About JROTC
JROTC is classically defined as a military based elective course in which students learn the importance of citizenship, leadership, character, and community service. Instilled with the values of the army, this course brings principles of the military into the classroom to create a disciplined environment where students learn skills and gain knowledge that transgresses conventional classroom teachings. While many assume it is a strict and regimented atmosphere dedicated to military recruitment, their speculations are far from sensible. JROTC has never been about military recruitment, but rather exposure to different types of learning atmospheres and backgrounds. Joining the class has NO future commitment to military service in any branch! Instead the class asks for open mindedness and willingness to adhere to a different set of principles and apply military teachings to better understand your own strengths in and out of the classroom.
The JROTC class at George Washington high school is about community. In teaching students practical knowledge from CPR training to financial planning to conflict resolution, students become more prepared for the outside world and know their worth to their communities and the nation. The class sometimes forces students to take up leadership roles that they normally would have shunned, but in doing so shows them they are capable and should be confident of what they can bring to the table. It is a classroom environment (occasionally sprinkled by formations and marching) that is accepting of any student no matter their background. JROTC is about outreach as much as anything else. Students learn what it means to be a good citizen and how to give back to their communities; whether that be through service learning projects or an inclination, post high school, to join the military. JROTC at George Washington is a practical class where students can have fun and form bonds while also becoming more confident and considerate individuals.
We hope to see you in the range! If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to any of the instructors.
Written by C/LTC Nora Weber
