Some classes are just for sitting at a desk. JROTC is different because students learn how to lead a team. They do hard things and help each other grow. Some want to join this class because it is fun. They get to do cool things as part of a team. It helps them learn to be brave and strong. They also learn how to be a good helper and a great leader. For instance, a freshman at Osbourn High School named Amy Escobar said, ”I picked JROTC because I wanted to learn how to be a good leader. I also wanted to learn how to be more organized and follow directions better.”

The  JROTC course is called Naval Science in the Course Catalog. Naval Science is a class that teaches you about the Navy and how to be a good leader. You will learn about maps and history. Every week, you will put on a Naval JROTC uniform and practice marching. You also get to go on fun field trips to see real military ships and museums. And since this course is not at Osbourn High School, you get to go to Osbourn Park High School.

Students in this class get to wear a Naval JROTC uniform once a week. They must keep it very clean and neat for class. Wearing the uniform makes them feel proud to be part of the team. They get to wear neat uniforms, practice special marching drills, and play fun team sports. Other students say they do not like the uniform because it can feel stiff, and it takes a long time to get ready.  For instance, freshman Lissien Mendez said, ”I feel like they’re very professional, so yes, I do like wearing the uniform. I just don’t like wearing it every week.”

Although JROTC comes with a lot of fun, they also have some rules. Students must wear their uniforms correctly and follow the dress code exactly. These rules teach everyone how to be disciplined and respectful. For instance, freshman Jeliy Rodriguez said, ”I think you need a lot of discipline in JROTC because you have to follow instructions, stay respectful, wear the uniform correctly, and stay committed to practices and activities.”

Older JROTC students help the class follow the rules. They check uniforms to see if they are clean and neat. Students who break rules lose points and must practice more. These rules help everyone learn to be good helpers, like senior Brandon Melendez said, ”There are uniform regulations that have to be followed, and there are specific things you do on specific days. You definitely have to work together in order to know the rules and abide by them.”

After these long and hard working moments, JROTC students do great things. They get shiny medals for doing a good job. They become leaders.  They also help people in their town. Everyone is very proud of them. Junior Flor said ”But the biggest accomplishment in that class would be me getting a little medal for doing a lot of community service and just helping out. ”

Would you take JROTC as an elective? Tell us in the comments!