The Proof is in the Pickle
February 25, 2010 • written by Janie Galindo - Guest columnist C/2LT PAO
When someone mentions JROTC, what do you think of?
The “ugly” green suits, the Sergeant in your face screaming, or maybe the famous hand salute.
Well whatever it is, JROTC might be about something completely different than what you have imagined. JROTC is a class for kids from kids. What this means is the class will be as fun as you make it. JROTC is not your average class. One of the things we do the least is sit in a chair and listen to a teacher yap all class. Instead we do hands-on activities that bring a fun environment to the classroom. JROTC provides the cadets with the latest technology and allows them to use them in a variety of activities. JROTC is not a class that you will just attend during school .JROTC extends out of the class room.
Being in this class will also give you the opportunity to help your community. Helping can be as simple as parking cars or teaching about the importance of reading. JROTC is not just another high school class. If you take advantage of it you will learn not only leadership skills but, skills like first aid, how to dress for a job interview, and how to be successful in your community. These skills will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Like mentioned above, JROTC is not your average class. Each cadet learns from different curriculum every year they are in JROTC. Most everything JROTC teaches is how to live a better life and keep a higher-paying career. In other words, how to get the most from yourself. During your first year you will learn about the history and purpose of JROTC. You will also learn the fundamentals of leadership.
Have you ever wondered how your brain functions or why you have different attitudes towards different things? JROTC’s curriculum will answer this question and many more. JROTC will teach you the structure of the brain and the function of each part. You will also be introduced to effective ways for you to learn things by using different types of thinking maps and graphic organizers. Where else would you use Electronic Monopoly to learn to manage your personal finances? Or video games to respond to CPS curriculum questions. Or even a writing stylus to interact with projectors from your seat? JROTC. The curriculum also includes Stefan Neilson’s winning colors which are the four colors that stand for different behavior clusters. There is the red adventurer, brown builder, green planner, and blue relater.
When you have completed your first year you will then go on to become a LET 2. During this year you will learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and how to perform CPR and First Aid. You will also learn what to do in case of other emergencies, like if someone is choking or has a heart attack.
As a LET 3, you will have the opportunity to create a resume and learn how to manage your money by using NEFE High School Financial Planning. You will also go through many “mock” job interviews. Best of all, most of this classwork can provide you with up to 14 college credits through Regionally-Accredited Universities.
During your time as a LET 4, you will learn about government, military history, and further your financial education.
JROTC always practice the Army values of LDRSHIP.
Loyalty
Duty
Respect
Selfless Service
Honor
Integrity
Personal Courage
JROTC also gives you the opportunity to work with things like a Smart Board or Google Earth. Google Earth is an application that will let you visit the world from behind a computer screen. Cadets have the opportunity to learn how to make internet podcasts or compete in internet scavenger hunts. You will also watch movies in which you will see examples of Winning Colors and different types of leadership styles. You will have the opportunity to earn ribbons and decorations for your uniform which will show your accomplishments and achievements. Ribbons can be earned by participating in community service, recruiting for JROTC class, and by achieving academic excellence in school (read Honor Roll). Cords and arch badges can be earned by participating in a variety of teams like Academic Challenge, Raider, and Color Guard, all which you to be UIL-eligible.
JROTC is a class that will not only help you if you are joining the military; JROTC will give you the knowledge to be successful in school, the workplace, and out in your community. Joining JROTC will give you the advantage of being one step ahead of everyone else. So now when you think of JROTC the first thing to come to mind will not be a salute, a sergeant or the green suit. Instead it will be the fun and exciting things that go on in and out of the classroom and what you can accomplish!
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