FAQs

What is JROTC? Is JROTC an elective class? What does the program cost? Are Cadets required to wear the Army uniform? Why do Cadets wear the military uniform? Is military service a requirement for Cadets? Are the JROTC instructors/teachers in the military? Who are the JROTC Instructors/Teachers? Are girls and boys enrolled? What is taught in class? What if I enroll and don't like it? What activities are available to JROTC Cadets? Will I be able to participate in other extra-curricular activities such as Band and/or Varsity Sports? What are some of the benefits of being in JROTC? Why should I enroll in the JROTC? How do I get more information?

What is JROTC?

JROTC is a program that emphasizes character education, student achievement, wellness, leadership and diversity. JROTC stands for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp. Its mission is to to motivate young people to be better citizens. A student who is part of the JROTC is called a Cadet(CDT). It is a full credit elective course which provides interesting classroom instruction, combined with the opportunity to serve the school and community. It also provides the opportunity for early LEADERSHIP responsibilities. JROTC is NOT a training program for the military.

Is JROTC an elective class?

Yes. Students choose the opportunity to be a JROTC cadet. This is not a discipline program.

What does the program cost?

Time and Dedication by the students!!! There is no monetary cost to enter the program. Course materials, uniforms, supplies, equipment and most other costs are provided by the military or the school. Personal items such as undergarments and things such as meals on field trips are not covered. Our main source of funds for entry fees for Drill Meets, picnics, drill and color guard accessories are taken from profits received from our fundraising.

Are Cadets required to wear the Army uniform?

Each cadet is issued a uniform, which they are required to wear every uniform day (generally Wednesdays). Cadets may also wear a physical training uniform on PT day. Our cadets have a reputation of wearing the uniform with PRIDE!

Why do Cadets wear the Army uniform?

JROTC is a Federally Funded program and is governed by Army Regulation 145-2. We are directly supervised by the active US Army Cadet Command, 5th Brigade and we are primarily funded by the US Army. As a result of the foundations and funding of the program, the military uniform and the military type training has a major role.

Is military service a requirement for Cadets?

NO!!!!! Being a Cadet in JROTC does NOT mean you have to join any branch of the military. If a JROTC Cadet does choose to enlist, they have a better understanding of the military as well as being able to join at a higher rank. In fact, most cadets do not go into the military.

Are the JROTC instructors/teachers in the military?

No. JROTC instructors/teachers are retired officers and senior non-commissioned officers. They are MacArthur High School faculty members and employees of the Lawton Public School District. The Senior Army Instructor (SAI) and Army Instructor (AI) are Oklahoma State Department of Education certified teachers.

Who are the JROTC Instructors/Teachers?

MAJOR (R) Craig Redfearn is the Senior Army Instructor (SAI) and Command Sergeant Major (CSM(R)) Jesse J Batts Jr. is the Army Instructor (AI). We believe in the JROTC program, its mission and the benefits available for the cadets. Our strongest desire is to assist each cadet become the best student/citizen they can be.

Are girls and boys enrolled?

Yes. All leadership positions are available to both genders equally.

What is taught in class?

For more specific details about the curriculum, please go to the "JROTC Curriculum" link above. Generally, JROTC teaches leadership techniques that are required in any work environment including: respect for themselves, peers, and superiors, and pride in a job well done. The material covered in the year-long program is a balance of classes in leadership, citizenship and topics related to the U.S. Army. The Army JROTC curriculum covers topics such as financial literacy, character education, career exploration, U.S. military history, first aid, human relations, communication skills, drill and ceremony, military map reading, personal hygiene, orienteering, as well as staff functions and procedures.

What if I enroll and don't like it?

Contact your counselor just as you would with any other elective class. If you find that JROTC is not for you after trying it for a semester, your counselor can simply change your schedule for the next semester. The leadership and citizenship training that you receive will benefit you throughout the rest of your life.

What activities are available to JROTC Cadets?

The Highlander Battalion supports a wide range of activities. We begin the year with a picnic to welcome students and their families. Throughout the year, we take advantage of the proximity and partnership of Ft. Sill using some of their training sites such as the obstacle course, confidence course and museums, just to name a few. In the spring we have a joint formal military ball with all three Lawton high schools. Finally, we recognize our outstanding cadets during our annual awards ceremony. Typically, in June, a select few cadets attends the JROTC, Junior Cadet Leadership Camp (JCLC) with up to 250 students from Texas and Oklahoma. This camp is a great training and leadership opportunity.

Will I be able to participate in other extra-curricular activities such as Band and/or Varsity Sports?

Yes, of course. JROTC students are active in every phase of the school from varsity football, basketball, student government, cheerleading, etc. The MacArthur JROTC program has had the National Honor Society President and the School Board of Affairs President enrolled and active in the program, not to mention many other student leaders within the school.

What are some of the benefits of being in JROTC?

- Cadets who complete 1 full school year in the MacArthur HS JROTC program will fulfill the OK Personal Financial Literacy requirement, the Character Education requirement AND the Career Exploration requirement... YES!!! That's 3 classes students WILL NOT have to take by completing 1 full school year in JROTC. - Cadets have the opportunity to participate in Color Guard, Drill Teams, and Academic competitions. - if a student enrolls in college ROTC, many colleges give advance standing and credit for completion of the JROTC program. - JROTC instructors have been very successful in helping interested high school students obtain ROTC scholarships and service academy appointments. Scholarships obtained from the ROTC program can be valued at up to $60,000.00. - if enlisting in the military, students who take JROTC for at least three years may be advanced two pay grades in rank.

Why should I enroll in the JROTC?

JROTC is a cadet-led, character education, citizenship and leadership development program where cadet success depends largely upon the motivation of the cadet. JROTC classes and instruction are uniquely designed for maximum interaction between cadets and the instructors. Cadets are included in many decisions positively affecting the program. JROTC will teach, strengthen and/or enhance positive moral and ethical qualities future employers find desirable for employment.

How do I get more information?

Your JROTC instructors/teachers can answer any questions you may have. Also, currently enrolled cadets may be able to answer some of your questions. Furthermore, there is someone in the JROTC office before and after school, throughout the weekday, twelve (12) months a year. Call (580) 355-5230. Email credfearn@lawtonps.org, jesse.batts@lawtonps.org or just come by for a visit. We are located on the northwest side of MacArthur High School in the separate JROTC building.

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