This page covers some of the most frequently asked questions about the JROTC program at McNair Academic High School.
General Questions
Q: Is a JROTC cadet obligated to any kind of military service after graduation from school?
A: No, cadets are not obligated to join in any kind of military service.
Q: Does a cadet have to pay for his/her uniform?
A: No, uniforms are loaned to Cadets for the school year. If a cadet loses or destroys an issued item, then he or she must have to pay for its replacement.
Q: What does the JROTC High School program offer me that I can't get anywhere else?
A: The Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program has a lot to offer young men and women who want to get the most out of their high school years. What you will learn in the program will be useful to you now and in the future because much of the instruction and experience you will receive isn't available any other way at the high school level. JROTC gives you the chance to acquire basic military knowledge and leadership abilities, but its primary objective is to develop good citizenship and patriotism in each student.
Q: What does a cadet learn in the JROTC course?
A: The JROTC course of instruction is offered during the regular school day as part of the school curriculum. You'll be instructed by experienced Army officers and noncommissioned officers who have a high regard for education and training and enjoy working with young adults. In JROTC you'll get practical experience in organization and leadership development. You'll learn what teamwork is all about. You'll learn to think quickly, to be sure of yourself, to communicate your ideas, and to become self-reliant. You'll also learn military history and the military role in current events, and you'll develop a full appreciation of our national heritage. As a JROTC cadet not only will you study such topics as Current Events, World Events, Survival Training, and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, but you'll learn their practical applications through school and community service. Between your JROTC classes and school and community service projects, you'll also have time for special training, extracurricular activities, as well as socializing with fellow cadets from other schools.
Q: Do the cadets spend all their time in the classroom?
A: No. We offer the opportunity to attend a summer camp, usually for one week, on a military installation, on a strictly volunteer basis. You'll experience such things as rifle training, map reading, and obstacle courses. This training reinforces all you have learned in the classroom because it gives you the opportunity for firsthand experience. For approximately one week, you'll experience barracks living. Rappelling and day-and-night compass training are just some of the ways you'll spend your time.
Q: What kind of extracurricular activities does JROTC offer?
A: We sponsor a variety of extracurricular activities through JROTC. Among these are the drill team, the color guard, the rifle teams, the raider team, and Choir. You can learn more about these teams under the "Teams" section of the navigation links above. Through your participation in these activities, you'll be a more involved student and community member. Of course, as a JROTC cadet, you'll also have time to socialize with other cadets. Picnics and a military ball are just some of the planned activities you'll enjoy.
Q: Does JROTC cost anything?
A: No, the program is funded by the Department of Defense. Some extracurricular activities require the cadet to pay, but the course itself is free.
Questions pertaining to the Cougar Battalion
Q: Do I have to wear my uniform every week?
A: Yes, all cadets must wear their uniforms every Wednesday for formation unless directed otherwise. Cadets must also not change out of their uniforms during the course of the day unless granted permission.
Q: What time is formation?
A: Formations are 7:30 AM.
Q: I missed formation or am unable to attend formation. Where do I go to get information I missed?
A: If you missed or are unable to attend Wednesday formations, you may ask your platoon sergeant for missed information.
Q: What do I do if i lose a part of my uniform such as my garrison?
A: In order to get a new garrison or any article of the uniform you lost, you are required to pay for the lost item.
Q: What are usual reasons for demerits?
A: Most common reasons are improper use of the uniform, skipping formation, and insubordination.
