ALTON HIGH SCHOOL

JROTC stands for Junior Reserve Officer's 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. JROTC strives to motivate young people to become better American citizens.

The program is a half credit elective class for every semester a person takes it. JROTC combines interesting classroom instruction with the opportunity to serve the school and the community, participate in extra-curricular activities, enjoy social activities, and have the chance to be in leadership positions. The curriculum is divided between Aerospace Science (40%), Leadership Education (40%), and Wellness and Fitness (20%).

Absolutely not. There is no obligation of any kind to join the service; in fact, most cadets do not go into the military. But for those who are interested in pursuing a career in the military, JROTC is a real benefit.

There is a $20 registration fee. The course materials, uniforms, supplies, and equipment are issued to the cadets free of charge by the U.S. Air Force. There are some things that a cadet might have to pay for, such as a field trip, issued equipment that is lost or damaged, or special equipment for a particular team.

Yes. All leadership positions are available to both sexes equally.

Yes, cadets are required to wear the Air Force JROTC uniform once a week on uniform day. Usually uniform day is on Thursday of each week, but there are exceptions. The uniform is provided by the military, and is custom-fitted to each cadet. Cadets earn rank and awards to put on their uniforms. It is considered an honor to wear the uniform and all cadets are expected to wear it with pride.

Yes, there are regulations about the personal appearance of cadets, wearing of the uniform, and even how to address the other military personnel and cadets. During the first semester of JROTC all the regulations and standards are explained in great detail so that cadets can meet JROTC standards.

Certainly, JROTC students are involved in everything from varsity sports to band, chorus, student government, and other clubs. Outside of class, you can spend as much or as little time as you want to with JROTC. The program offers several additional teams (saber team, drill team and color guard) that cadets may join. The program also offers field trips, summer camps, military balls, community service opportunities and other group-sponsored activities.

There are a large number of awards which cadets can earn for participation and achievement in the program. Some are given by the unit, but others can be awarded by national 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 that criteria.