• The Sonora Raider Battalion

     

    "Leadership Excellence Begins Here"


    Overview

    The JROTC curriculum emphasizes the meaning of citizenship and focuses on leadership and character development. In addition to leadership studies, classroom instruction highlights the power of effective teamwork. Students earn P.E. credit in JROTC and they learn the importance of physical fitness, they master techniques that will enable them to get in great physical shape, and they are encouraged to make fitness a life-long habit for good health.

    All cadets are placed in leadership positions (including rankings) throughout the year where they are encouraged to accept responsibility and develop the ability to effectively communicate as members of a team. Classroom instruction is augmented throughout the year by community service projects, color guard and drill competitions, “Raider” athletic field meets knowledge bowls, as well as cyber security and marksmanship competitions. Uniforms are provided by the Army.

    How the Program Started: 

    The United States Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) came into being with the passage of the National Defense Act of 1916. The mission of the JROTC program, as stated by Congress in 1916, is “to motivate young people to be better citizens.” The program is conducted at accredited secondary schools throughout the nation, by instructors who are retired Army officers and non-commissioned officers.

     

    Benefits of JROTC

    While the training is along military lines, it is conducted so as to encourage initiative and individuality, to develop natural gifts, to teach self-control, develop personal character, responsibility, and qualities of integrity, loyalty, and dedication. 

    JROTC cadets are taught the value of self-discipline and are better behaved, have higher attendance, are role models for the avoidance of substance abuse, have higher self-esteem, develop positive life skills, and graduate at a higher rate than their peers.

    Although JROTC does not recruit for the military, cadets who have completed 2 years of JROTC may be recommended by their Army Instructors to receive special consideration for ROTC scholarship selection. Also, cadets presenting evidence of successful completion of at least 2 years of JROTC are entitled to the advanced promotion upon initial enlistment in an active or reserve component of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or the Air Force.

    As an Honor Unit with Distinction, the Senior Army Instructor is authorized to recommend for nomination cadets who meet the qualifications to compete for U.S. Military Academy appointments.

     

    Subjects that are Taught

    • LEADERSHIP STUDIES – What makes a good leader good? Enrolled students will demonstrate an understanding of the traits, principles and styles of effective leadership, and successful methods for properly assuming a leadership role. JROTC is a student run organization where students earn rank and responsibility.
    • LEADERSHIP LABORATORIES – Students will plan, prepare, conduct physical conditioning exercises, and evaluate drill training as cadet leaders or battalion staff members.
    • CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT — Cadets learn the importance of values such as Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage as cornerstones to a successful life and career.
    • CADET CHALLENGE – Enrolled students develop an appreciation of diet and physical fitness in maintaining good health and appearance.
    • DRILL AND CEREMONY — Includes individual, squad, platoon, and company close order drill; rotation of command; physical fitness; personnel inspections; and parade in company review.
    • MILITARY HISTORY — History of the United States military from the colonial period to the present.
    • LAND NAVIGATION — An introduction to maps, map reading, and orienteering.
    • FIRST AID – All cadets are taught basic life-saving techniques and procedures.
    • FINANCIAL PLANNING - Cadets learn how to budget, manage and invest their money.



    Accolades

    The JROTC Program at Sonora has been a Nationally recognized Honor Unit with Distinction since 2006 and has many incentives:

    • JROTC has the National Military Honor Society of Scabbard and Blade and cadets can earn membership
    • JROTC is a College-Preparatory Elective “G” Interdisciplinary for all four years as well as a PE credit (Must complete 2 years)
    • Cadets can earn a College Prep “F” Elective for Visual & Performing Arts for being on the Competitive Drill Team (this is one of the purposes of Special Teams)
    • Cadets who complete 4 years of JROTC can earn a graduation stole and cord
    • Cadets can earn a JROTC Varsity Letter by being a member of our JROTC Special Teams/Competitive Drill Team
    • Cadets who meet certain criteria are annually awarded Nationally recognized awards that enhance college applications, resumes, and job applications.
    • Cadets from Sonora have won numerous appointments to Military Service Academies such as West Point, Annapolis, and the Air Force Academy and have also been awarded ROTC scholarships at universities and colleges throughout the nation.

     

    What Does JROTC Teach

    • Develops essential LEADERSHIP SKILLS
    • Builds positive CHARACTER TRAITS
    • Promotes PATRIOTISM
    • Develops INFORMED and RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS.
    • Instills a high degree of personal HONOR, INTEGRITY, SELF-RELIANCE, and individual DISCIPLINE.
    • Teaches physical FITNESS and fosters healthy life habits
    • Promotes service to the COMMUNITY
    • Promotes HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION and the PURSUIT OF HIGHER EDUCATION