JROTC

The Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps (JROTC) program philosophy is "to motivate young people to be better citizens" with the goals of developing leadership, citizenship, self-confidence, and discipline. Founded in 1916, St. John’s is one of the nation’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious JROTC programs, consistently winning top honors.

JROTC imparts knowledge and practical experience which contributes to future success in college and life. JROTC does not obligate any student for future military service, but does confer a competitive advantage to cadets seeking appointments to military academies or senior ROTC scholarships.

In addition to regular classroom instruction, there are many other challenging and fun activities throughout the year. Cadets participate in regional and national competitions as members of the Raiders, the Drill and Marksmanship Teams, and the Color Guard. The Regiment participates in high-profile events throughout the year such as the Cherry Blossom Parade. Cadets may join the Regimental Band, and a limited number of cadets may attend an adventure-oriented summer camp. One of the highlights of the year is the annual Regimental Ball. These activities are limited to JROTC cadets only, and are not open to the remainder of the student body.

The basic JROTC uniform, issued free to cadets by the U.S. Army, is the daily school uniform. A refundable deposit is required to replace items lost or damaged through neglect. As cadets outgrow their uniforms, replacements are provided free of charge. A few uniform items are not issued but must be purchased by cadets.

611 JROTC 1 Grade 9 1 Credit
This introductory course is the foundation for all further instruction. Cadets learn the objectives of JROTC, the fundamentals of drill and ceremony, the obligations of citizenship, career and goal setting, leadership principles, communication skills, the dynamics of interpersonal and group interaction, basic first aid and map reading, physical fitness and health, and basic marksmanship. Most instruction incorporates practical application. Cadets may also compete for the Presidential Physical Fitness Badge. As freshmen, cadets are not placed in leadership positions, but learn to follow directives and contribute to group success.
621 JROTC 2 Grade 10 1 Credit
This course develops basic leadership and management techniques. Advanced instruction in first aid and life saving techniques is presented. Cadets learn the basic principles of planning a project and make presentations to the class on selected subjects. As sophomores, cadets are staff members and junior leaders at the squad and platoon level, experiencing personal growth through the actual application of leadership. They are responsible for teaching freshmen cadets drill and ceremonies, and other basic subjects.
631 JROTC 3 Grade 11 1 Credit
This course in applied leadership examines advanced managerial and leadership techniques. Communication and presentation skills are refined with cadets conducting research and presenting their findings to the class. Current affairs are discussed, as well as the basic structure of the Nation's Defense Forces. Information regarding the service academies and ROTC scholarships is also presented. As juniors, cadets are mid-level staff members and leaders, continuing their personal growth and development by exercising increased responsibility and authority.
641 JROTC 4 Grade 12 1 Credit
The culmination of the JROTC program, seniors apply their skills to develop increased self-confidence and discipline. Classroom instruction explores advanced citizenship responsibilities and critical thinking through discussions of history as well as domestic and world affairs. Senior Cadets are the Senior Leadership of the Regiment, with the majority becoming Regimental Officers and Saber-bearers. Responsible for the daily operations of the Regiment, they apply advanced leadership and management techniques in planning the major JROTC events occurring throughout the year. They also prepare and present instruction to underclassmen, and supervise their development as junior leaders.