By Colonel (R) Andrew Flynn
By Sergeant First Class (R) Jorge Martinez
The program carries out this goal by giving cadets the opportunity to lead and to work as a team. Whether it be of a group in an event or even an individual, every cadet learns through their experience as a leader.
FEATURE
All About the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
March 14, 2017
FIRST PERSON: Discover what the cadets in blue do and what they stand for as a program.
PHOTO BY YEARBOOK STAFF
What do those students wearing the blue uniforms do on campus?
JROTC stands for the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. As reflected in the mission statement, their goal is “to motivate young people to become better citizens.”
The Wolfpack Battalion is facilitated by myself, Colonel (retired) Andrew Flynn and my peer, Sergeant First Class (retired) Jorge Martinez. Our responsibility is to coach and mentor cadets to develop their leadership skills in conjunction with life skills such as first aid, negotiating arguments, and financial management.
The program carries out this goal by giving cadets the opportunity to lead and to work as a team. Whether it be of a group in an event or even an individual, every cadet learns through their experience as a leader.
Cadets also have the opportunity to become better citizens and leaders by devoting hundreds of hours of volunteer service to the school, the local community, state, and nation.
At Van Nuys High School, JROTC works directly under the attendance office to provide administrative support on campus, ranging from sorting newsletters to labeling envelopes. The program also volunteers in community projects for District 6 Councilwoman Nury Martinez, such as Movie Nights and health fairs, as well as participating in events for District 29 Congressman Tony Cardenas.
In addition to community projects, the VNHS JROTC supports Operation Gratitude, a national organization that provides care packages to military service members all around the world. Every year, cadets volunteer their time to go to Operation Gratitude’s headquarters in Chatsworth to make care packages and to write comforting letters for the active duty soldiers. Volunteer hours are recorded and can be used for college applications.
Contrary to popular belief on our campus, JROTC is not the same as ROTC. The Reserve
Officer Training Corps is a nationwide university campus program that offers an opportunity to those who wants to pursue officership and a bachelor’s degree at the same time.
Another popular misconception is that JROTC seeks to recruit high-school students into the military after graduation. JROTC does not advocate a military career. Instead, those that are interested in a military career can speak to a professional recruiter who can work with them to make educated decisions on a future career in the armed services.
No matter the circumstances, VNHS JROTC will continue to strive to make students better citizens and grow as individuals.
