Current News

JROTC Earns the

Distinction of “Honor Unit”

At the end of its first formal inspection since the inception of the program three years ago, FHS JROTC was designated an “Honor Unit” by the United States Army Cadet Command.  Formal inspections are comprehensive examinations of JROTC programs that include an in-ranks inspection of all cadets, evaluation of drill squad and color guard performances, evaluation of an information briefing by cadet staff officers, a test of students’ knowledge of JROTC subjects, and an inspection of all personnel, logistics, security, planning, training, and public affairs activities within the Battalion.  

Overall, the Battalion attained a score of 90 out of 100 and, according to Jerome Gates, the lead inspector from Redstone Arsenal, "The Falcon Battalion is above the standard for first inspections. Very few programs are rated as Honor Units on their first formal inspection."

Cadet Sean Williams assists Cadet Justin Douglass with his shoulder board

Master Sgt. Ron Russ, an instructor with the University of North Alabama ROTC program, conducted the in-ranks inspections of student uniforms. With the cadets at attention throughout the 40-minute process, Russ moved from student to student, methodically, asking impromptu questions.

"I was really, really nervous," said ninth-grade cadet Raven McCray. "He got right in our face. I was sort of surprised at the questions he asked. I thought they'd be harder."

Master Sergeant Russ Inspects Students

Program instructor Lt. Col. (Ret) Doc May said, "The students did an excellent job preparing for the inspection, especially the Color Guard, the Drill Squad, and the senior leaders.  The Color Guard and Drill Squad practiced almost every day, and the leaders fine-tuned their areas of responsibility and put together an outstanding briefing for the inspectors.  The preparations were time-consuming, and the stress caused some tension at times, but one of the things we try to teach the students is to manage their time efficiently and deal with stress under pressure." 

Platoon Sergeant Chris Lier readies students for inspection

Tenth-grade cadet Stormi Spencer said Thursday's inspection was a valuable learning tool but stressful for all involved.
"I had to do two presentations, so I was pretty nervous, but it turned out all right," she said.   "I'm glad we had this experience. I love this program. I absolutely love it."

 

"This inspection provided a great opportunity for the cadets to practice, first-hand, what they've learned in class." Every one of them will grow from this experience," said Lt. Col. May.

Raider Team Takes 1^st Place in

Orienteering at Cadet Challenge Event

The Falcon Battalion Raider Team showed that hard work pays off at its recent “Ultimate Challenge” event hosted by the University of North Alabama at Camp Westmoreland.  In a field of 18 teams and over 100 JROTC cadets, the Team took first place in the orienteering competition finding more points on the ground than any other team.  Navigating with maps and compasses, finding the points was not easy said team member James Norton: “The area is heavily wooded, and the brush was extremely thick and filled with briers.  The team had to work really hard and persevere through the elements to find the points.” 

Team members Carson Hallmark, Eric Rowden, Chris Lier, James Norton,

and Jarrod Cook pose with 1^st place  orienteering trophy.  Cook holds his

individual trophy  for finishing 3^rd overall in the physical fitness competition.

In addition capturing first in the orienteering event, Cadet Jarrod Cook took 3^rd place overall in the physical fitness competition.  Cadets were required to accomplish as many push-ups as possible in two minutes, as many sit-ups as possible in two minutes, and run two miles as quickly as possible.  “I just wanted to do my best, “ said Cook.  “I’m just really happy that I finished this high with all these cadets here.”

The team worked several afternoons each week in preparation for the competition to improve their fitness and hone their land navigation skills.  “The team did a really good job in their preparation and performance,” said instructor Master Sergeant (Ret) James McClelland.  “I’m really proud of all of them.”

Preparations Under

Way for Military Ball

The planning is complete, the operations order is written, and coordination is on-going for the Falcon JROTC military ball.  The ball will be held on Saturday, May 10^th, at the Webster Hotel and Suites in Sheffield.  The event will get underway at 6:15 p.m. with the social hour lasting until 7:00.  After the receiving line is complete, the Color Guard will be posted and the departing seniors will be recognized.  After dinner, our guest speaker will make remarks, and dancing will immediately follow. 

Cadets line-dance at last year’s military ball

Pancake Breakfast Raises Over $1000

The morning of March 22^nd, the smell of pancakes and sausage lingered in the air as the door to Applebee’s opened.  Inside, approximately 25 students were busy cooking, cleaning and waiting tables as the JROTC Pancake Breakfast kicked-off.  Cadets sold over 200 tickets, and over 40 patrons walked in to enjoy the breakfast fare.  The event lasted from 8:00 to 10:00 and netted the cadet fund just over $1000.  Cadets conduct fundraisers throughout the year to finance equipment purchases, pay team entrance fees for events, and subsidize social events.  Our thanks to Applebee’s for their great support for this fundraiser! 

About JROTC

The United States Army's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, or JROTC, is designed to teach high school students the value of citizenship, leadership, service to the community, and personal responsibility, while instilling in them self-esteem, teamwork, self-discipline, and a sense of accomplishment. Our focus is reflected in our mission statement, "To motivate young people to be better citizens." JROTC prepares high school students for responsible leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities, and privileges as American citizens. It provides instruction and rewarding opportunities that will benefit the student, community, and nation.  Aside from our regular curriculum listed below, students participate in physical fitness, drill and ceremony, and adventure training that includes learning to navigate with a map and compass  (orienteering), marksmanship, building rope bridges and rappelling.  Students may also participate on the marksmanship team, drill

team,  raider team (physical fitness and adventure training), color guard or the canon detail.  All students participate in JROTC service projects and social

 Cadets prepare for tug aware during Esprit de Corps Day competitions

activities.   JROTC is great course for any student, whether he/she desires to later serve in the military or not.  However, it is highly recommended for anyone considering a service academy, college ROTC or enlistment in the armed forces.  Students who spend three years in JROTC receive constructive credit for two years of college ROTC (which leads to becoming an officer upon graduation) or advanced rank in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard upon enlistment.

JROTC counts as PE credit and is pending approval for Health and government credits.

JROTC COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Level 1—Semester 1:  Citizenship in Action

This course introduces students to the US Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program. It engages students in the practice of basic citizenship and in the exploration of opportunities for non-military and military national service.  Students also learn success skills to help them cope with high school and college.  Topics covered during the first semester include the history Junior ROTC; military traditions, customs and courtesies; JROTC uniform wear and personal appearance; the JROTC and Army rank structure; and the structure of the Department of Defense and each of the services.  Students also learn the mission and function of each of the military services and their unique roles in the defense of the Nation.  Success skills topics include development of better studying, reading, and test-taking skills.  Students participate in physical fitness activities and Army drill and ceremony once a week and in JROTC fundraising and service projects. They also have the opportunity to participate on rifle, drill and physical fitness teams that compete against other JROTC programs. Uniforms and footwear are issued free of charge but are returned at the completion of the semester.

Level 1—Semester 2:  Leadership Theory and Application

This course focuses on leadership—what you need to know to influence others, and how to apply that knowledge when you’re in a leadership position.  Students learn leadership skills through classroom instruction, practical situations in the classroom, and hands-on projects that require the use of leadership skills.  Students learn about character and values, leadership theories and principles, and human behavior.  Topics include: goal setting, decision making and problem solving, negotiating, supervising, team development, mentoring, styles of leadership, management skills, communication, and motivating others.  Students plan and execute a formal Military Ball. They also have the opportunity to participate on rifle, drill and physical fitness teams that compete against other JROTC programs. Students participate in physical fitness activities and Army drill and ceremony once a week and in JROTC fundraising and service projects. Uniforms and footwear are issued free of charge but are returned at the completion of the semester.

Level 2—Semester 1:  Wellness, Fitness, and First Aid

This course provides training for getting started in a total fitness program, handling common emergencies, and implementing lifesaving measures.  There is also training on substance abuse awareness, intervention, and prevention.  By teaching the value of physical exercise and conditioning and proper diet, students gain the necessary knowledge to start a healthy diet and exercise plan.  Topics include:  choosing the right exercise program; proper nutrition; dietary guidelines; stress management; drug and alcohol awareness; tobacco-use avoidance and cessation; CPR; controlling bleeding; treating shock; first aid for poisons, stings, and burns; and recognizing and treating heat and cold weather-related injuries.  Students continue to apply leadership practices and skills learned in level one to JROTC fundraising, service projects, social events, and to  JROTC participation in school activities. Students also continue participation in marksmanship, drill and ceremony, and physical fitness activities.  Uniforms and footwear are issued free of charge but are returned at the completion of the semester.

Rifle Team

Level 2—Semester 2:  Foundations for Success

This course is designed to provide cadets with hands-on learning activities that cause self-assessment, build self-awareness, and promote personal intelligence that helps them to think clearly, solve problems, and make decisions that will lead to success in school and life.  Students are introduced to brain function and the learning process—how information is perceived and organized by the brain and how each individual has a preferred or dominant way of learning.  Students complete a Personal Skills Map that provides information on how they learn, and they use it to develop Personal Growth Plans designed to strengthen weaker skills and reinforce stronger ones.  They are also taught strategies to use to become more active learners.  Students learn the importance of effective communications when addressing individuals and groups, how to become better listeners and how to resolve conflicts in group environments.  Students learn how to effectively use PowerPoint software to create briefings, are taught how to brief effectively, create a briefing, and present the briefing to their peers.  They are also introduced to map reading and land navigation skills that they will use the following year.  Students continue to apply leadership practices and skills in and outside of the classroom and continue to participate in marksmanship, drill and ceremony, and physical fitness activities. Uniforms and footwear are issued free of charge but are returned at the completion of the semester.

Level 3—Semester 1:  Geography, Map Skills and Environmental Awareness

This unit helps students develop a global perspective and awareness of environmental issues by engaging them in interactive activities that explore the use of maps, map reading, and the sport of orienteering (navigating over-land with a map and compass).  Beginning lessons         provide an introduction to components of the globe including the poles, equator, latitude, longitude, the continents, and the oceans.  In subsequent lessons, cadets fully explore each continent geographically based on its physical, political, economic, and cultural characteristics.  The unit includes instruction that assists in enhancing awareness of environmental issues.  On a smaller scale, students learn contours and landforms; how to use the marginal information on maps; how to determine distance, direction and location; how to use a map’s grid coordinate system and convert grid-magnetic angles; and how to read aeronautical symbols and aeronautical charts.  Students continue to apply leadership practices and skills in and outside of the classroom and continue to participate in marksmanship, drill and ceremony, and physical fitness activities. Uniforms and footwear are issued free of charge but are returned at the completion of the semester.

 Color Guard members at Flag Destruction Ceremony

Level 3—Semester 2:  Citizenship in History and Government

This course builds the basic skills and interest for participation in civic and political life. 

Students engage in a curriculum that explores the origins, structure, rights, and responsibilities of the American constitutional government.  It introduces cadets to the values and principles that underlie good citizenship.  Emphasis is placed on topics such as the importance of the US Constitution and Bill of Rights, responsibilities of US citizens, basic national values, the US federal justice system, and service to the community and country.  The students view the demonstration of citizenship skills individually and nationally as they explore American military and political history from 1776 through the present day.  Each history lesson is focused on the development of citizenship.  Lastly, students examine modern day governmental function and political problems and use the skills they have learned to assess the state of our government and to discuss and recommend solutions to problems the Nation faces.  Students continue to apply leadership practices and skills in and outside of the classroom and continue to participate in marksmanship, drill and ceremony, and physical fitness activities. Uniforms and footwear are issued free of charge but are returned at the completion of the semester.

Level 4—Semester 1:  Advanced Leadership

Fourth year students are key to the effective functioning of the JROTC Battalion, and classes are centered on hands-on planning of and preparation for JROTC functions and events.  Students apply all leadership skills learned in levels 1-3.  Students review the deliberate decision-making process, preparation of decision matrices, the military planning process, and they apply these processes to all activities.  Students analyze the requirements for and plan color guard  operations, firing detail participation, parade requirements, homecoming activities, fundraisers, Veterans Day events, Haunted Trail participation, Esprit De Corps Days, and social events.  Students write operations orders for each event, assign and delegate responsibilities, and follow up to ensure all tasks are accomplished.  Students also plan weekly drill and ceremony and physical fitness activities and lead the activities.  Students master Word, EXCEL, and PowerPoint software programs.  Uniforms and footwear are issued free of charge but are returned at the completion of the semester.

Rock Wall Climbing at Esprit De Corps Day

Level 4—Semester 2:  Advanced Leadership

Second semester students continue planning, preparation, execution and leadership activities to ensure effective functioning of the Battalion.  Students apply all leadership skills learned in levels 1-3 and during the first semester of level 4.  Students analyze the requirements for and plan color guard operations, firing detail participation, parade requirements, fundraisers, social service projects and Esprit De Corps Days.  The focal point for students’ efforts is the planning of the Military Ball and the end-of-year awards ceremony.  Students coordinate extensively with individuals external to the school system to ensure success of both events.  Students continue to write operations orders, assign and delegate responsibilities, and follow up to ensure all tasks are accomplished.  Students continue to plan weekly drill and ceremony and physical fitness activities and lead the activities.  As well, cadets are assigned leadership topics to teach to level 1 students, and they are responsible for researching, developing lesson plans, preparing visual aids, rehearsing and effectively teaching the classes.  Students master Word, EXCEL, and PowerPoint software programs. Uniforms and footwear are issued free of charge but are returned at the completion of the semester.