by the Air Force and is custom –fitted to each cadet. The uniform consists of a pair of trousers, shoes (must be shined), black socks, shirt, lightweight jacket, service coat, blue belt and buckle, a  flight cap, and a number of other uniform pieces that make the uniform complete. 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. Cadets are allowed to wear the ABU (Airman Battle Uniform) uniform as well.

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. 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 equally.

Are there special rules students are required to follow?

Yes, although they are not extreme. There are regulations about the personal appearance of cadets, wearing of the uniform, and even how to address the other military personnel and cadets. For example, males are not permitted to wear an earring(s) in uniform, and females are only allowed one pair of conservative earrings, one earring in each ear. On uniform day, males must have their hair cut so that it does not touch the ears, and female cadets must have their hair up so that it is above their shirt collar.

What kind of recognition can I get by participating in the program?

There are many awards that cadets can earn for participation and achievement in the program. The school gives some, 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 and understand the leadership traits of a good leader. The program encourages practical application in other school activities as well as in JROTC.

How can I enroll in the program?

If you want to be in the program, it is as simple as letting your counselor know you want to be in the program. Any student can start JROTC in high school. Eighth grade students are able to sign up when scheduling their ninth grade high school classes. Current high school students are able to sign up when scheduling their sophomore, junior, and senior year classes.