Junior ROTC Program
Junior ROTC
The mission of Junior ROTC is “to motivate young people to be better citizens.” The program is designed to teach students the value of citizenship, leadership, service to the community, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment, while instilling in them self-esteem, teamwork, and self-discipline. It prepares high school students for responsible leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities, and privileges as American citizens.
The mandatory training consists of: introduction; character and leadership development; leadership theory and application; foundations for success; wellness, fitness, and first aid; geography and earth science; citizenship and American history; and administration, testing, and inspections.
Students taking Junior ROTC do not incur any obligation for military service. However, students planning a military career may wisely choose these courses as preparation for the future.
Junior ROTC Program Course Offerings
Army Junior ROTC 1 658102CW
Grades 9 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course covers the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of citizenship, the customs and history of the military, effective oral communication, the importance of physical fitness and diet in maintaining good health and appearance. It also includes proficiency in basic military skills (drill and ceremonies, first aid, marksmanship, and map reading), the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of mental management including goal setting and positive self-talk. New cadets will practice for and undergo the cadet challenge physical testing program. This course satisfies the required physical education credit.
Junior ROTC 2 375262CW
Grades 9 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Junior ROTC 1
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course requires students to demonstrate knowledge of the rights, responsibilities, privileges, and freedoms of good citizenship. Students will also learn logical thinking and effective communication in writing and speech. They will gain knowledge of basic military skills, military history, and navigation, and the importance of physical fitness, and an understanding of technological advancements in the areas of computers, lasers, simulators and robotics. Students completing multiple credits of Junior ROTC may qualify for a pay grade advancement into the service. Contact local recruiter for details.
Junior ROTC 3 375362CW
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Junior ROTC 2
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course allows students to participate in practical exercises in command/leadership positions, decision-making and leadership. Students will apply leadership assessment principles and display leadership potential by demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively as a leader and counselor, and learn the importance of physical fitness in maintaining good health and appearance. They will display knowledge of basic military skills and learn the educational and social importance of technological advancements in areas such as energy, the environment, medicine, and communications. Students will learn the dangers of alcohol and drugs and how leaders, as role models, can help prevent drug abuse. They will get a chance to teach this to other level classes and review many of the basics of the Junior ROTC program.
Junior ROTC 4 375462CW
Grades: 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Junior ROTC 3
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course requires students to demonstrate knowledge of ethical reasoning and decision-making and demonstrate the ability to effectively apply leadership and communication skills in an assigned command or staff position within the cadet battalion. Students will exercise leadership skills as role models, coaches, counselors, and assistant instructors. They will also be able to demonstrate the importance of physical fitness by maintaining good health and appearance. Studies include the importance of American military history as it relates to the development of the United States as well as learning how to market themselves for a job. Students will be asked to become involved in the community's efforts to make citizens aware of an effort to fight the problem of drug abuse. Students will also review many of the basics of the Junior ROTC program.
Junior ROTC 5 375562CW
Grades: 11 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Junior ROTC 4
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
Cadets continue to practice problem-solving/decision-making techniques while serving in top leadership and staff positions in the cadet battalion. Under instructor guidance, the cadets run the day-to-day Junior ROTC operations, plan all activities, and maintain administrative and logistical files. The cadets assist in instructing junior cadets and are responsible for teaching basic skills.
Junior ROTC 6 375666CW
Grades: 11 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Junior ROTC 5
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
Cadets continue to practice problem-solving/decision-making techniques while serving in top leadership and staff positions in the cadet battalion. Under instructor guidance, the cadets run the day-to-day Junior ROTC operations, plan all activities, and maintain administrative and logistical files. The cadets assist in instructing junior cadets and are responsible for teaching basic skills.
Junior ROTC 7 375777CW
Grades: 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Junior ROTC 6
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
These cadets are experienced and they will be placed in a course of study with primary emphasis placed on the cadet’s leadership duties and responsibilities within the Kershaw County School District Junior ROTC Brigade. They will act as a class leader or assistant class leader. Cadets will serve as training instructors for leadership lab, first aid, map reading, etc. and serve as service learning project leaders. Additionally, the cadets will receive classes in career and college preparation. May be selected for Competition Team leader or Captain.
Junior ROTC 8 375888CW
Grades: 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Junior ROTC 7
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
Junior ROTC 8 is designed for eighth-semester cadets and is the climax of Junior ROTC Classes. The cadets who are accepted for this program are a select group. They will serve as the senior leadership for the Corps of Cadets and they are the most experienced and will be placed in a course of study with primary emphasis placed on the cadet’s leadership duties and responsibilities within the Kershaw County School District Junior ROTC Brigade. They will act as a class leader or assistant class leader. Cadets will serve as training instructors for leadership lab, first aid, and map reading, and serve as service learning projects leaders. Additionally, the cadets will receive classes in career and college preparation.