1. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Apalachee High School Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps and to answer some frequently asked questions. Please have your parents read this letter also.

2. Service Obligation: You have NO OBLIGATION to join any military service due to membership in the JROTC Program.

3.  Each Cadet will maintain an electronic portfolio (Cadetportfolio.com) of work.  It is important to keep up with ALL items as discussed in class and outlined in Cadet Command Regulation 145-2.

 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:  Academic Bowl, Color Guard, Drill Team, Rifle Team and Raider Team. Cadets participating on these teams gain the full JROTC experience. In order to participate in Raiders or Rifle, Cadets must have along with other forms, a physical (on the school form), an insurance verification form, a substance abuse form, and a signed concussion form on the Dragonfly Max app.

 

CLASS REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL CADETS:

1. Uniforms:

a. Cadets will be issued uniforms as complete sets.  Cadets will not be required to wear their uniform more than one day per week.  Cadets must wear the uniform on the day of inspection all day or have written permission from the SAI/AI. Cadets not in uniform on the uniform wear day will receive a zero and will be afforded the opportunity to wear the uniform within 5 days for reduced credit.  Cadets’ failure to wear the uniform could result in counseling, parent contact, demotion or removal from their position and program.

b. All uniform items except the grey shirt and Operational Camouflage Uniform (OCP) MUST BE dry cleaned.  Washing the Class A: Army Service Uniform (ASU) uniform jacket or pants in a washing machine will result in damage requiring replacement.

c. Upon completion of the JROTC program, Cadets are required to return all issued uniforms/equipment. Failure to turn in uniforms/equipment will result in a school debt that could cause a hold on their diploma.

d. If a Cadet loses their uniform the Cadet/parents are responsible to pay for the lost items. Items such as ribbons cost as little as $.90, while the dress blue coat costs as much as $194.44. If a Cadet lost everything they were issued the cost would be approximately $450.27 (ASU) and $265.31 (OCP).

 

2.  Community Service Requirements:  Every Cadet is expected to complete 15 hours of Community Service with the JROTC Program each semester for a total of 30 hours for the school year.  Cadets will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities planned or sponsored by JROTC.  Up to 5 hours of service from non JROTC functions can be submitted for approval and credit. 

 

3.   Required Attendance (EVENTS):  Cadets are required to be present at the Barrow Brigade Military Ball Thursday, 13 March 2025 from 6-9 pm. If a Cadet is absent without prior coordination from a JROTC instructor, a reduction in participation points will be assessed.  An alternate assignment may be given to receive credit.

 

4.  Tardiness to Class:  During in person instruction, all Cadets should be in their classroom when the bell rings, unless you have a written excuse. Repeated violations of this rule will result in formal disciplinary actions. In a virtual setting, Cadets should be logged into their virtual setting as required.

 

5. Students are expected to adhere to the cell phone and ear bud procedures set forth by the school. If a student does not comply with the stated procedures, the student will be referred to an administrator for insubordination.

6. Books: JROTC uses a classroom set of books and materials.

7. Subject matter: Some of the subjects taught in JROTC are leadership, first aid, alcohol and drug awareness, the Constitution of the United States, technology awareness, public speaking, goal setting, team building, personal finance, military history, suicide awareness, military customs and courtesy, drill and ceremonies, geography, and citizenship.

8. Fund Raisers: JROTC students are expected to participate in our fundraiser for the Wildcat Battalion.  The fundraiser consists of working a concession stand at the University of Georgia home football games. The schedule is as follows:

G-Day Game scheduled for April 12th: Time: TBD.

9. The Military Ball: The Military Ball is an Official Social Function and is part of the U.S. Army Scoring System for ranking JROTC units.  The purpose of the ball is to foster Cadet Camaraderie, teach military etiquette, and to have a good time. The ball is chaperoned by the Cadre from Winder-Barrow High School and Apalachee High School. We encourage parents to sign up and attend as chaperones. The cost of the ball should not exceed $20.00 per guest if our fund raiser is successful.  Male dates that are not in JROTC will wear coat and tie and their appearance must conform to school standards. This is a mandatory event.

10. The Awards Ceremony: This is conducted at the end of each school year to present local and national JROTC Awards to our Cadets for their outstanding performance during the year.

11. School and Community Service: The JROTC program is designed to promote good citizenship habits. We support a wide variety of school and community service and support activities.  Cadets are required to complete 15 hours of community service during the semester for full credit. 

12. JROTC Program for Accreditation (JPA): Each JROTC unit is inspected every three years for a JPA. Any unit that fails this inspection is placed on probation. If the unit fails a second time, the JROTC program is removed from the school permanently. We will never fail an inspection or be on probation. Our standard will be Honor Unit with Distinction certification.

13. Family Support Group: This group of Parents/Family members provides support for a large number of activities. We encourage all Cadets' parents to participate in this group and do what they can to help. Parents interested in participating in this capacity should email or call CW2 Law.

14. Scholarships: At the end of a Cadet's junior year they are eligible to apply for Senior ROTC Scholarships to any university/college having a ROTC Program from any of the services. Active Junior ROTC Cadets have a better chance of selection than non ROTC applicants.

15. Military Service Benefits: If a Cadet chooses to go into one of the branches of the armed services, they may receive advanced promotions when they enlist based on completion of JROTC.  Details are available from our local recruiters.

16. Summer Activities: JROTC will conduct a summer camp (JCLC) in the month of May. During summer camp, selected Cadets will be taught land navigation, leadership, rappelling and numerous other outdoor activities. Cadets will be selected from an Order of Merit list based on fitness scores and GPA.

17. The first year in JROTC is based on the Cadet's decision to join the program. Membership in the program after the first semester requires the approval of the Senior Army Instructor. Cadets will be informed if they are not being selected for retention for the next school year.

18.  Apalachee High School is NO LONGER PARTICIPATING in the “Bring Your Own Technology” (BYOT) initiative.  As such, students will be required to have their school issued computer and charger daily. It is the students’ responsibility to ensure their computer is charged and ready for use every day.

 

19.  Students are expected to follow the Barrow County School District dress code outlined in the student handbook. Students will dress appropriately for school and without causing a disruption to the learning environment.  If a student causes a distraction, that student will be sent to an Administrator until he/she is able to correct the issue.  In doing so a second time, that student will have earned a referral for insubordination.

20. Parent Portal: Barrow County School System now has Infinite Campus as the district's Student Information System! You will have an account that will stay active as long as you have students enrolled in the school system. Data will be available for all grade levels. With your account, you may access attendance, schedules, grades and assignment information regarding your child(ren). See link http://www.barrow.k12.ga.us/parent-portal.html

21. Honor Cords and Letterman Jacket requirements:

a. JROTC Honor Cords are earned by maintaining a cumulative average of 85% through eight (8) semesters of JROTC and earn, and maintain, the rank of Sergeant First Class or higher.

b. JROTC Letter is earned by competing on a Raiders Team for 2 seasons to include one (1) Georgia State Championship Competition.

c. Rifle Team Letter is earned by competing on the Rifle Team for two (2) seasons and be a top three (3) shooter on the team.

22. Both CW2 Law and SSG Cavanaugh are often available outside of normal school hours.  For emergencies, Cadets should feel free to contact CW2 Jeff Law, Senior Army Instructor, via Remind or by email John.law@barrow.k12.ga.us