FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Questions Parents Ask
Q. You say you're not recruiting but don't many JROTC graduates enter the military?
A. Yes, many cadets find they enjoy military discipline and structure; it brings out their best and allows them to excel. Some win appointments to one of the military academies. And, those who enlist can enter military service at a higher rank (E3) and pay grade ( $300/mo. more than a non-JROTC graduate). But, the JROTC program is not set up to recruit and does not request or expect a military commitment of any kind.
Q. Can JROTC help my child go to college?
A. If the potential is there, we definitely can help. JROTC training improves the ability to study, to take test, to set goals and to focus. These are the tools a student needs to get better grades and have a better chance to attend college.
Q. Does my child have to wear a uniform?
A. Yes, once a week, or when taking part in special ceremonies. The rest of the time, normal clothing is fine.
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. Cadets are asked to buy two T-shirts and a pair of gym shorts. The T-shirts and gym shorts must be purchased from the ZHS JROTC Program. Normally this cost is $20.00. The shorts and one of the T-shirts are used for physical training activities. The other T-shirt is used to help identify cadets as members of our JROTC Bronco Battalion during activities that the program supports; such as, the Friday night football games, parades, and field trips.. We have up to 40 cadets participating in several area of community and school support/service and the T-shirts help keep up with the cadets. It also lets the community know it is the JROTC cadets who are performing the different activities.
Q. Is JROTC training as hard as it sounds?
A. Well, the course is demanding, but most of the students who make an effort really enjoy the challenge and thrive on the hard work and discipline.
Q. Who teaches JROTC?
A. Retired Army personnel with years of experience working with young people. Instructors are certified by the Army, but they are hired by, and work for, the school. Besides having at their command state-of-the-art instructional techniques, JROTC instructors serve as exceptional role models for maturing teenagers.
Q. Are there any age requirements for JROTC?
A. A student must be in a grade above the 8th grade to take JROTC.
Q. Do JROTC students have to be U. S. citizens?
A. No, they don't. Although we teach about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, we also teach many other subjects that are valuable to students regardless of their citizenship.
Q. Will my child be required to get a short haircut?
A. Not normally. A cadet must be able to wear his uniform without their hair extending below the collar of their shirt. They must be able to wear the uniform hat properly. A cadet's sideburns must be trimmed to extend no lower than the bottom of the opening of the ear. A male cadet must not have facial hair while in uniform.
Q. Do JROTC cadets have an obligation to join the military?
A. No, they are not under any obligation for any future military service.
Q. Where can I get more information about JROTC?
A. Call Zachary High School at 658-7319 and ask to speak to one of the JROTC instructors. You can also email the JROTC Department directly at jrotc1111@zacharyschools.org