Frequently Asked Questions
DOES THIS PROGRAM SUPPORT THE PRINCIPAL'S GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE SHHS?
Yes. Science Hill's JROTC program fully supports the Principal's goals and objectives for the high school...."Emphasizing creativity, inquiry, personal responsibility, and cultural awareness. Science Hill will graduate students proficient to math, science, social studies, written/oral language and solving real-world problems through teamwork in order to compete successfully in the global marketplace."
SO WHAT IS JROTC?
Junior ROTC is designed to teach high school 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. On average, the total number of community service hours this program volunteers is over 2,000 - 3,000 hours. In addition, these hours help our students earn college scholarships. The program prepares high school students for responsible leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities and privileges as American citizens. JROTC is a stimulus for promoting graduation from high school, and it provides instruction and rewarding opportunities that will benefit the student, community and nation. Simply stated, the program prepares our cadets for life after high school.
WILL I BE IN THE ARMED FORCES OR WILL I HAVE TO GO INTO THE SERVICE?
No. The JROTC program is not set up to recruit and instructors do not request or expect a military commitment of any kind. There is no service obligation, and most students do not go into the military after graduation. Nonetheless, many cadets find they enjoy military discipline and structure; it brings out their best and allows them to excel. Some earn appointments to one of the military academies or earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant through one of over 272 universities across the nation. Moreover, those who enlist in the military upon graduation from high school can enter military service at a higher rank and pay grade.
WHAT ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS, ARE THEY IN THE ARMED FORCES?
No. JROTC teachers are retired military officers and senior non-commissioned officers. They are high school faculty members and employees of Johnson City Public Schools. JROTC Instructors are fully licensed by the State of Tennessee Department of Education and certified by the U.S. Army to teach JROTC.
WHAT CREDIT TOWARD GRADUATION CAN I RECEIVE THROUGH JROTC?
Each semester of JROTC satisfies one elective requirement for graduation. Two semesters of JROTC satisfies the graduation requirement for Health/Wellness. Additional semesters also satisfy the graduation requirement for Physical Education, Personal Finance and the required Elective Focus.
IS JROTC TRAINING AS HARD AS IT SOUNDS?
Well, the course is demanding, but most of the students who make an effort really enjoy the challenge and thrive on the hard work and discipline.
WHAT DOES THE COURSE COST?
There are no fees in JROTC covered by the fee waiver policy. The JROTC program supplies all uniforms, books and all equipment used in the course. There are a few responsibilities that require a commitment on the part of the Cadet and family. Cadets must provide their own gym clothes (T-Shirt, gym shorts, socks and tennis shoes...jeans, denim, khaki and cord type shorts are NOT appropriate) and materials capable of keeping their shoes and brass shined. Cadets are requested to cover their own meal cost for the Change of Command & Promotion Banquet held in December and the Military Ball held in April, historically these meals cost $20-25 each with the ballroom facility being donated by a local business; any Cadet that anticipates having a problem saving during a semester must advise the instructor at the beginning of that semester so that a solution can be found. Multiple fundraising projects are scheduled to assist in the raising of funds for special equipment, projects and events.
WHAT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES MAY CADETS BE INVOLVED IN DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR?
Extracurricular activities during the year may include:
Presentation of Colors (Color Guard), Escorts and Charity Events, Parades, Marksmanship Matches, Male and Female Drill Competitions, Summer Camp, Fitness Competitions, Formal Military Ball, Awards Night, Annual Inspections, Community Service, Academic Competitions, Washington DC Field Trip and much more.
ARE THERE BOTH MALE AND FEMALE CADETS?
Yes, Cadet population is approximately half male and half female. Leadership positions are available to both sexes equally, and we have male and female extracurricular teams.
WHEN DO CADETS WEAR UNIFORMS?
A uniform is provided free of charge for the duration of the course and at a minimum worn one full school day each week, or when taking part in special ceremonies or events. Uniforms are on loan from the U.S. Army & JC Schools; uniforms are to be kept clean and pressed at all times. Uniforms are to be returned at the end of the year in the same condition the uniform was issued (clean and pressed), less fair ware and tare.
GROOMING STANDARDS & WEARING OF UNIFORM:
All Cadets: Cadets will wear an Army issued dress uniform once a week (each Wednesday). The JROTC program is a uniformed program where discipline is judged, in part, by the manner in which a cadet wears a prescribed uniform as well as by the individual’s personal appearance. Cadets are also required to wear physical fitness attire at their own expense during all fitness classes (T-Shirt, gym shorts, socks & tennis shoes) (Fitness classes each Monday and Friday). Tattoos must be covered and visible body piercings must be removed.
Males: Hair will be natural color, tapered cut, will be evenly graduated from zero length at the hairline in the lower portion of the head, not touching the ears, not touching the collar and not be over approximately 1 inch in length on top. The wear of braids, cornrows, dreadlocks, unkempt, twisted, matted, or shaved individual parts of hair are not authorized while in uniform. The face will be clean-shaven, except for permitted mustaches. Sideburns will not extend below the center of the ear canal. Male Drill Team Members must have a High-And-Tight haircut for all performances/competitions.
Females: Hairstyles will be natural color and 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. Hair is to be pulled back into a bun just below the back center of the head while in uniform. The wear of braids, cornrows, dreadlocks, unkempt, twisted, matted, or shaved individual parts of hair are not authorized while in uniform. Having a portion of hair shaved to the scalp is not authorized. The length of the ASU Dress Blue Skirt is not to be higher than 1 inch above the knee and no lower than center of the knee cap.
HOW MUCH TIME DOES ROTC TAKE?
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 such as drill team, color guard, and marksmanship teams as well as community service activities and social events.
Cadet participation is expected in five after school activities. These activities include SHHS Homecoming Parade, Johnson City Christmas Parade, Change of Command & Promotion Banquet, Annual Awards Ceremony and the Annual Military Ball. Many cadets consider the "out of classroom activities" as the most enjoyable part of JROTC.
Additionally, Cadets are highly encouraged to participate in at least one fund raising activity during the school year.
WHAT KIND OF RECOGNITION CAN I GET FOR MY PARTICIPATION IN ROTC?
There are a large number of awards, which are given for participation and achievement in JROTC. Some are given by the Superintendent of Schools, the Principal, and others by a host of local civic and patriotic organizations. All are available for everyone to seek. Involvement, effort, and being an active part of the group are the main requirements.
Yes. Science Hill's JROTC program fully supports the Principal's goals and objectives for the high school...."Emphasizing creativity, inquiry, personal responsibility, and cultural awareness. Science Hill will graduate students proficient to math, science, social studies, written/oral language and solving real-world problems through teamwork in order to compete successfully in the global marketplace."
SO WHAT IS JROTC?
Junior ROTC is designed to teach high school 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. On average, the total number of community service hours this program volunteers is over 2,000 - 3,000 hours. In addition, these hours help our students earn college scholarships. The program prepares high school students for responsible leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities and privileges as American citizens. JROTC is a stimulus for promoting graduation from high school, and it provides instruction and rewarding opportunities that will benefit the student, community and nation. Simply stated, the program prepares our cadets for life after high school.
WILL I BE IN THE ARMED FORCES OR WILL I HAVE TO GO INTO THE SERVICE?
No. The JROTC program is not set up to recruit and instructors do not request or expect a military commitment of any kind. There is no service obligation, and most students do not go into the military after graduation. Nonetheless, many cadets find they enjoy military discipline and structure; it brings out their best and allows them to excel. Some earn appointments to one of the military academies or earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant through one of over 272 universities across the nation. Moreover, those who enlist in the military upon graduation from high school can enter military service at a higher rank and pay grade.
WHAT ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS, ARE THEY IN THE ARMED FORCES?
No. JROTC teachers are retired military officers and senior non-commissioned officers. They are high school faculty members and employees of Johnson City Public Schools. JROTC Instructors are fully licensed by the State of Tennessee Department of Education and certified by the U.S. Army to teach JROTC.
WHAT CREDIT TOWARD GRADUATION CAN I RECEIVE THROUGH JROTC?
Each semester of JROTC satisfies one elective requirement for graduation. Two semesters of JROTC satisfies the graduation requirement for Health/Wellness. Additional semesters also satisfy the graduation requirement for Physical Education, Personal Finance and the required Elective Focus.
IS JROTC TRAINING AS HARD AS IT SOUNDS?
Well, the course is demanding, but most of the students who make an effort really enjoy the challenge and thrive on the hard work and discipline.
WHAT DOES THE COURSE COST?
There are no fees in JROTC covered by the fee waiver policy. The JROTC program supplies all uniforms, books and all equipment used in the course. There are a few responsibilities that require a commitment on the part of the Cadet and family. Cadets must provide their own gym clothes (T-Shirt, gym shorts, socks and tennis shoes...jeans, denim, khaki and cord type shorts are NOT appropriate) and materials capable of keeping their shoes and brass shined. Cadets are requested to cover their own meal cost for the Change of Command & Promotion Banquet held in December and the Military Ball held in April, historically these meals cost $20-25 each with the ballroom facility being donated by a local business; any Cadet that anticipates having a problem saving during a semester must advise the instructor at the beginning of that semester so that a solution can be found. Multiple fundraising projects are scheduled to assist in the raising of funds for special equipment, projects and events.
WHAT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES MAY CADETS BE INVOLVED IN DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR?
Extracurricular activities during the year may include:
Presentation of Colors (Color Guard), Escorts and Charity Events, Parades, Marksmanship Matches, Male and Female Drill Competitions, Summer Camp, Fitness Competitions, Formal Military Ball, Awards Night, Annual Inspections, Community Service, Academic Competitions, Washington DC Field Trip and much more.
ARE THERE BOTH MALE AND FEMALE CADETS?
Yes, Cadet population is approximately half male and half female. Leadership positions are available to both sexes equally, and we have male and female extracurricular teams.
WHEN DO CADETS WEAR UNIFORMS?
A uniform is provided free of charge for the duration of the course and at a minimum worn one full school day each week, or when taking part in special ceremonies or events. Uniforms are on loan from the U.S. Army & JC Schools; uniforms are to be kept clean and pressed at all times. Uniforms are to be returned at the end of the year in the same condition the uniform was issued (clean and pressed), less fair ware and tare.
GROOMING STANDARDS & WEARING OF UNIFORM:
All Cadets: Cadets will wear an Army issued dress uniform once a week (each Wednesday). The JROTC program is a uniformed program where discipline is judged, in part, by the manner in which a cadet wears a prescribed uniform as well as by the individual’s personal appearance. Cadets are also required to wear physical fitness attire at their own expense during all fitness classes (T-Shirt, gym shorts, socks & tennis shoes) (Fitness classes each Monday and Friday). Tattoos must be covered and visible body piercings must be removed.
Males: Hair will be natural color, tapered cut, will be evenly graduated from zero length at the hairline in the lower portion of the head, not touching the ears, not touching the collar and not be over approximately 1 inch in length on top. The wear of braids, cornrows, dreadlocks, unkempt, twisted, matted, or shaved individual parts of hair are not authorized while in uniform. The face will be clean-shaven, except for permitted mustaches. Sideburns will not extend below the center of the ear canal. Male Drill Team Members must have a High-And-Tight haircut for all performances/competitions.
Females: Hairstyles will be natural color and 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. Hair is to be pulled back into a bun just below the back center of the head while in uniform. The wear of braids, cornrows, dreadlocks, unkempt, twisted, matted, or shaved individual parts of hair are not authorized while in uniform. Having a portion of hair shaved to the scalp is not authorized. The length of the ASU Dress Blue Skirt is not to be higher than 1 inch above the knee and no lower than center of the knee cap.
HOW MUCH TIME DOES ROTC TAKE?
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 such as drill team, color guard, and marksmanship teams as well as community service activities and social events.
Cadet participation is expected in five after school activities. These activities include SHHS Homecoming Parade, Johnson City Christmas Parade, Change of Command & Promotion Banquet, Annual Awards Ceremony and the Annual Military Ball. Many cadets consider the "out of classroom activities" as the most enjoyable part of JROTC.
Additionally, Cadets are highly encouraged to participate in at least one fund raising activity during the school year.
WHAT KIND OF RECOGNITION CAN I GET FOR MY PARTICIPATION IN ROTC?
There are a large number of awards, which are given for participation and achievement in JROTC. Some are given by the Superintendent of Schools, the Principal, and others by a host of local civic and patriotic organizations. All are available for everyone to seek. Involvement, effort, and being an active part of the group are the main requirements.