Why Study Military Science?
The U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) is one of the largest character development and citizenship programs for youth in the world. The National Defense Act of 1916 established organized JROTC programs at public and private educational institutions. In 1964, Congress expanded the program to all military services and changed from active duty to shared support from the services and schools. As congressionally mandated by Title 10 United States Code, Section 2031, each military service must have a JROTC program to "instill in students in United States secondary educational institutions the values of citizenship, service to the United States, and personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment." JROTC’s mission, "To Motivate Young People to be Better Citizens", is the guide post for the program’s success.
The U.S. Army’s JROTC program currently operates in more than 1,700 public and private high schools, military institutions, and correctional centers throughout the United States and overseas. Approximately 40% of JROTC programs are in inner city schools, serving a student population of 50% minorities. As JROTC students (Cadets) progress through the program, they experience opportunities to lead other Cadets. A major component of the JROTC leadership and citizenship program is female Cadets. Female Cadets make up 40% of the Cadet population. The JROTC faculty is led by nearly 4,000 instructors who are retired from active duty, reserve duty, or National Guard Army service. Instructors are trained and qualified in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act 2007 to teach and mentor approximately 314,000 JROTC Cadets annually.
At Fontainebleau High, Cadets participate in a myriad of co-curricular activities to demonstrate their attainment of lesson outcomes. Some of these activities include precision and exhibition military drill competitions, Raider Challenge competitions, JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Camp, a physical fitness competition known as JROTC Cadet Challenge and the Louisiana State Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) . Cadets who complete 4 years of JROTC co-curricular activities and its challenging curriculum will be more college and/or career ready.
Participating in the Fontainebleau High JROTC Program:
- Motivates young people to become contributing citizens in their family, school and community Helps promote teamwork and working together to complete a challenging task
- Develops and grows servant leadership and self-confidence skills in cadets
- Trains cadets to collaborate, reflect, develop critical thinking skills and integrate learning with other disciplines
- Enables cadets to develop physically and build life-long skills enhancing all aspect of whole fitness and healthy lifestyles
- Prepares cadets to face all challenges with confidence and a plan to succeed
- Allows high school students to be a part of something bigger than them, having fun and developing into highly competent young adults
Military Science (JROTC) I, II, III, IV Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: The student must meet the following requirements in order to participate in the program:
- 14 years of age or older
- Citizen of the U.S. or approval of his/her government
- Physically able to participate fully in Physical Education
- Project a presentable appearance JROTC I and II may be used to meet the Health and P.E. requirements.
The first year Army JROTC Program will be devoted to nine Principle blocks of instruction of at least 108 hours of both classroom and field instruction. The program of instruction begins with introduction to leadership development. These courses focus on leadership theory, drill and ceremonies, hygiene and first aid, map reading, oral communication, and marksmanship.
The second year of training is devoted to intermediate instruction on the same subjects as the first year with additional classes on the U.S. Army people, places, and times. This second year will end with PAGES instruction on service opportunities.
The third year is applied leadership development. Applied course gives a comprehensive review of instruction on the role of the U.S. Army and optional subjects selected by the senior army instructor.
The fourth year classes will receive advanced leadership development, including the psychology of leadership with seminars in leadership and management. The fourth-year student will receive training on small unit leader problems, advanced communication, and staff functions.
Lieutenant Colonel (R) Terry Douglas
Sergeant First Class Frederick E. Lawshe Jr.