About Us

Senior Marine Instructor: Major Benjamin Bierly

Marine Instructor:           Gunnery Sergeant Luis Grassity

MISSION OF MARINE CORPS JUNIOR ROTC

1. Develop informed and responsible citizens.

2. Develop leadership skills.
3. Strengthen character.
4. Promote an understanding of the basic elements and requirements for national

security.

5. Help form habits of self-discipline.

6. Develop respect for, and an understanding of, the need for constituted authority in a democratic society.
                                                                                                                                                                   

If you do not see the question you have below, please feel free to contact us for your answers.  The contact email is bierlybt@vvsd.org.


 What is JROTC?

• JROTC is an elective class that is offered for up to four years beginning with Leadership Education – 1 (LE-1).  The course provides physical education credit in place of the regular PE class.  The curriculum emphasis is on citizenship, leadership, teamwork and personal responsibility.  Students are required to wear uniforms once a week.  These uniforms are provided to the students free of charge so long as they are returned at the end of the year or whenever they leave the program. 

Is there a requirement to join the military after taking JROTC?

• Absolutely not!  While cadets will receive higher rank and pay if they join, there is no requirement to do so.  In fact, we try to encourage and assist cadets to go to college first.  We also do not recruit cadets.  Recruiters visit the high school already, and we try to help students make the best choice for them personally. 

If I join JROTC, can I still do other school activities?

• Yes!  Being a part of JROTC in no hinders your ability to participate in any sport or activity in the high school.  In fact, we encourage you to be as involved as you can be.  Involvement in athletics and other extra-curricular activities help to make you a more well-rounded person and make you more attractive to colleges and other institutions you may try to join after high school.

What benefits are there for joining JROTC?

• The list of benefits is actually very extensive.  Just a few are:
• scholarships reserved especially for JROTC cadets
• national awards
• many extra-curricular activities (Cyber-STEM, Academic Team, and others)
• exclusive teams leading to varsity letters (Air Rifle, Drill)
• advance standing (for admissions and scholarship purposes) and credit for completion of the JROTC program if you enroll in college ROTC

Is there a cost for taking JROTC?

• There is no fee for taking the course.  The JROTC program supplies uniforms, books and all equipment used in the course. Fund raising projects are scheduled as needed to raise funds for special equipment, projects and events.  Cadets are asked to buy a unit t-shirt and accessories, but total cost is only $20. 

Are females allowed to join?

• Absolutely!  Over 25% of the classes are made up of females. Leadership positions are available to both sexes equally, and the teams and other activities are open to all cadets, regardless of gender.

How much time does JROTC take up?

• Cadets can spend as much time in JROTC as they desire.  They must attend class just like their other courses, but we encourage participation in extracurricular activities like the air rifle team, drill team, color guard, and physical fitness team, and community service. Many cadets consider the "out of classroom activities" as the most enjoyable part of JROTC.  Like anything in life, the more you put into it, the more you'll get out of it!