Every day at Sierra Vista High School, students meet in room 501 every day to build their leadership skills. Excelling as the prime example of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC), Sierra Vista’s own Lion Battalion focuses on motivating young people to become better citizens. JROTC focuses on training students to show a positive attitude not only during school hours, but also in the community outside of school.
On August 29, 2016, Sierra Vista incorporated JROTC into its list of programs. Chief Crathers, a JROTC instructor, describes that students join the Lion Battalion for a sense of “pride, tradition”. Cadets feel proud and desire to join a program with unity and acceptance. Joining the program brings them “core life skills” such as leadership, citizenship, public speaking, and team building. Chief Valdez, fellow JROTC instructor, also believes the “uniqueness of the program” attracts new Cadets. Once a month, Cadets get to wear the sophisticated uniform, following similar regulations and policies as the U.S. Army. To display professionalism, girls must wear their hair in buns, and men must maintain proper haircuts.
The Lion Battalion highly values leadership positions. Most Cadets strive to become a part of the multiple leadership roles and look forward to the many opportunities that result in promotions. Promotions derive from a Cadet’s representation of the program and are “promoted in a similar way as the military,” Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Brown, another JROTC instructor, illustrates. Cadets must demonstrate U.S. Army values, such as loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, integrity, and personal courage, to earn these positions and earn their promotions.
For the 2025-26 school year, the new Lion Battalion Staff works hard to “maintain discipline and maintain enthusiasm” and prevent a harmful environment from invading the inclusivity JROTC brings, Cadet CSM Tyler Choi elaborates. Sierra Vista holds the honor of earning the Purple Star School designation as of April 2025, displaying a commitment to excellence and military families.
JROTC hosts multiple events throughout the year, ranging from field trips to formal dining events. The most recent field trip involved attending a car show hosted by the Special Equipment Market Association (SEMA) to introduce Cadets to engineering skills and the mechanical work field. “I have to absolutely be surrounded by what I enjoy and am passionate about,” Cadet Erin Morales emphasizes. At the end of the school year, Cadets celebrate the Military ball by attending in formal attire and celebrate by dancing and eating. Cadet David Walker, the Battalion Commander of the Lion Battalion, illustrates the Military Ball as “super welcoming” and “would one-hundred-percent recommend this event to anyone”. The event occurs every April at the West Gate Hotel and replicates the real Military Ball hosted by different military branches.
From sharpening life skills to providing an unforgettable experience, JROTC brings students the opportunity to participate in real military experiences. Cadets forever hold the memories made in JROTC and incorporate the lessons learned throughout daily interactions. The Lion Battalion creates an environment for students to connect with each other and bond over interests one would not expect to share with new people.
