JROTC

SUBJECT:  JROTC Information Paper for Cadets and Their Parents/Guardians

 

1.  PURPOSE.  To present an overview of Pelahatchie High School JROTC that identifies standards and expectations in regard to enrollment and advancement in the Army JROTC Program.  This paper must be signed by the cadet and parent/guardian upon entry into the program. 

2.  INSTRUCTORS:  Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Brandon Herd – Senior Army Instructor (SAI) and Sergeant First Class (Retired) John Gough  – Army Instructor (AI).

3.  COURSE OVERVIEW:

     A.  JROTC is designed to teach high school students the value of leadership, leadership, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment, while instilling in them self-esteem, teamwork and self-discipline.  This curriculum prepares high school students for responsible leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities, and privileges as American citizens.  Meanwhile, the program promotes graduation from high school, while providing instruction and rewarding opportunities that benefit the student, community, and nation.  The primary mission of JROTC is “To motivate young people to be better citizens.”

     B.  JROTC is more than a physical education credit.  It is a cooperative effort on the part of the Army and the school to provide students opportunities for total development.  JROTC can lead to advanced placement credit in college ROTC or to an advanced rank in the armed forces upon enlistment in a student chooses that career path.  Nonetheless, JROTC is not an officer-producing program nor it one of its goals to place students in the military.  In fact, LTC Hargett and SFC Gough are not military recruiters and do not coerce students to join the military.  Again, we are NOT recruiters.

4.  COURSE HIGHLIGHTS:

Communication Skills

Leadership

First Aid

Physical Fitness

Drug Abuse Prevention

Community Service

Color Guards

Drill (Marching)

Military Ball

Adventure Training

Field Trip

Summer Camp

Summer STEM Camp

         

5.  INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH:  JROTC is taught through a combination of lecture, group discussions, practical exercises, demonstrations, hands-on/performance oriented training, and drill.  Cadets are graded on effort, rather than actual performance on physical activities such as Cadet Challenge (physical fitness) and drill.  Mondays and Tuesdays are usually instructional or academic days; Wednesdays are physical fitness training (PT) days; Thursdays are uniform inspection and drill; and Fridays are leadership lab, organized athletics, and/or drill respectively. 

 6.  COURSE EXPECTATIONS, GRADING, CADET CONDUCT & CONSEQUENCES: 

      A.  EXPECTATIONS:

           1.  Wear uniform correctly ALL day on uniform days (Wednesday)

          2.  Each Wednesday, each Cadet is expected to have proper clothing/shoes and

           willingness to participate in drill & fitness activities (NO COWBOY BOOTS).

          3.  Conduct should be in accordance with Cadet Creed and the 7 Army Values.

          4.  Be in compliance with school and Rankin County District rules.

          5.  Show respect for everyone, but especially ALL adults in the school.

           Bottom Line:  We expect cadets to LOOK (hair, shaving, dress) and ACT like a cadet from the 1^st Day to the Last Day of School, not just while they are in JROTC or in Uniform.

      B.  GRADING:

           Uniform Wear – 60%

          Tests/Essays/Presentations – 20%

          Participation (Class, Drill, Fitness) – 20%

      C.  UNIFORM WEAR AND APPEARANCE:   Each cadet will be issued a clean uniform complete with everything they need to wear with it.  These are issued at no cost to the cadet.  It is the cadet’s responsibility to keep up with it, wear it correctly and keep it clean.  Uniforms should be issued within the next few weeks.  Although some cadets may not get a coat immediately, wear of shirt and pants will be directed some those cadets.   Some basic requirements for appearance and uniform wear are:

          1.  Cadets are required to have an easily maintained haircut that is within JROTC standards.  We expect all cadets to meet haircut standards by August 31, 2023.  Failure to maintain a proper hair cut can result in both a reduction in grade, but also prohibition from being selected to participate in certain events in which JROTC is involved (i.e. parking details, community service, etc.)

          Males:  Hair will be natural color, not touching the ears, collar, or extending beyond the eyebrows.  The wear of braids, cornrows, dreadlocks, unkempt, twisted, matted, or shaved individual parts of hair (i.e. designs, mohawks) are not authorized.  The face will be clean-shaven except for permitted mustaches.  Sideburns will not extend below the center of the ear canal.

Females:  Hairstyles will be of natural color at all times, and while in uniform, will

not interfere with proper wearing of the military headgear and will not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the bottom edge of the collar.  Barrettes and other fixtures used to “pin up” hair should be subdued and closely match the cadet’s hair color.

 2.  Earrings and studs WILL NOT be worn by male cadets at any time while in uniform OR WHILE participating in JROTC activities (i.e. class, practices, events).  Female cadets may wear one set of stud earrings (1/4” or smaller) in the ear lobe while in uniform.  No ear jewelry may be worn with the ACU Camouflage Uniform.  Wearing of jewelry on pierced exposed body parts other than ears is prohibited.

 3.  As stated above, uniform will be worn properly ALL DAY on uniform days.  Cadets are allowed to change out during classes such as PE, Art, or other class that could damage the uniform.  Check with your instructor first.  Failure to wear uniform on required days will result in a ZERO being entered in the grade book until it is made up.

4.  MAKE UP POLICY:

     If Present at School on Uniform Day.   If cadet is present at school but fails to wear uniform on required uniform day, they can wear the next class day with a 25% reduction in maximum grade.  If cadet fails to wear on first make up day, they will have one more opportunity to make up the uniform on the next class day with a 50% reduction in maximum grade.  After that, the grade of zero will be permanent.  If you are assigned In School Suspension (ISS) on uniform day, you are still expected to be in uniform.

      If Absent from School on Uniform Day.   If a cadet is absent from school on required uniform day, they can wear the next class day (normally a Friday) with a no reduction in maximum grade if a valid excuse is presented.  If cadet fails to wear on first make up day, they will have the opportunity to make up the uniform on the next class day with a 20% reduction in maximum grade and referred to school administrators for one-day period after-school detention (ASD) by your instructor.  If they fail to wear on the 2^nd make up day, they will have one more class period to make up uniform day with a 40% reduction in maximum grade.  After that, the grade of zero will be permanent. 

 5.  SCHOOL WIDE PERFORMANCE:  As stated above, we expect cadets to look and act like a cadet throughout the school year, both inside and outside of JROTC.  This also includes their academic performance in other classes.  The following actions will be taken to reinforce this expectations:

      Cadets who are failing ANY class at school at the sign up deadline, WILL NOT be allowed to go on the Field Trip.  Normally our trip is in early Spring, so they can’t wait until January to focus on grades.  If they are struggling in class, they need to ask for help!

      D.  RESTRICTION FROM ENROLLMENT FOLLOWING YEAR:

           1.  While we know that JROTC is an important course at Pelahatchie High School, we also realize its effect on graduation is minimal.  In order to emphasize the importance in passing core subjects (Math, Science, English & History), the following policy will be followed:

                 A.  If a cadet fails a single core subject at the end of the school year, their enrollment in JROTC for the following school year will be at the discretion of the JROTC Instructors.  Approval to come back to JROTC will depend primarily on the effort they put forth in the class.

                 B.  Any students who fails two (2) or more core subjects will not be allowed to enroll in JROTC the following year.  Cadets who fail to maintain a B or higher average in JROTC for the school year, WILL NOT be allowed to enroll in JROTC next year.  If cadet wears uniform when required, have proper grooming, and participates when required, this will not be an issue.

            3.  Other reasons that a cadet will be restricted from enrolling the following year:

                 A.  Repeated failure to follow legitimate peer commands.

                B.  Misconduct inside/outside JROTC (School Discipline)

                C.  Poor Attendance

      D.  Undesirable character traits such as cheating, stealing, lying, substance abuse, repeated use of profanity, or any actions that discredit the school, community or JROTC program.

 7.  OTHER INFORMATION:

      A.  PHYSICAL FITNESS:  Cadets are required to participate in the Cadet Challenge, an annual test of five events that can lead to awards in the Presidential Physical Fitness Program and an opportunity to earn JROTC ribbons.  Cadets are expected the give the maximum effort within the limits of pre-recorded chronic ailments or other physical limitations.  Cadets must also participate in weekly physical fitness training.  We plan to conduct a diagnostic Cadet Challenge during the fall semester and a record Cadet Challenge in the April timeframe.

     B.  EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:  PHS JROTC teams offer something for everyone.  These include Drill, Marksmanship, Physical Fitness, Orienteering, Academic and Leadership.  More information will be provided on practices in the near future.

     C.  COMMUNITY/SCHOOL SERVICE:  School and Community Service is an integral part of JROTC.  We have a strong belief that part of being a good citizen is giving back to your community.  There will be multiple opportunities for cadets to support the school and local community.

8.  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

     A.  FUNDRAISING:    THERE IS NO FEE FOR BEING IN JROTC, but as with any school organization, fundraising is a necessary effort.  Cadets who are active in the program will easily receive this much value or more. 

     B:  DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION:    During the school year, I will be emailing updates and news from JROTC to those whose email address I have.  One of the forms your cadets are required to turn in is the Cadet Data Form.  At the bottom is a place to include any email address you would like for me to send information to.  For email notifications, send an email to brandon.herd@rcsd.ms or john.gough@rcsd.ms.    

    

9.  FORMAL INSPECTION:  We expect to undergo an Informal Inspection conducted by the Rankin County School District Director of Army Instruction in February 2024 for this school year. The adherence to the standards of the program by EVERY cadet is critical to our success.  You will be notified as we receive more information.

 

10.  CONCLUSION:  We are pleased to have your son/daughter as part of our program.  We are looking forward to a fun and challenging school year.  They have volunteered for the level of discipline that this program requires, and we pledge to treat them with the respect they deserve.  As your child progresses through this program, it is our hope that you will see the development of a better son/daughter, brother/sister, student and citizen.  We look forward to meeting you, and are available to discuss any questions, concerns, or suggestions you may have.  We encourage you to visit our website at https://www.rcsd.ms/Page/26654. Feel free to contact Sergeant First Class Gough, or me at (601) 854-5448, or email us at brandon.herd@rcsd.ms or john.gough@rcsd.ms

JROTC Cadet Reference Version 6

Pelahatchie High School JROTC Army JROTC Grooming Policy

 

Each of the military services imposes grooming standards on their military personnel, as part of their Dress & Appearance or Uniform regulations. For the United States Army, grooming standards are contained in Army Regulation 670-1 - WEAR AND APPEARANCE OF ARMY UNIFORMS AND INSIGNIA and necessary and required for ALL Cadets wearing the U.S. Army JROTC uniform and are shown below:

General

The Army is a uniformed service where discipline is judged, in part, by the manner in which a JROTC cadet wears a prescribed uniform, as well as by the individual’s personal appearance. Therefore, a neat and well-groomed appearance by all Cadets is fundamental to the Army and contributes to building the pride and esprit essential to an effective Corps of Cadets. A vital ingredient of the Cadet Corps’ strength and military effectiveness as a unit is the pride and self-discipline that JROTC Cadets bring to their Unit and School through a conservative, neat, and military image. It is the responsibility of the Cadet Leadership to ensure that Cadets under their command or charge present a neat, military appearance. Therefore, in the absence of specific procedures or guidelines, cadet commanders must determine a cadet’s compliance with standards in this policy. Cadets must take pride in their appearance at all times while in uniform. See your respective JROTC instructor with any questions about this policy.

The requirement for hair grooming standards is necessary to maintain uniformity within the Corps of Cadets. Many hairstyles are acceptable, as long as they are neat and conservative. It is not possible to address every acceptable hairstyle, or what constitutes eccentric or conservative grooming. Therefore, it is the responsibility of cadet leaders at all levels to exercise good judgment when inspecting cadets for compliance with the grooming policy. All cadets will comply with the hair, fingernail, and grooming policies while in any Army JROTC cadet uniform.

Cadet Leaders will judge the appropriateness of a particular hairstyle by the appearance of headgear when worn. Cadets will wear headgear as described in the applicable chapters of this regulation. Headgear will fit snugly and comfortably, without distortion or excessive gaps. Hairstyles that do not allow soldiers to wear the headgear properly are prohibited, and will affect the cadet’s weekly uniform inspection grade.

Extreme, eccentric, or trendy haircuts or hairstyles are not authorized while in the cadet uniform. If cadets use dyes, tints, or bleaches, they must choose those that result in natural hair colors. Colors that detract from a professional military appearance are prohibited while in uniform. Therefore, cadets should avoid using colors that result in an extreme appearance. Applied hair colors that are prohibited include, but are not limited to, purple, blue, pink, green, orange, bright (fire-engine) red, and fluorescent or neon colors. It is the responsibility of cadet leaders to use good judgment in determining if applied colors are acceptable. Any questions will be addressed to the JROTC instructors,

Cadets who have a texture of hair that does not part naturally may cut a part into the hair. The part will be one straight line, not slanted or curved, and will fall in the area where the soldier would normally part the hair. Cadet will not cut designs into their hair or scalp, while in uniform.

Males

Male haircuts will conform to the following standards: 1) The hair on top of the head must be neatly groomed. The length and bulk of the hair may not be excessive or present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. The hair must present a tapered appearance. A tapered appearance is one where the outline of the cadet’s hair conforms to the shape of the head, curving inward to the natural termination point at the base of the neck.  When hair is combed, it will not fall over the ears or eyebrows, or touch the collar, except for the closely cut hair at the back of the neck. The block-cut fullness in the back is permitted to a moderate degree, as long as the tapered look is maintained. In all cases, the bulk or length of hair may not interfere with the normal wear of headgear. Males are not authorized to wear braids, cornrows, or dreadlocks (unkempt, twisted, matted, individual parts of hair) while in uniform. Hair that is clipped closely or shaved to the scalp is authorized. 2) Males will keep sideburns neatly trimmed. Sideburns may not be flared; the base of the sideburn will be a clean-shaven, horizontal line. Sideburns will not extend below the lowest part of the exterior ear opening. 3) Males will keep their face clean-shaven when in uniform. Mustaches are permitted; if worn, males will keep mustaches neatly trimmed, tapered, and tidy. Mustaches will not present a chopped off or bushy appearance, and no portion of the mustache will cover the upper lip line or extend sideways beyond a vertical line drawn upward from the corners of the mouth. Handlebar mustaches, goatees, and beards are not authorized. 4) Males are prohibited from wearing wigs or hairpieces while in uniform.

Males are prohibited from wearing cosmetics, to include nail polish. All personnel will keep fingernails clean and neatly trimmed. Males will keep nails trimmed so as not to extend beyond the fingertip.  Male cadets are prohibited from wearing earrings while both in JROTC class and while in uniform. 

Females

Female haircuts will conform to the following standards: 1) Females will ensure their hair is neatly groomed, that the length and bulk of the hair are not excessive, and that the hair does not present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. Likewise, trendy styles that result in shaved portions of the scalp (other than the neckline) or designs cut into the hair are prohibited. Females may wear braids and cornrows as long as the braided style is conservative, the braids and cornrows lie snugly on the head, and any hair-holding devices comply with the standards below. Dreadlocks (unkempt, twisted, matted individual parts of hair) are prohibited in uniform. Hair will not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the bottom edge of the collar at any time during normal activity or when standing in formation. Long hair that falls naturally below the bottom edge of the collar, to include braids, will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned, so no free-hanging hair is visible. This includes styles worn with the physical fitness uniform/improved physical fitness uniform (PFU/IPFU). 2) Styles that are lopsided or distinctly unbalanced are prohibited. Ponytails, pigtails, or braids that are not secured to the head (allowing hair to hang freely), widely spaced individual hanging locks, and other extreme styles that protrude from the head are prohibited. Extensions, weaves, wigs, and hairpieces are authorized; however, these additions must have the same general appearance as the individual’s natural hair. Additionally, any wigs, extensions, hairpieces, or weaves must comply with the grooming policies set forth in this paragraph. 3) Females cadets will ensure that hairstyles do not interfere with proper wear of military headgear. When headgear is worn, the hair will not extend below the bottom edge of the front of the headgear, nor will it extend below the bottom edge of the collar.

Hair-holding devices are authorized only for the purpose of securing the hair. Female cadets will not place hair-holding devices in the hair for decorative purposes. All hair-holding devices must be plain and of a color as close to the cadet’s hair as is possible or clear. Authorized devices include, but are not limited to, small, plain “scrunchies” (elastic hair bands covered with material), barrettes, combs, pins, clips, rubber bands, and hair bands. Devices that are conspicuous, excessive, or decorative are prohibited. Some examples of prohibited devices include, but are not limited to, large, lacy “scrunchies”; beads, bows, or claw clips; clips, pins, or barrettes with butterflies, flowers, sparkles, gems, or scalloped edges; and bows made from hairpieces.

As with hairstyles, the requirement for standards regarding cosmetics is necessary to maintain uniformity and to avoid an extreme or unmilitary appearance. Females are authorized to wear cosmetics with all uniforms, provided they are applied conservatively and in good taste and complement the uniform. Cadet leaders at all levels must exercise good judgment in the enforcement of this policy. See the JROTC instructors with any questions.

Females may wear cosmetics if they are conservative and complement the uniform and their complexion. Eccentric, exaggerated, or trendy cosmetic styles and colors, to include makeup designed to cover tattoos, are inappropriate with the uniform and are prohibited. Permanent makeup, such as eyebrow or eyeliner, is authorized as long as the makeup conforms to the standards outlined above.

Females will not wear shades of lipstick and nail polish that distinctly contrast with their complexion, that detract from the uniform, or that are extreme. Some examples of extreme colors include, but are not limited to, purple, gold, blue, black, white, bright (fire-engine) red, khaki, camouflage colors, and fluorescent colors. Female cadets will not apply designs to nails or apply two-tone or multi-tone colors to nails, while in any cadet uniform.

All personnel will keep fingernails clean and neatly trimmed. Females will not exceed a nail length of 1/4 inch, as measured from the tip of the finger.

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Senior Army Instructor

Lieutenant Colonel (R) Brandon Herd  -  brandon.herd@rcsd.ms

 

Army Instructor

Sergeant First Class (R) John Gough - john.gough@rcsd.ms

 

 

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