Salem High School Marine Corps JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps)

JROTC is a leadership program that is designed to motivate young people to become better citizens. It was formed when Congress passed the National Defense Act in the year 1916. Studies show that JROTC helps students get better grades, be more active in school, and perform better on tests, and it decreases disciplinary problems. Each JROTC program across the nation is different in each of their own ways. Our particular program is very community driven, supported and loved. There is NO obligation to join the military after attending this year-long elective.

*Note all cadets are required to have medical documentation that clears them for physical activity (i.e. Physical.) Cadets are required to wear their Marine Corps uniform 1 time per week, and adhere to the Marine Corps grooming standards..

Class Instructor

  • Sergeant Major John W. Sumner, USMC (ret)

What to Expect in the Class

  • In class, the cadets are taught leadership and self discipline.
  • The mission of JROTC is to motivate young people to become better citizens.
  • The class is excellent for encouraging socialization and confidence. It develops the cadet’s initiative, and ability to work successfully as a team.
  • Cadets will engage in both physical and mental challenges suited to any level.
  • The cadets will have the chance to get promoted to new ranks and earn positions of leadership.
  • Cadets are strongly encouraged to participate in the JROTC extracurricular activities

Team Activities

Raiders

The Raiders Team is our physical fitness team. Cadets are commonly scored on how many push ups and sit ups they can do in a two-minute period; how fast they can run a mile; field navigation; how they use first-aid in the field; how they tie various knots; and how they work as a team. The Raider team is not limited to the fore mentioned obstacles, and have a variety of activities they do to prepare for the next competition.

Marksmanship

Cadets practice their marksmen-ship with top of the line, air rifles to build confidence, develop discipline and maintain proper safety. The members are scored on their ability to precisely shoot a target, consistently, from ten meters away.

NOTE: The cadets have to pass a safety test prior to engaging with the air rifles.

Drill Team

The Drill Team is a team that deals with the precision of military marching. The members of the team are scored on their ability to march, with or without drill rifles, as precise as possible.

Color Guard

The Color Guard team represents the American and Marine Corps flag. Color Guard team present within the community, parades, and school functions and competes with other JROTC schools. Cadets involved in Color Guard practice and present throughout the year.

Color Guard is graded on preciseness and the exactness of their ability to march, they are also scored on creativity with and without rifles.