JROTC Instructor Information

• Guard Fit Challenge

  Guard Fit Challenge is a fitness program sponsored by the Army National Guard.  It is designed for high school and college age youth.  It provides tools and resources for educators and individuals to assist in improving physical fitness and health.  Mississippi Army National Guard personnel can be scheduled to make presentations and assist with fitness training as part of this program.  This is an excellent opportunity to add variety and challenge to your JROTC fitness program.

• NRA Foundation Grant Opportunities

  The NRA Foundation provides grants to organizations that support shooting sports.  More than 65% of these grants go to youth organizations such as JROTC units.  For information on these grant opportunities in Mississippi click here.

• Orienteering

  Cadets enjoy orienteering.  Units are encouraged to form an orienteering team and coordinate with other units to compete in, or host, orienteering meets.  Support may be available from local recruiters or National Guard personnel to assist with orienteering training/competitons.  Click here for a sample Memorandum of Instruction for an orienteering competiton.

• Language Resources

  Some JROTC instructors have expressed a need to gain a level of proficiency in a foreign language, in order to effectively communicate with some students and parents.  The Department of Defense Joint Language University has online language resources available to assist in gaining language proficiency.  As military retirees, all JROTC instructors are eligible to use the Joint Language University.   For those instructors eligible to access Navy Knowledge Online, there are also language resources available there, in the e-learning section.

  Spanish is the language that seems to be the greatest need among JROTC instructors.  There are numerous commercial websites available for learning Spanish.  Some offer instruction for free, others have a charge, or will charge for higher level instruction.   A web search will reveal numerous websites.  Listed below are some examples of the sites available.  This is by no means a complete list of all the websites available, and these websites are in no way endorsed or recommended above other websites.

  http://www.spanishdict.com/

  http://spanish.speak7.com/

  http://www.studyspanish.com/

  http://www.spanishprograms.com/

• ASVAB Career Exploration Program

  Unlike when the ASVAB test is administered at the MEPS, the ASVAB Career Exploration Program is administered in the high school setting and it combines the test with an interest self-assessment and a wide range of career exploration tools.  It is free to participating schools.  In addition to its outstanding value as a career exploration tool, taking the ASVAB also helps prepare students for other timed standardized tests. 

  The ASVAB Career Exploration Program can be administered to students during their 10th, 11th, or 12th grade year.  When it is administered during the 10th grade, the ASVAB results are valid for career exploration only, are not released to military recruiters, and cannot be used for military enlistment purposes.

  JROTC instructors are encouraged to support the administration of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program in their school to all students (during their 10th, 11th, or 12th grade year).  If this is not feasible, it may be possible to schedule the program for JROTC students, or for a select group of students who sign-up for the program. 

  The points of contact for the ASVAB Career Exploration Program are the Education Services Specialists on staff at the MEPS.  At the Jackson MEPS this is Mrs. Martha Ueltschey at 601-355-4650/3835 ext. 263; 800-323-0513; or martha.m.ueltschey@mepcom.army.mil. 

• Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Youth Participation Initiative Grant

  Under this program, state agencies, education institutions, and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for funding for the purpose of educating youth in the areas of hunting, fishing, conservation, and safety.  JROTC programs such as marksmanship training and orienteering can qualify under this grant program.  Information on the annual grant application process can be found at the wildlife, fisheries and parks website.  

• Mississippi JROTC Advisory Committee

  The Mississippi JROTC Advisory Committee  provides input from the field on Mississippi Department of Education policies and procedures that affect JROTC instructors and programs.  The next meeting of the committee will be 19 Mar 2013. 
  
  18 Sep 2012 JROTC Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes

• Fundraisers

  JROTC units typically have some of the largest and most successful fundraisers at their school.  As you make your fundraising plans, please consider healthy options; rather than candy sales.  There are many other alternatives for successful fundraisers that support healthy lifestyles.  Healthy fundraising ideas are available at:
  http://www.healthiergeneration.org/Toolkits/CF/Alliance_Alternative_Fundraising_Ideas.pdf
  and
  http://www.cspinet.org/schoolfundraising.pdf

  Many of the healthy alternatives can actually generate more funds for your JROTC program than selling candy.  Candy and other foods/beverages with little nutritional value sold as fundraisers, sold at school concessions, or served in celebration events are discouraged or forbidden by many School Wellness Policies.

  JROTC needs to be part of the healthy solution, rather than part of the problem.  It is time to change the culture, and help our students and community make healthier choices.

• JROTC Substitution for Physical Education and Health

  The Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program has an outstanding curriculum which includes strong emphasis on physical education and health education.   JROTC can substitute for the ½ Carnegie unit graduation requirements for PE and/or Health.  For further explanation and the references relating to this, click here.

• National Center for Sports Safety (NCSS)

  The National Center for Sports Safety (NCSS) online course PREPARE is a sports safety course aimed at educating coaches and volunteers on how to prevent common injuries, how to recognize symptoms of potentially dangerous conditions, and how to respond to emergency situations.  It takes approximately 3 hours to complete, and costs $36.

• Career Pathways Graduation Option

  JROTC is included as a Career Pathway graduation option, under the Government and Public Administration cluster - National Security pathway.  Click here to view an information booklet on this career pathway option. 

• Best Practices

  Under Development.  
  
  Mississippi JROTC instructors are invited to share information for inclusion in this section. 

  Email submissions are to be sent to mcurry@mde.k12.ms.us, and should include the following information:
  1.  Description of best practice/procedure.
  2.  Unit Name.
  3.  Point of Contact. (Name, Phone number, email address)

• Credit for National Guard Basic Training

  Effective 1 July 2012, the school board of a local school district may allow course credit to any high school student, who is a member of the National Guard and attends basic training camp during the summer between the end of the student's junior year and the start of the student's senior year of academic instruction.  The applicable legislation is HB784.

• Troops to Teachers Program

  The Troops to Teachers (TTT) program enriches the quality of American education by placing mature, motivated, experienced, and dedicated individuals in our nation's classrooms.  Pending availability of funds, financial assistance may be provided to eligible individuals (including JROTC instructors) as stipends up to 5,000 dollars to help pay for teacher certification costs, or as bonuses of 10,000 dollars to teachers (including JROTC instructors) in schools serving a high percentage of students from low-income families.  Participants who accept the stipend or bonus must agree to teach for three years in schools that serve students from low income families in accordance with the authorizing legislation.  For further information contact the Mississippi TTT staff.

• Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC)

  The Mississippi Air National Guard Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) located in Gulfport offers a variety of support for JROTC field trips and events, as shown in this Power Point presentation.  In addition, JROTC units can contact the CRTC to arrange tours of the bombing range/assault strip at Camp Shelby.

• Associates Degree Reqirement

  Enlisted JROTC instructors must have at least an associates degree within 5 years of initial employment.  This is a condition of employment and is a federal requirement that will not be waived.

  There are many associates degree programs available for instructors to choose from. For many instructors, programs offered through online distance learning classes might be the most feasible.  A good resource for online programs is:  http://www.onlineschools.org/
  
  The accreditation status of colleges can be verified at the U.S. Department of Education web site at:

  http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx

  Those instructors who are registered with the Veterans Administration, and receiving disability benefits, may qualify for educational assistance to cover the cost of obtaining an associates degree through the VA's Vocational Rehabilitation program.  Information on this program can be found at:

  http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm

• Children First Act of 2009

  Per the Children First Act of 2009, students who fail to attain a 2.0 average for their semester grades will be suspended from participation in extracurricular activities during the following semester.  This suspension can only be removed by attaining at least a 2.0 average for subsequent semester grades.  This requirement impacts cadet eligibility to participate in extracurricular (outside of class time) JROTC activities.  The sate law code for this is:  37-11-65.

• Computers for Learning Program

  The Computers for Learning (CFL) program authorizes the transfer of information technology (IT) assets to pre-kindergarten through 12th grade schools and educational non-profit organizations.  Federal agencies give highest preference to schools and educational non-profits with the greatest need.  Special consideration is given to schools and educational non-profits located in federal empowerment zones and enterprise communities.

  JROTC units may not apply directly.  However, JROTC units may receive IT assets via their local school district. The goal for the CFL program is "to ensure that American children have the skills they need to succeed in the information intensive 21st Century."

  The General Services Administration (GSA) manages the U.S. Government CFL program.   The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) manages the Department of Defense CFL program.

• Mississippi JROTC Educator License

  The Mississippi JROTC educator license lends professional credibility to JROTC instructors and puts them on an equal status with other certified teachers.

  The Mississippi JROTC educator license  (endorsement code 499) is valid for a period of 3 years. The requirements for applying for the license, and renewal of the license, are on page 17 of the document at the following link:

  • License Requirements   (PAGE 17)

  The application form to be submitted for the license is at the following link:

  • Application Form

  All JROTC instructors should ensure that they maintain a current Mississippi JROTC teaching license.

  Mississippi teachers may now access their teaching license online through the Educator Licensure Management System.   JROTC instructors may view their credentials and degrees that are on file.  The online renewal process does not apply to JROTC licenses.  Renewal of the JROTC license still requires submission of a request by the school district as outlined above.

• Parris Island Visits

  JROTC groups may schedule visits to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, SC.  The visits can include cadet participation in some training demonstrations and events.  Contact information for coordinating Parris Island visits is at:  http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/graduation/group_visits.asp

   

• Teen CERT

  Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services may not be able to meet the demand for these services. Factors such as number of victims, communication failures, and road blockages may prevent people from accessing emergency services they have come to expect at a moment's notice through 911. People may have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life saving and life sustaining needs.

  The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept calls for training citizens so that they are personally prepared for emergency situations, and are prepared to volunteer and assist others when needed.  The Teen CERT program is designed to include teens, in appropriate roles, in the CERT program.  Teen CERT includes preparing students to assist during disasters affecting their schools. 

  JROTC instructors can be trained and certified as Teen CERT instructors.  JROTC units may be able to count hours spent on Teen CERT activities as cadet community service hours.

• Planning for Life

  The Planning for Life program is a U.S. Army sponsored community outreach program for high school and/or college youth.  The program focuses on three main elements: the Mind, Body and Soul.  The Mind section is about college and career planning.   The Soul section is about goals, values, character, and leadership.  The Body section focuses on physical fitness and healthy diet.  The program exists to promote student success in school and in life.  In addition to the resources available on the Planning for Life website, half day workshops (FREE of charge) can be scheduled by schools for groups of 300 or more students.

• Wreaths Across America

  The Wreaths Across America organization coordinates wreath laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and other national cemeteries around the country.  There is an opportunity for JROTC units to become involved in this effort, and use this as a fundraiser.  Information on this opportunity is at:  http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/act-now/start-fundraising/

   

• The National Science Center

  The National Science Center (NSC) has a partnership with the Army's Cadet Command to provide hands-on math and science training for high school JROTC cadets. The NSC provides curriculum and materials for 8 hours of activities (4 hours of science and 4 hours of math) that involves “learning by doing.” Cadets construct battery-powered cars, spinning coil motors, series and parallel circuits, flashlights, burglar alarms, telegraph keys, electromagnets, and engraving pencils, often using such simple materials as wire and paper clips. But it all comes down to the fact that they’re learning science, specifically basic electronics! Math activities consist of problem solving, role-playing, and modeling.  Air Force, Navy and Marine JROTC units are also eligible to participate with NSC.  For information contact Mr. Russell Tipton by e-mail, or phone 706-791-2817.

• Mississippi Office of Surplus Property

  Schools are eligible to obtain materials from the Mississippi Office of Surplus Property, located in Pearl, MS.  This is similar to obtaining property from the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO) when in the military.

• Mississippi River Field Trip Opportunity

  Mississippi River tours are available as a field trip opportunity for schools.  The website for information and pricing is: http://www.msrivertours.com/fieldtrips.htm

  When state grant funding is available, school groups may be offered trips at no cost to the group.  Reservations can be made by calling 601-883-1083 or 1-866-807-2628.