Frequently Asked Questions
Is JROTC a required course?
No, JROTC is not a required course at Belleview High School.
What does JROTC stand for?
JROTC stands for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. It is a military regulated high school program whose purpose is to educate high school students in leadership roles while making them aware of the benefits of good citizenship. The mission of JROTC is to develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community.
What is the class like?
The program is a full credit Elective class. JROTC combines interesting classroom instruction with the opportunity to serve the school and the community, participate in extra-curricular activities, enjoy social events, and have the chance to be in leadership positions.
What exactly is taught in class?
The material covered in the program varies throughout the year, with short segments of aerospace science, leadership training, basics of citizenship, and other topics related to the U.S. Air Force. The Air Force JROTC curriculum also covers topics such as military history, first aid, human relations, oral communication, drill and ceremonies, personal hygiene, and staff functions and procedures.
Isn't it just a lot of yelling and marching and push-ups?
Not at all. We are a leadership course, and we believe that discipline comes from within. We teach the cadets that in order to lead one must learn how to follow.
Is there an obligation to go into the armed forces after high school?
Absolutely not. There is no obligation of any kind to join the military; in fact, most of our cadets do not do so. That being said, for those who are interested in pursuing a career in the military, whether Officer or Enlisted, JROTC provides a real benefit.
Who are the instructors?
There are two instructors - a Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (SASI) and an Aerospace Science Instructor (ASI). The SASI is an officer, and the ASI is a non-commissioned officer. Both are retired from active duty military service. The SASI at Belleview High School is Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Mike Cook and the ASI is Master Sergeant (Retired) Thomas Young.
What does the program cost?
The course materials, uniforms, and equipment are issued to the cadets free of charge by the Air Force. We ask for a $25 Activity Fee at the beginning of the year, which supports things like a unit Polo Shirt and helps subsidize events like the Military Ball. There are some things that a cadet might have to pay for, such as a field trip, issued uniforms that are lost or damaged, or special equipment or Spirit Wear for a particular team. In addition, the Marksmanship Team will have monthly dues.
Are both girls and boys enrolled?
Yes. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender.
What are some of the benefits of joining JROTC?
Aside from the HOPE credit in high school, there are several other benefits that can be attained from joining the program. First, for people that enlist in the military after completing three years of JROTC, the military will grant them two higher ranks and pay grades upon enlistment. Cadets who complete two years in the program are eligible for Air Force ROTC college scholarships, some of which pay full tuition. Finally, this program gives cadets - no matter what their goals are for the future - a sense of belonging. We encourage academics, and we take care of each other. We also instill a sense of self-confidence, through such aspects as public speaking and the pride that comes with accomplishment.
Do I have to wear a uniform?
Yes. After earning a uniform in the beginning of their first year, cadets are required to wear the Air Force JROTC uniform once a week on uniform day. Typically at Belleview High school uniform day is on Tuesday of each week, but there are exceptions. The uniform consists of a pair of trousers, shoes (must be shined), black socks, shirt, undershirt, blue belt, buckle, and a tie or tie-tab. The unit provides a name tag at no cost. Cadets earn rank and awards to put on their uniforms. It is considered an honor to wear the uniform and cadets wear it with pride.
Do I have to follow a lot of rules?
Yes, although they are relatively few, and simple. Primarily, we follow regulations on personal appearance, wearing of the uniform, and military customs and courtesies. For example, males may not wear earrings in uniform, while females are only allowed one pair. On uniform day, males must have their hair not touching their ears. Female cadets were recently authorized to wear ponytails or multiple braids, though the traditional look is a bun.
Can I still do other activities outside of JROTC?
Certainly. JROTC students are involved in everything from varsity sports to band, chorus, culinary arts, and other clubs. You can spend as much or as little time as you want with JROTC, although having a position on staff or being a member of a team will require commitment. The program offers several teams and organizations that cadets may join in addition to normal JROTC class activities, such as the Drill Team, Rifle Team, Color Guard, Marksmanship, and Raiders. The program also offers field trips, summer camps, military balls, and other group-sponsored activities.
What kind of recognition can I get by participating in the program?
There are a large number of awards which cadets can earn for participation and achievement in the program, including scholarships. Some are given by the unit, but others can be awarded by local military organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. These are just a few of the organizations that give awards to JROTC cadets. All awards have certain criteria, but all are open to those who achieve that criteria. Good character, sound academic performance, leadership traits, and being an active participant in the Corps are the main requirements.
How can I enroll in the program?
If you want to be in this program, it is as simple as signing up through your guidance counselor. Any student can start JROTC at any grade in high school. It is not required that you enroll in ninth grade.
No, JROTC is not a required course at Belleview High School.
What does JROTC stand for?
JROTC stands for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. It is a military regulated high school program whose purpose is to educate high school students in leadership roles while making them aware of the benefits of good citizenship. The mission of JROTC is to develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community.
What is the class like?
The program is a full credit Elective class. JROTC combines interesting classroom instruction with the opportunity to serve the school and the community, participate in extra-curricular activities, enjoy social events, and have the chance to be in leadership positions.
What exactly is taught in class?
The material covered in the program varies throughout the year, with short segments of aerospace science, leadership training, basics of citizenship, and other topics related to the U.S. Air Force. The Air Force JROTC curriculum also covers topics such as military history, first aid, human relations, oral communication, drill and ceremonies, personal hygiene, and staff functions and procedures.
Isn't it just a lot of yelling and marching and push-ups?
Not at all. We are a leadership course, and we believe that discipline comes from within. We teach the cadets that in order to lead one must learn how to follow.
Is there an obligation to go into the armed forces after high school?
Absolutely not. There is no obligation of any kind to join the military; in fact, most of our cadets do not do so. That being said, for those who are interested in pursuing a career in the military, whether Officer or Enlisted, JROTC provides a real benefit.
Who are the instructors?
There are two instructors - a Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (SASI) and an Aerospace Science Instructor (ASI). The SASI is an officer, and the ASI is a non-commissioned officer. Both are retired from active duty military service. The SASI at Belleview High School is Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Mike Cook and the ASI is Master Sergeant (Retired) Thomas Young.
What does the program cost?
The course materials, uniforms, and equipment are issued to the cadets free of charge by the Air Force. We ask for a $25 Activity Fee at the beginning of the year, which supports things like a unit Polo Shirt and helps subsidize events like the Military Ball. There are some things that a cadet might have to pay for, such as a field trip, issued uniforms that are lost or damaged, or special equipment or Spirit Wear for a particular team. In addition, the Marksmanship Team will have monthly dues.
Are both girls and boys enrolled?
Yes. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender.
What are some of the benefits of joining JROTC?
Aside from the HOPE credit in high school, there are several other benefits that can be attained from joining the program. First, for people that enlist in the military after completing three years of JROTC, the military will grant them two higher ranks and pay grades upon enlistment. Cadets who complete two years in the program are eligible for Air Force ROTC college scholarships, some of which pay full tuition. Finally, this program gives cadets - no matter what their goals are for the future - a sense of belonging. We encourage academics, and we take care of each other. We also instill a sense of self-confidence, through such aspects as public speaking and the pride that comes with accomplishment.
Do I have to wear a uniform?
Yes. After earning a uniform in the beginning of their first year, cadets are required to wear the Air Force JROTC uniform once a week on uniform day. Typically at Belleview High school uniform day is on Tuesday of each week, but there are exceptions. The uniform consists of a pair of trousers, shoes (must be shined), black socks, shirt, undershirt, blue belt, buckle, and a tie or tie-tab. The unit provides a name tag at no cost. Cadets earn rank and awards to put on their uniforms. It is considered an honor to wear the uniform and cadets wear it with pride.
Do I have to follow a lot of rules?
Yes, although they are relatively few, and simple. Primarily, we follow regulations on personal appearance, wearing of the uniform, and military customs and courtesies. For example, males may not wear earrings in uniform, while females are only allowed one pair. On uniform day, males must have their hair not touching their ears. Female cadets were recently authorized to wear ponytails or multiple braids, though the traditional look is a bun.
Can I still do other activities outside of JROTC?
Certainly. JROTC students are involved in everything from varsity sports to band, chorus, culinary arts, and other clubs. You can spend as much or as little time as you want with JROTC, although having a position on staff or being a member of a team will require commitment. The program offers several teams and organizations that cadets may join in addition to normal JROTC class activities, such as the Drill Team, Rifle Team, Color Guard, Marksmanship, and Raiders. The program also offers field trips, summer camps, military balls, and other group-sponsored activities.
What kind of recognition can I get by participating in the program?
There are a large number of awards which cadets can earn for participation and achievement in the program, including scholarships. Some are given by the unit, but others can be awarded by local military organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. These are just a few of the organizations that give awards to JROTC cadets. All awards have certain criteria, but all are open to those who achieve that criteria. Good character, sound academic performance, leadership traits, and being an active participant in the Corps are the main requirements.
How can I enroll in the program?
If you want to be in this program, it is as simple as signing up through your guidance counselor. Any student can start JROTC at any grade in high school. It is not required that you enroll in ninth grade.