Junior ROTC is an important part of OHS,offering students the opportunity to learn about the military, improve their leadership abilities, and develop life skills. JROTC is a program with unique activities that cannot be found in other high school courses. This demonstrates the commitment that OHS has for its students when it comes to teaching the importance of the military.
Informing them about the idea that it is possible to have a career in the military allows students to get ready for their future. For this year, the instructors are planning several interactive and educational activities for the students, which helps strengthen the program and inspire kids to continue learning about the military.
“The unit is hosting a military ball for four schools this year,” said Master Sergeant Badey, JROTC instructor. “We are the ones who will be making sure it runs smoothly”.
Military ball is a formal event that celebrates everyone’s accomplishments over the past year. There’s a formal introduction, dinner, and dance after. This year, they are thinking of holding it in the clubroom at the Air Force base. A row of retired airplanes and jets are lined up right outside the base.
“The kids have a great time; we have a great time,” Badey said.
All of the members of the program get suited up to have a fun night to celebrate their accomplishments. JROTC hopes to compete in more air rifle competitions and the USA archery student competitions this year. The USA archery is the national governing body for the Olympic sport of archery. They have a great team for air rifle, making them confident in their competition performance for this year.
“[We] try to get more presence out there in the community which is one of the focuses of this year,” Badey said.
JROTC would like to get more of an attendance in air rifle competitions and archery. JROTC also offers after school clubs for the students, such as Marksman, color guard, and volunteering hours. Many students will help clean up around campus and help teachers.
“I loved the Marksman clubs, [that is] part of something we do for JROTC after school,” said Sydney Guan, senior.
A big part of the joy shared among JROTC is the community that it provides for students interested in the military. Many students shared a favorite aspect of JROTC.
“Most classes have groups where they already know each other and in JROTC, you learn and meet new people,” said Guan.
JROTC allows kids to meet new people and form lifelong friendships. Many students receive achievements for their hard work, such as cadet, which is a trainee in the armed services.
“I received outstanding cadet for the freshmen class,” said Alex Sjogren, sophomore.
To get the seniors prepared for a career in the military, the instructors start telling them important future information their sophomore and junior year. The air force academy, ROTC college, or enlisting are all options for after high school. ROTC college is an option for students to further their education in the military. Students also get in touch with people who are certified in the Air Force, as well as information on what it takes to get into the Air Force academy.
“It’s a process that we start by putting that bug into their ear early on,” Badey said.
JROTC offers many opportunities to members of the program. This year, they are planning a senior trip to Honolulu, Hawaii for a week during spring break.
“There’s a lot of military history on the island, we’ve planned to take part in flag folding on the Battleship Missouri Memorial and visiting the Arizona memorial,” said Colonel Donald Clocksin, JROTC instructor.
JROTC would like to introduce their seniors to great opportunities on the trip before they leave the nest, a last chance to do something big that the kids won’t forget.
“This trip will give them a chance to open their eyes to so much of this world that’s out there, that they haven’t had the opportunity to see,” Badey said.
