What is JROTC in High School?

When my teens were in high school, they both participated in a JROTC program at their high school. My daughter was highly involved for two years, and my son stayed in the program for all four high school years. Both attained officer ranks and numerous JROTC ribbons.

My daughter tolerated the JROTC uniform but would have preferred a more stylish option. My son loved the uniform and planned to enter the military after graduation. 

Every Thursday, during their JROTC class period, they were required to dress in their uniforms and stand for inspection. My son and daughter also participated in district competitions on the drill and academic teams.

The JROTC program encouraged them to excel in academics and leadership while providing them with a corps of cadets who became their close friends. It also helped with their transition into high school.

Let’s dive deeper into JROTC programs now.

What does JROTC stand for?

JROTC stands for Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, a program established under the National Defense Act of 1916. JROTC is conducted at accredited secondary schools throughout the U.S. and taught by retired military instructors. 

The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard each operate their own versions of the program. According to a Congressional Research Service report, 490,094 students were active in 3,514 units across the U.S. in fiscal year 2024.

What is the mission of JROTC?

The mission of JROTC is to teach high school students about our rights, responsibilities, and privileges as American citizens. By participating in JROTC programs, cadets build self-discipline, confidence, and skills that help them successfully meet the challenges of adulthood.

Is there a military obligation for JROTC cadets?

No. Students in JROTC programs are not required to join the military after high school. JROTC's mission is not to prepare students for the military but to teach them to become better citizens and potential leaders.

However, although cadets are not obligated to pursue a military career after graduation, some choose to do so. 

“Only about 20% of all JROTC participants go on to join the military”, according to Col. Steve M. Smith, director of the U.S. Army JROTC, who adds that JROTC emphasizes "health, physical education, ethics (and) financial responsibility."

What does four years of JROTC get you?

Like many of his fellow cadets, my son joined the Marines after graduation. Because he was a JROTC cadet in high school, all of the service branches recruited him during his senior year. That made transitioning into the military a seamless process and one where he could choose his direction. 

What does a JROTC program encompass?

JROTC programs teach students leadership skills, health and wellness, physical fitness, first aid, geography, American history and government, communications, and emotional intelligence. They also encourage cadets to collaborate, personalize their reflections, and think critically.

Students learn good citizenship through community service, conduct military-style drills, and participate in competitions and drill meets. Drill teams, rifle teams, color guards, and academic teams compete with other schools for honors, medals, and ribbons.

JROTC programs by service branch

High schools in the United States offer a variety of JROTC programs, which are sponsored by different branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Here are the main types of JROTC programs available:

Army JROTC (AJROTC):

• Sponsored by the U.S. Army.

• Focuses on leadership, citizenship, and community service.

• Emphasizes physical fitness, discipline, and teamwork.

Navy JROTC (NJROTC):

• Sponsored by the U.S. Navy.

• Includes naval science, seamanship, and navigation.

• Offers opportunities for cadets to participate in drills, marksmanship, and academic competitions.

Marine Corps JROTC (MCJROTC):

• Sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps.

• Focuses on leadership, discipline, and military customs.

• Emphasizes physical fitness, marksmanship, and community service.

Air Force JROTC (AFJROTC):

• Sponsored by the U.S. Air Force.

• Covers aerospace science, leadership education, and physical fitness.

• Includes activities such as model rocketry, drill, and academic competitions.

Coast Guard JROTC (CGJROTC):

• Sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard.

• Focuses on maritime safety, navigation, and environmental stewardship.

• Includes leadership development, community service, and physical fitness.

Each program has its unique curriculum and activities designed to instill military values, leadership skills, and a sense of duty among students.

What are the expectations of JROTC?

There are several critical areas where cadets need to excel. 

Conduct and discipline

Cadets are expected to maintain a high standard of personal conduct, including arriving to class on time, following instructions, and treating instructors and fellow cadets respectfully. 

Proper military bearing is also emphasized, which means maintaining a professional demeanor and adhering to military customs and courtesies.

Uniform and appearance

Wearing the JROTC uniform correctly and maintaining a neat appearance are crucial expectations. 

Academics

JROTC emphasizes academic excellence. Cadets are expected to maintain good grades in all their classes, not just in JROTC. The program strives to develop well-rounded students who excel in military-related subjects as well as regular academic coursework.

Physical fitness

Participation in physical training (PT) is a critical component of JROTC. Cadets are expected to engage in regular physical fitness activities and strive to improve their overall health and fitness levels.

Leadership 

Cadets are expected to take on leadership roles within the program, demonstrating initiative, responsibility, and the ability to lead and motivate others.

Program & community participation

Active participation in JROTC activities, including drill teams, color guard, and community service projects, is strongly encouraged. Cadets are expected to contribute to the program and their community.

What are JROTC ranks?

Student cadets are assigned ranks that correlate with the hierarchy of the respective military branch affiliated with that JROTC unit. To be promoted, cadets must gain knowledge as they progress through the program and demonstrate practical skills and leadership.

JROTC uses a rank structure similar to that of the U.S. military. Here are the typical ranks found in JROTC, from lowest to highest:

Enlisted Cadet Ranks

1.     Cadet Private (C/PVT)

2.     Cadet Private First Class (C/PFC)

3.     Cadet Corporal (C/CPL)

4.     Cadet Sergeant (C/SGT)

5.     Cadet Staff Sergeant (C/SSG)

6.     Cadet Sergeant First Class (C/SFC)

7.     Cadet Master Sergeant (C/MSG)

8.     Cadet First Sergeant (C/1SG)

9.     Cadet Sergeant Major (C/SGM)

10.  Cadet Command Sergeant Major (C/CSM)

Officer Cadet Ranks

1.     Cadet Second Lieutenant (C/2LT)

2.     Cadet First Lieutenant (C/1LT)

3.     Cadet Captain (C/CPT)

4.     Cadet Major (C/MAJ)

5.     Cadet Lieutenant Colonel (C/LTC)

6.     Cadet Colonel (C/COL)

The rank structure and insignia might vary slightly depending on the specific branch of the JROTC program, but the general hierarchy remains consistent.

What types of ribbons can you earn?

In JROTC programs, cadets can earn ribbons for their achievements, participation, and exemplary conduct. The specific ribbons available can vary somewhat between military branches, but many common categories exist.

Here are some typical types of ribbons that cadets can earn in JROTC programs:

Academic Ribbons:

Distinguished Cadet Award for Scholastic Excellence—Awarded to cadets who excel academically.

Academic Achievement Ribbon—Given to cadets who maintain high academic standards.

Leadership Ribbons:

Superior Cadet Award—Awarded to cadets who exhibit outstanding leadership qualities.

Leadership Training Ribbon—For cadets who successfully complete leadership training programs.

Service Ribbons:

Community Service Ribbon—Given to cadets who contribute a significant amount of time to community service.

Service-Learning Ribbon—For participation in service-learning projects.

Military Proficiency Ribbons:

Drill Team Ribbon—Awarded to cadets who are active and excel in drill team activities.

Color Guard Ribbon—For participation in the color guard.

Marksmanship Ribbon—Given to cadets who demonstrate proficiency in marksmanship.

Physical Fitness Ribbons:

Physical Fitness Ribbon—For achieving high standards in physical fitness tests.

Athletic Ribbon—Awarded for participation and excellence in athletic activities.

Participation Ribbons:

Parade Ribbon—For participating in parades.

Recruiting Ribbon—For efforts in recruiting new cadets into the program.

Special Recognition Ribbons:

Meritorious Achievement Ribbon—For outstanding achievements or acts.

Unit Service Ribbon—Awarded to cadets who contribute significantly to the success of their unit.

Attendance Ribbons:

Perfect Attendance Ribbon—For cadets who have perfect attendance.

Each JROTC program may have additional ribbons and criteria for awarding them. Cadets often take great pride in earning these ribbons because they highlight their dedication, hard work, and achievements within the program.

The benefits of participating in JROTC

There are many ways you can benefit from participating in a JROTC program, including:

College and career opportunities

Many colleges and universities value the discipline and leadership skills that JROTC cadets possess. Additionally, cadets pursuing a military career may receive advanced rank and pay upon enlistment. My son was offered a signing bonus.

Scholarships & financial aid

JROTC cadets are often eligible for money for college through various scholarships and financial aid programs. These opportunities can help alleviate the financial burden of higher education. JROTC cadets also receive priority nominations to the service academies.

Personal growth

The program's emphasis on leadership, responsibility, and service helps students grow into well-rounded individuals. Cadets often report increased self-confidence, improved social skills, and a stronger sense of purpose.

Community impact

JROTC cadets significantly contribute to their communities through service projects and volunteer work. These efforts benefit local communities and foster a sense of civic pride and responsibility in the cadets.

As the program continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of contemporary society, its core mission of motivating young people to be better citizens remains steadfast. Through JROTC, students are not only prepared for future challenges but are also inspired to make a positive impact on their communities and their country. 

What's after JROTC? Maybe ROTC in college!

Participating in a JROTC program is one way to prepare yourself for success beyond high school. Researching and learning about different colleges, their campuses, and programs is another way. 

With a free Appily account, you can see colleges and universities and learn about their tuition, application deadlines, and acceptance rates. Some colleges even have ROTC programs with scholarship opportunities to help you pay for your education. 

Start researching and planning what comes after JROTC by clicking the button below. You'll unlock the resources you need to make smart decisions about your future.