Information Sheet

Memorandum For Cadets Parents

1. Reference: US Army Cadet Command Regulation 145-2, JROTC Program

2. Purpose: To outline the composition of this JROTC program, expected conduct and behavior, Uniform day requirements and disenrollment criteria.

3. Mission: The mission of Army JROTC is "to motivate young people to be better citizens". JROTC is a character and leadership theory, principles and traits; citizenship: military history; civics and government; command & staff procedures, drill & ceremonies, air rifle marksmanship. community service, the Department of Defense and the armed forces; the US Constitution, the criminal justice system and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

4. Elective: JROTC is an elective course. Students earn one (1) elective graduation credit for each year for JROTC. JROTC is not tactical military training or a "boot camp". Unlike the Senior ROTC program at the college level, Junior ROTC is not a recruiting tool for the armed forces, although some cadets after graduation do volunteer for military service. The focus of JROTC is citizenship and leadership.

5. Curriculum: JROTC uses a nationally-accredited, web-based, active-learner curriculum. It consists of four (4) years of instruction progressing from basic leadership traits and principles for first year students to leadership practice and application by upper level cadets. Students of any grade- 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th- can begin the first year of instruction. As such, a first year senior can be trained and supervised by a second year sophomore. Cadet rank, school year and duty position are not necessarily linked because an ambitious second year sophomore may have a high rank and a high position than a fourth year senior because of superior performance, active participation, and willingness to carry the responsibilities of the higher rank and position. The four-year curriculum is:

A. 1st Year- Introduction to Leadership

B. 2nd Year- Intermediate Leadership Development

C. 3rd Year- Applied Leadership Skills

D. 4th Year- Advanced Leadership Application and Practice

6. Learning Outcomes:

A. Understand the ethical values and principles underlying participatory and productive citizenship with focus on integrity, responsibility and respect for constituted authority. Know the responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.

B. Adopt leadership traits and apply leadership techniques to life and work situations within a competitive global economic environment.

C. Practice logical thinking and effective communications.

D. Appreciate the benefits of physical fitness, wellness, and healthy lifestyles.

E. Be familiar with the history, structure and purpose of the Armed Forces.

F. Understand the democratic principles in the US Constitution and of our representative, republican form of government.

7. Requirements and Standards:

A. Class Attendance: JROTC's policy mirrors Preston High School's policy.

B. JROTC Events: Some JROTC missions take place on the weekends and holidays. Cadets should volunteer and participate to the greatest extent possible given their study schedule, family obligations and part-time jobs. "Participation" in JROTC activities constitutes 20% of a cadets grade.

C. Credit for PE: Completing two (2) years of JROTC earns the cadet the required one (1) Physical Education credit for graduation. To earn this credit, cadets will have a minimum of 60 hours of JROTC instructional time in lifetime sports and in physical activities. Fitness training is in class one day of the week, routinely on Fridays. Cadets should "dress out" quickly and participate enthusiastically. In late April, cadets take the Presidential Physical Fitness Test consisting of curl-ups, V-sit reach, pull-ups, shuttle run, and 1-mile run. Cadets should prepare on their own throughout the school year for this test.

D. Uniform Wear: When in the US Army uniform, cadets' appearance and conduct must match the strict standards of an active duty soldier. The dress Army Service Uniform (ASU) will be issued clean and JROTC pays for any necessary tailoring. Dry cleaning during the school year of when dis-enrolling from JROTC. JROTC will pay for the end-of-year cleaning. Cadets wear the uniform only when authorized by JROTC, such as on "uniform day" or when participating in a JROTC mission. On a case-by-case basis with the instructor's prior approval, a cadet may wear the JROTC uniform to a non-JROTC event such as a relative's wedding or funeral.

E. Uniform Day: Uniform Day is a graded event and is scheduled once a week, routinely on Wednesday. As the school year progresses, fewer uniform days will be scheduled. On Uniform Day, cadets are to wear the uniform to school, throughout the school day, and back to home. Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis by the instructors. Cadets participating in after-school activities will change out of uniform at the end of school.

F. Uniform Day Excusal and Make-Up Day: JROTC instructors can excuse the Uniform Day requirement on a case-by-case basis as requested by the parent. a cadet can miss Uniform Day if the cadet is taking a field trip with another class, if the cadet is signing out of school BEFORE the JROTC class, or it the cadet is engaged in some activity in another class that could put the uniform at risk (e.g. art project, science experiment, etc.) In such cases, the cadet obtains the instructor's pre-approved to not wear the uniform on the scheduled Uniform Day. If a cadet forgets to wear the uniform day for some reason, then the cadet simply wears the uniform the next day s/he comes to school in order to receive credit. Should a private or family circumstance arise whereas a cadet temporarily does not have access to his/her uniform at home, the parent or guardian should confidentially notify JROTC so the cadet is not penalized with a poor grade for not wearing the uniform.

G. Personal Appearance in Uniform: Haircut/hairstyle standards and facial hair standards for male cadets mirror the standards of active duty soldiers. There is some leeway, however, for male hair length. "High and tight" haircuts are not expected. As long as a male can comb/style his hair so it fits neatly under the cadet beret, longer male hair is acceptable. Each case will be determined on its own merits. Unconventional jewelry, religious medallions, nail polish color, and the color, and the color of hair barrettes also mirror active duty standards. Tattoos, excessive jewelry, and piercings cannot be visible while in uniform. Earrings are not worn by males in uniform. A single, small, conservative stud earring is okay for females.

I. Uniform Preparation: Brass uniform accouterments are to be shined and shoes cleaned. Shirts and blouses should be washed, ironed, and hung on a hanger. The coat and pants can be washed in cold water on a gentle cycle although dry cleaning is preferred. The coat and pants are to be hung on a hanger. Neckties/necktabs should be brushed and ironed on a warm setting. Use a warm (not hot) iron for wrinkles on the coat and slacks.

J. Cadet Conduct: Cadets will set the behavior example at all times on and off campus, on school buses, during assemblies, and at sporting events. Such example is particularly required when wearing the Army Uniform. Guidelines are outlined in the "Cadre Expectations of Cadets" and "Cadet Duties and Responsibilities" handouts.

L. Cadet Conduct: JROTC's Grading Formula

M. Promotions:

1. New cadets are deemed "Candidates" and receive no rank. Initiation as a full fledge "Cadet" and promotion to Private E-2 occurs after the "candidate" has demonstrated proficiencies in common knowledge subjects, basic drill, uniform wear, rank recognition, military courtesies, chain of command, and flag etiquette.

2. Promotion to Private First Class (PFC) is based on merit, participation, and spirit.

3. A cadet-run promotion board meets in October, December, February, and April to select Corporals, Sergeants, Staff Sergeants, and Sergeant First Class. Once promoted to PFC, cadets are eligible to appear at the Promotion boards. Promotions are limited to one per semester.

4. Promotion criteria include knowledge of common subjects and JROTC procedures, uniform inspection, drill skills, school-wide conduct, and desire to perform at and to meet the responsibilities of the higher rank.

N. Awards: When earned, JROTC ribbons, badges, and accouterments are presented in class or at the sometimes Battalion formations on Club Days. A formal awards ceremony is held annually in early May in which national awards are presented to deserving cadets. These awards are provided by national military, patriotic, and service organizations such as the American Revolution.

8. Disenrollment:

A. AR 145-2 authorizes the undersigned to recommend to the Principal a cadet's disenrollment form JROTC at any time.

B. Causes for disenrollment include:

1. One (1) offence of an action on campus that endangers a life or causes serious injury.

2. Three (3) incidents of dangerous, disruptive, illegal, or inappropriate conduct in school to include: theft, starting a fight, threatening physical harm, possession of illegal drugs, use of an electronic device to record or transmit images or video of another without permission, verbal sexual harassment or unwanted sexual touching, or use of racial, sexual, or religious, slurs in a provoking manner.

3. Five (5) cases of disruptive behavior in school, on a school bus, or during an assembly or sporting event to include disrespectful deportment or speech to a teacher or staff member when one's action is being corrected.

5. Unsuitability for JROTC as demonstrated by willful disregard of JROTC standards despite repeated instructor counseling, intentional low performance, poor attendance, refusal to wear uniform, undesirable character traits such as lying, cheating or stealing, repeated disrespectful deportment or speech toward an instructor, and incidents in uniform that discredit the uniform.