How to Be a Good JROTC Cadet

Georgence

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posted on 10 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Whether it's to learn how to be a leader, or if you plan on joining the military, JROTC is a class that you should take pride in and thrive to make your way to the top of the battalion.

Steps

Joining JROTC

As a Freshman in high school make sure you have an open elective in which you could take a Leadership Excellence Training (LET) class. This will usually be called- LET I.

Learn the standards that need to be met as a cadet. Memorize the cadet creed and how to prepare a uniform.

Presenting Yourself

Prepare your dress uniform correctly (i.e. ribbons, rank, and nametag on the correct side.)

Practice saluting. Make sure your hand is flat and is correctly positioned on your glasses, eyebrow, or cover.

Learn to tie a tie correctly. The bottom of the tie should just barely be able to touch the top of your belt buckle if you are a male in JROTC.

Learn how to stand at attention and parade rest. These and other drill/ marching commands can be found in Army Field Manual 22-5 aka the blue book.

Learning Commands

Learn how to give commands to subordinates and how to take commands from higher ranks. Commands should be reasonable such as "Cadet, please notify the First Sergeant that we need assistance in the supply room," not "Cadet, I order you to shine my shoes."

Obtain a commanding voice. If you are too quiet or too loud people will think you are not bold enough to be a leader or too bold and a know it all. For example: Wrong- CADET, ATTENTION!!!! Right- Cadet, Attention! FM 22-5 goes into more detail about command voice.

Growing as a Cadet

Continue taking JROTC throughout high school and join staff class. Staff is the backbone of your battalion. They are behind the scenes gears that keep everything going smoothly in terms of training and public affairs.

Be a role model to younger cadets in JROTC. This means wear your uniform on the day it is assigned, do your job, keep a clean shave if you are a male, don't fight or use drugs in uniform (or at all for that matter) and so forth.

Have a competitive spirit. Join Drill, Raider, Color guard, Rifle team, etc. Not only will you get your name out in the battalion, but you will also bond with the cadets on the team as well. Trust and respect will get you farther than trying to be cool and a show-off.