Motivating young people to be better citizens, Sierra Vista’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) unifies high school students through leadership values and inspiring a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and privileges of American citizens. Established by the National Defense Act of 1916, JROTC remains a long-held national tradition that fosters discipline, responsibility, and a sense of patriotism. JROTC prepares cadets to become future leaders of America’s community and nation, creating a better tomorrow.
JROTC is a federal program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces in high schools across the nation to instill values of citizenship, discipline, and leadership while providing students with leadership and community service opportunities. The military-based program does not require students to enlist in the military after graduation. However, students who choose to enlist in the military automatically join two pay grades higher than other enlistees, jumping from E-1 to E-3. Additionally, many JROTC programs offer scholarships for students who want to pursue higher education. Available to those who excel in the program, these financial aids can significantly alleviate the financial burden of college tuition for those who want to pursue a higher education. Through structured activities and expectations, JROTC students learn the importance of skills, such as responsibility and commitment, crucial for success in any endeavor.
After traveling across the country while serving in the Army and National Guard for 30 years, Command Sergeant Major Robert Brown continues his duty at Sierra Vista High School’s JROTC program, proudly teaching the next generations of cadets Command Sergeant Major Robert Brown continues his duty at Sierra Vista High School’s JROTC program. Sergeant Major Brown shares, “In my mind, JROTC is different from teaching other classes because we are really focused on life skills. We do a lot of public speaking, teaching kids leadership techniques, and career direction…” Additionally, Sergeant Major Robert Brown addresses the achievements the program accomplishes, saying “We are an honor unit with distinction, so we get inspected every three years and we do really well at that, and we’re involved all over the community. One thing that we have done is we have given out over 500 quilts to Vietnam veterans, Korean Veterans, wounded OEF, and OIF veterans, so we’re really ingrained in the communityl8. Another thing a lot of the people in our school don’t realize is we’re the reason the stoplights ( on S Cimarron and W Warm Springs ) got put in because we worked closely with our government to get that done, so in my mind the biggest award is knowing that we helped impact the safety of our school.” which was a 1.2 million dollar investment that took 3.5 years.
Dedicated to the program, Jacqueline Grote (12), a 4-year ROTC student and Battalion Commander, also serves as Lieutenant Colonel, maintaining the highest-ranking cadet in the 2024 JROTC program. Grote shares, “I’m in charge of the overall battalion, planning events, planning field trips, planning the curriculum, keeping everybody focused and motivated, and I’m in charge of the cadet body.” Grote additionally shares that the JROTC program recently collaborated with numerous organizations such as the Highway Intensity Drug Trafficking Agency (HIDTA), State Police (Nevada Highway Patrol), Mobilization Ceremony with the Nevada National Guard, and more.
From leadership development and community service to physical fitness and academic enrichment, JROTC prepares students not only for potential military careers but also for success in various paths in life. Sierra Vista High School is just one of the many high schools across the nation that offers JROTC, allowing accessibility to the program for many students. Students can enroll into the class by choosing it as an elective and also earn a PE credit by completing the class. Whether considering military service or simply seeking personal growth, JROTC offers something for everyone. For every cadet that invests in JROTC, the program leaves students with life-long teachings on skills such as responsibility, discipline, and leadership, building America’s foundation that will shape the future.
