Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC)

What is JROTC?

The Army JROTC is a program offered to high schools that teaches students character education, student achievement, wellness, leadership, and diversity. In addition to promoting citizenship, JROTC also prepares students students for post-secondary options including college or the workforce. It’s a congressionally-mandated program that is one of the largest citizenship programs in the United States, serving as a character and leadership development program for our nation’s high school students. While cadets who eventually enlist in the Armed Forces often enter the services at a higher rank/pay than those who don’t, there’s no obligation or commitment to join the military.

JROTC students

JROTC student in helicopter

JROTC Curriculum

The JROTC Curriculum is a blend of academics and hands-on exercises to promote leadership, teamwork, physical fitness, and “life skills” including subjects like personal financial management, first aid, and land navigation.  Students may enroll in JROTC anytime during high school and are not required to participate in all four years.

JROTC Cadets are issued a military dress uniform at no cost.  Cadets are required to wear the uniform at least once per week on the school designated day.

Benefits of Participating in JROTC

The Mission Statement of JROTC is "To Motivate Young People to be Better Citizens.” In accordance with the mission, JROTC can give students several academic and personal benefits that will help them on their path to success. These benefits include:

  • Improved School Performance (higher GPA, Attendance, and Graduation rates than non-JROTC students)

  • Scholarships

  • Physical Fitness

  • Professional Interpersonal Skills like leadership, time management, communication and teamwork

JROTC Teams

Several teams are available for Cadets to be members of.  Participation is optional – there’s no requirement to join a team, though many cadets say they’re the best part of JROTC.  Teams compete both in and out of state, with Denver having some of the highest-ranked teams in the worldwide JROTC program:

  • Air Rifle Marksmanship

  • Archery

  • Drill Marching

  • Color Guard (Ceremonial Presenting of State/National Flags)

  • Raider (Crossfit obstacle competitions)

  • Cyber Patriot

  • Drones

JROTC student scaling wall

Frequently Asked Questions