Welcome to Vista Del Lago MCJROTC Site!
Though students can opt to join/take a level one (LE-1) class at any time, this is a 4 year cumulative program/curriculum. Students with previous JROTC experience will be considered on a case by case basis for higher LE levels.
·Successful Graduate of the 8th Grade.
·Good academic standing with a minimum 2.5 or above GPA.
· Students must maintain GPA requirement every semester and satisfactory grades in their JROTC class.
·Meet and maintain USMC height/weight and hygiene standards. USMC Height and Weight Standards.
·JROTC status is a privilege that can be revoked at any time by the Military Instruction staff based on conduct unbecoming to the Standards of the Marine Corps.
WHAT IS THE PROGRAM CURRICULUM:
Introduction. The MCJROTC curriculum is structured on a “building block” system. A student is required to start and satisfactorily complete the Leadership Education I level before advancing to the next level, and so on, until completion of the Leadership Education IV level if desired. Students may enroll in MCJROTC at any grade level while in high school; however, they are still required to start at the Leadership Education I level. Leadership Education courses are divided into five (5) major subject areas:
1. Leadership Training. Leadership development is central to the MCJROTC curriculum. Training includes leadership traits and principles, techniques, self-discipline methods, self-study, and a study of others. The opportunity to practice these skills and techniques within the cadet organization is an integral part of instruction.
2. Citizenship. This portion of the training instills in students a sense of patriotism, while making them aware of their rights, privileges, and responsibilities as citizens of this country. Instruction is included on the national defense structure of the United States.
3. Personal Growth and Responsibility. In addition to participating in an active physical fitness program, cadets learn the benefits of proper diet, basic health practices, first aid, and the value of a personal fitness program that continues into adulthood. Cadets take a physical fitness test at least twice during the school year. Also included in this part of the course is instruction on basics of personal finance and social skills training.
4. Public Service and Career Preparation. Instruction will be offered to develop informed, civic minded young adults prepared for higher education, civilian careers, and public service.
5. General Military Subjects. This curriculum presents military customs, traditions, and history. It also includes essential military subjects, such as drill and ceremonies, uniform regulations, map reading and military rank structure.
LEADERSHIP EDUCATION LEVELS:
Leadership Education I (LE I). Designed for first year MCJROTC cadets, LE I emphasizes initial development of leadership traits Marine Corps customs, drill and ceremonies.
Leadership Education II (LE II). For second year MCJROTC cadets, LE II concentrates on leadership theory, style, and principles. Cadets begin to assume leadership roles in the cadet Company. The second semester of LE II concentrates on the area of Personal Growth and responsibility and health.
Leadership Education III (LE III). Third year course concentrates on leadership application. Third-year students normally fill the majority of cadet leadership positions. Citizenship and Public Service are further emphasized in LE III.
Leadership Education IV (LE IV). Fourth year curriculum concentrates on leadership application, citizenship, and career exploration. Fourth year students act as student instructors and fill the highest leadership positions in the Cadet Company.
DISENROLLMENT:
The Senior Marine Instructor may dis-enroll a cadet from the MCJROTC unit with the approval of the principal of the school for any of the following reasons:
1. Integrity violations (first time).
2. Failure to maintain standards for enrollment.
3. Lack of aptitude, indifference to training, disciplinary infractions, or undesirable character traits, to include repeated failure to wear the uniform of the day.
4. Request of the individual cadet with written parental permission and guidance counselor approval.
5. Found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony.
6. Misuse/deceptive use of excuses to avoid training.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR THE STUDENT CADET?
-Strong Character/Personal Development/Civic Responsibility: The program produces successful students who are able to utilize concepts of the program and apply those for academic success while simultaneously becoming responsible productive young adults and fostering in each school a more constructive and disciplined learning environment.
-Unique and Challenging Classes: There are many classes and activities that are not normally available to High School students; Military Customs and Courtesies, Military History, Orienteering, First Aid, Close Order Drill, Color Guard, Physical Training and Marksmanship Training,
-College Opportunities and Admissions: The majority of former JROTC students advance to college applying the leadership and organizational skills learned and developed while in the JROTC program. Participation in the JROTC program is generally viewed favorably on the majority of college admissions review boards. JROTC demonstrates the ability to progress through a challenging program.
-Scholarships: Participation in the JROTC program is generally viewed favorably on the majority of scholarship applications. MCJROTC demonstrates the ability to progress through a challenging program.
MITLITARY ROTC SCHOLARSHIPS:
Participation in JROTC is viewed favorably for military ROTC scholarships. Such scholarship opportunities include; ROTC 4 year college military scholarships and stipends valued at up to $180,000 in exchange for future military service.
UNITED STATES SERVICE ACADEMIES:
Competition is keen and competitive on a nationwide basis for admission to service academics including the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and U.S. Coast Guard Academy. JROTC completion is viewed favorably for admission to the service academies, though it does not guarantee admission. These academies offer a premier 4 year all inclusive education at no cost to the student. Students are obligated to serve in the armed forces for a period of 5 years after graduation and becoming a commissioned officer.
Higher Rank upon Enlistment into the Armed Forces. If a cadet decides to enlist directly into the armed forces following high school graduation, he or she enters at a higher rank and its associated pay by virtue of having completed at two years of JROTC. A student presenting evidence of successful completion of at least 2 years of JROTC under any Military Department is entitled to advance promotion of no less than E-2 on initial enlistment in an active or reserve component of the military.
Health and Physical Fitness. The JROTC program will provide military fitness training and challenging exercise that improves the cadets overall physical and mental fitness. According to the Pentagon “approximately 71% of the 34 million 17-24 year olds in the U.S. would not qualify for military service because of reasons related to health and physical appearance.”
Broad Career Exposure. Cadets will receive professional presentations introducing them to civilian, government and military careers that utilize and honor a broad range of abilities and educational levels including everything from vocational/artisan skills to advanced college occupations.
DOES THE STUDENT HAVE TO JOIN THE MILITARY AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?
NO. Participation in the JROTC program does NOT incur any obligated military service.
HOW MUCH TIME DOES THE PROGRAM TAKE?
JROTC classes are administered during the regular school day. Optional participation in activities such as Color Guard, Drill Team, Marksmanship, and Raiders will require extra time commitment and some commitments on the weekends at special events, much like after school sports. The Color Guard(s) will be in the highest demand for participation in Civic Events throughout the community.
NO. Uniforms and other necessary equipment is provided by the program to the cadets on a temporary basis during the school year. Alterations to certain uniforms and dry cleaning for certain uniforms will be paid for by the program. Dependent upon the number of field trips taken, there may be a nominal cost for participation in those trips.
*JROTC classes are currently scheduled for Periods 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th & 6th periods.
*"G" College Elective Prep credit is given for program participation.
*Robust Physical Training will help student athletes.
*Reinforces Social Studies, Current Events, English writing and composition skills and public speaking. Fosters and reinforces disciplined study habits and time management techniques.
*Room available with computers and study hall in the MCJROTC classrooms to help cadets learn good study habits and continue academic success.
IS THE PROGRAM OPEN AND NON-DISCRIMINATORY?
Yes. All are welcome and all are expected to follow the same code and conduct and maintain the required level of respect for everyone.