JROTC - ARMY

  •     McKinley High School Army JROTC

    716.816.4480

     

    A CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP

    DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

     

    "Enter to Learn-Leave to Lead"

     

     

    Master Sergeant (Ret.) Joseph M. Dugan | Army Instructor | jmdugan@buffaloschools.org

     


    ARMY JROTC

    LEADERSHIP

    CHALLENGE

    FOR THE

    FUTURE

     

    The JROTC program is a high school course with regular classes during normal school hours. When you look at the way it benefits our students and school, it is in a class by itself.

     

    Good Students.  In addition to teaching leadership, success skills, physical fitness, health, and citizenship, JROTC also teaches students how to efficiently improve their school work. Students are taught how to study more efficiently enabling them to be more focused and proficient while taking tests. This is just the beginning to impressive results.

     

    Better Grades.  A majority of cadets become motivated to be successful academically largely due to the program structures, the experience and character of the instructors, and the state of the art curriculum. The increased motivation has an impact on all classes.

     

    High Graduation Rates.  Many cadets report they perform better in their academic classes not only as a result of the motivation and inspiration they experience from their participation in JROTC, but also because course materials augment and reinforce their academic subjects. Annual reports constantly indicate that cadets graduate at a higher rate than other students in the school.

     

    Better School Community. JROTC brings together students who are from different learning tracks and from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. JROTC Cadets do not just come together as classmates; they work together as a team, learning and growing while supporting each other.

     

    Increased Involvement.  Students who want to belong to something positive and meaningful find the JROTC program gives them an alternative to the usual mix of high school sports and integrated-curricular activities. JROTC is a different kind of team with diversified challenges and rewards.

     

    Solid Citizens.  JROTC goes well beyond the classroom. By providing many opportunities to participate in community events and to volunteer for community services, it leads cadets to a practical understanding of how to be good citizens.     It is important to know that JROTC is neither recruitment nor an indoctrination program. The military structure is only a vehicle to develop and improve students’ self-discipline, confidence, and pride in ways schools generally do not offer.     Our goal is to develop good students and citizens. Nothing is more rewarding than JROTC integrated-curricular activities. JROTC uses a unique but proven approach across the world to guide students toward success in high school, college, and beyond.

     

    More Than a Class.   The curriculum is but one ingredient in the equation of achieving success. Instructors work closely with principals and teachers in host schools to add value. JROTC is part of the overall effort to build emotional and academic skills, as well as good character and citizenship. Cadets learn leadership skills by earning more demanding positions of leadership as they rise through the ranks of the corps.  Through studies, activities, and service learning Cadets incorporate into their way of life success skills such as setting goals, developing winning habits, overcoming fears of failure, developing personal and social responsibilities, and learning how to make decisions and solve problems. They learn to feel pride in a job well done.

     

    Recognition.  The program reinforces performance, not just in JROTC, but in all classes with a system of recognition for accomplishments and excellence. When cadets perform well in leadership, community service, academics, or other activities, they are recognized in well attended, formal ceremonies with promotions and awards.

     

    The Instructors.  These professional military retirees have already sacrificed so much and are now giving back again. They are not guided by the clock, but rather by mission.  In addition to what they naturally bring to high school students around the world, they have also stepped up to the challenge of integrating technology, embedding research based strategies, and embracing student-centered learning in their classroom. Values like loyalty, respect, responsibility, service, honor, integrity, and personal courage cannot easily be taught in class.  Except through the JROTC Curriculum.    

     

    Outcome.  JROTC students become positive representatives of their school and communities by honing their leadership and confidence skills through their extracurricular activities.   Participating in drill, color guard, academic and leadership competitions, and camps challenge cadets to sharpen their leadership, academic, and confidence skills, as well as to strengthen their ability to work as part of a team.  Members of the color guard, drill, academic, and leadership teams, serve as ambassadors for their school and community. 

     

    Great Learning.  The structure of the JROTC curriculum takes students beyond normal modes of classroom learning instilling a sense of discipline, confidence, and their belief that they can do whatever they set their minds to. The results can be dramatic.

     

    WHAT DO YOU LEARN IN JROTC?

     

    •  PLANNING
    • LEADERSHIP THEORY
    • TEAMWORK
    •  HOW TO WRITE RESUMES
    •  HOW TO PLAN AND BUDGET FINANCES
    •  CAREER PLANNING
    •  HOW TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
    •  PUBLIC SPEAKING
    •  HEALTH, PHYSICAL FITNESS AND FIRST AID
    •  CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND CONFLIT MANAGEMENT

    WHAT ELSE DOES JROTC HAVE TO OFFER?

     

    •  OPPORTUNITY TO EARN 16 COLLEGE CREDITS WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL
    •  LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
    •  CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

    Questions People Ask

     

    Q. Do cadets have to wear uniforms?

         A. Yes, but usually only once a week or when taking part in special ceremonies.

     

    Q. Are there any fees for uniforms, books, or special equipment?

         A. No.  The JROTC program supplies uniforms books and all equipment used in the course free of charge.

     

    Q. Can JROTC help students go to college?

         A. We definitely can help.  JROTC training improves the ability to study, to take tests, to set goals and to focus.  The University Of Colorado at Colorado Springs offers college credit  for select lessons taught in JROTC.

     

    Q.  Is there a military commitment.

          A.  Absolutely none.

     

    Q.  Do we have to pay for the uniforms?

          A.  There is no cost to the student for the uniform except those associated with cleaning.