Vigo South High School

Course Syllabus For

Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AJROTC)

School Year 2025/2026

Introduction:  Welcome to the Braves Battalion Army JROTC Program!

The goal of the Vigo South High School JROTC Battalion and Army JROTC is to “Motivate Young People to Become Better Citizens” and to prepare our students for their future—college, career, or military ready.  We accomplish this while simultaneously developing each cadet’s leadership potential and character.  The Army JROTC program combines classroom instruction, physical fitness, and integrated co-curricular activities focused on attaining an awareness of the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of citizenship; developing the cadet’s sense of personal responsibility; promoting wellness and physical fitness; building life skills; and providing leadership opportunities.

Instructors:  Lieutenant Colonel Bottrell and First Sergeant Roberts

Course and Title:  Textbooks and all associated educational material will be provided to the cadet at no cost.

Course Summary:  Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) offers a 4 year program with a varied curriculum offered throughout each year that will progressively challenge cadets.  The following is a breakdown of the Leadership Education, and Training (LET) levels:

LET I: All freshman and first year cadets regardless of academic level.  This is the introductory course for the JROTC Program.  The course is divided into academic, leadership lab (drill and ceremony), physical fitness, uniform wear and appearance, uniform inspection and participation in JROTC events.  The primary purpose of this instruction is to give students the basic skills to become extremely successful in all instructional areas of the JROTC Program.  Leadership Education and Training (LET) I teaches individual skills, followership, team work, and citizenship.

LET II:  This is for second year cadets.  This course is also divided into academic, leadership lab (drill and ceremony), physical fitness, uniform wear and appearance, uniform inspection and participation in JROTC events.  The primary purpose of this instruction is to enhance the cadet’s skills to become extremely successful in all instructional areas of the JROTC Program.  A large portion of the LET II year is spent on developing their leadership skills and their ability to motivate themselves and others as to accomplish the JROTC Mission.  This greatly increases their chances for future successes in JROTC, school, and all facets of their lives.  Leadership Education and Training (LET) II builds upon and enhances the skills they learned during their LET I year and further develops and enhances their individual skills in, followership, leadership, team work, and citizenship.

LET III:  JROTC cadets who have completed the LET I and LET II years are eligible to participate at the LET III level.  This is the third course for the Army JROTC Program.  This course involves the cadets more as leaders, teachers, counselors, and mentors, within the Battalion and at Vigo South High School.  The techniques of communication and a more in depth instruction on leadership further enhance the cadet’s ability to lead, guide, and influence their Battalion as to accomplish their mission with a desired outcome by providing purpose, direction, and motivation. Leadership traits and principles are taught that will greatly enhance their abilities to lead.  During their LET III year, cadets will be exposed to more advanced classes and will be taught how to teach and become problem solvers.

LET IV:  JROTC cadets who have completed LET I, LET II and LET III years.  These are the top level courses in the JROTC Program.  Cadets will have the responsibility of leaders, role models, mentor, teacher, coach, and counselors within the Battalion and school.  These are self-paced courses, and by virtue of the LET level, these cadets are Assistant JROTC Instructors.  These students must be able to apply their previously acquired knowledge of techniques of communication, leadership skills, and general military bearing to a level that they can adequately execute their duties and responsibilities as an assistant instructor.  These students are afforded a unique opportunity to improve their leadership abilities/skills, mentoring skills, and problem solving capabilities through an in-depth study of leadership and citizenship.  This entire course of instruction emphasizes the cadet’s ability to perform as a problem solver, counselor, teacher, coach, and most importantly, the ability to perform as a leader in all aspects of the program.

Army JROTC Curriculum:  The Army JROTC Curriculum is broken down into 7 distinct and unique blocks of instruction.  They are:

Unit 1 – Citizenship in Action

Chapter 1 – Foundations of Army JROTC and Getting Involved

Chapter 2 – Service to the Nation

Unit 2 – Leadership Theory and Application

Chapter 1 – Being a Leader

Chapter 2 – Leadership Skills

Chapter 3 – Leadership Planning

Chapter 4 – Leadership Strategies

Chapter 5 – Leading Others

Chapter 6 – Leadership Principles

Unit 3 – Foundations for Success

Chapter 1 – Know Yourself-Socrates

Chapter 2 – Learning to Learn

Chapter 3 – Study Skills

Chapter 4 – Communication Skills

Chapter 5 – Conflict Resolution

Chapter 6 – Presenting Skills

Chapter 7 – Managing Conflict

Chapter 8 – Making a Difference with Service Learning

Chapter 9 – Career Planning

Chapter 10 – Planning Skills and Social Responsibility

Chapter 11 – NEFE High School Financial Planning Program

Chapter 12 – Teaching Skills

Unit 4 – Wellness, Fitness, ad First Aid

Chapter 1 – Achieving a Healthy Lifestyle

Chapter 2 – First Aid for Emergency and Non-Emergency Situations

Chapter 3 – Drug Awareness

Unit 5 – Geography and Earth Science

Chapter 1 – Map Skills

Chapter 2 – Exploring the World

Chapter 3 – Environmental Awareness

Unit 6 – Citizenship in America History and Government

Chapter 1 – You the People-Citizenship Skills

Chapter 2 – Foundation of the American Political System

Chapter 3 – Creating the Constitution

Chapter 6 – The Bill of Rights

Chapter 7 – Citizen Roles in American Democracy

Chapter 8 – Critical Thinking in Citizenship

Unit 7 – Cadet Safety and Civilian Marksmanship Program *NOTE we should begin instruction on this during this school year at Vigo South*

Chapter 1 – Cadet Safety and Civilian Marksmanship Program

Instructional Approach:  The Army JROTC Program is cadet-centered and offers many instructional techniques designed to teach, challenge, and develop leader and teamwork skills through academic and co-curricular activities.  Classes are taught through a combination of lecture, hands-on/performance oriented tasks, group work, practical exercises, demonstration, and drill.  The LET IV cadets will often be required to teach classes, lead groups, and be responsible for organizing and leading co-curricular activities.

Physical Training:  JROTC cadets are required to participate in physical training (PT) one day each week, usually on Friday and will be evaluated and graded for their willingness to dress, participate, and do their best during PT.  More information will be provided in class.  Each Cadet will be required to complete the Army JROTC Cadet Challenge (1-mile run, curl-ups, flexed arm hand/pull ups, sit and reach, and shuttle run).

Uniform:  Each JROTC Cadet will be issued an Army Service Uniform and will be required to wear their uniform each and every Wednesday or as directed by the Senior Army Instructor.  Cadets are also responsible for the care and maintenance of their individual uniform.  The pants and jacket must be dry cleaned and the shirt may be washed on the gentle cycle. On this day cadets will be required to meet the Army Uniform Standards of AR 670-1 Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia.  This will require male cadets to have military style haircuts and to be neatly shaven.  Female cadets must meet the standards established for wear of the Army Uniform.  Cadets will receive additional information, documents that must be signed, and several classes on the wear of the Army Uniform.  Failure to wear your uniform on the prescribed day will result in a failure of the course and/or removal from JROTC.  This is non-negotiable.

Leadership Lab:  Multiple days will be designated as Leadership Lab Day.  On this day cadets will be required to learn Army Drill and Ceremony in accordance with TC 3-21.5.  Cadets will receive instructions from cadre and upper class cadets.

Expectations and Classroom Rules:  Each cadet will be issued a digital copy of their appropriate Leadership and Education Text and the JROTC Cadet Reference booklet.  Cadets are expected to become thoroughly familiar with booklets.  Cadets are also expected to adhere to all school and district policies.  JROTC is about good citizenship whether on campus or in the community and cadets will be held to a higher standard than their peers.  Cadets will be expected to follow the following classroom rules:

1. Be on time “Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable.”
2. Be prepared; cadets are prepared for class by having all necessary supplies, this includes Chromebook, and homework ready to be turned in.  Cadets will be seated and prepared for roll call when the bell rings.
3. Cadets will be in the proper school or JROTC uniform.
4. Motivation and effort are important to a cadet’s success in JROTC.
5. Cadets are always expected to give their best effort in everything they do, not just in JROTC but in all classes.
6. Cadets that fail to participate in JROTC co-curricular activities are not taking full advantage of Army JROTC.
7. There will be no eating in class.
8. Cell phones and all electronic devices such as Airpods will not be used or seen in class.
9. Cadets will not enter the Senior Army Instructor’s (SAI) office without permission.
10. The JROTC Supply Room is off limits to cadets unless given permission by the cadre or Battalion staff to enter these areas.
11. Common courtesy to other cadets and cadre is always the standard and the use of good common sense in behavior and conduct is expected.

Classwork:  The majority of academic work will be completed in class.  However, homework will be assigned and the expectation is that it will be done and done on time.  A cadet’s academic success in JROTC is important to the Army Instructors.  Feel free to speak to them about your grade and what can be done to improve your grade in JROTC.  A good rule of thumb is to Be Prepared and Participate!

Cadet Expectations:

1. Every Cadet is expected to create and maintain an individual portfolio on-line.
2. Every Cadet is expected to participate in Physical Training (PE).
3. Every Cadet is expected to willingly participate in drill and ceremony.
4. Every Cadet is expected to wear their uniform properly on uniform days.
5. Every Cadet is expected to participate in all mandatory events.
6. Every Cadet is expected to do their best at all times.
7. Every Cadet is expected to exercise a high degree of maturity at all times.
8. Every Cadet is expected to live by the Army Values of; Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.
9. Every Cadet is encouraged to join a co-curricular team.
10. Every Cadet is expected to conduct themselves as to bring credit to their family, country, school and Battalion.

Co-curricular Activities: The Vigo South High School JROTC Battalion has several co-curricular activities.  These activities are designed to enhance your experience in JROTC and to help you learn, grow, and have fun.  The co-curricular teams are:

RAIDER Team:  This is an extremely challenging and demanding team.  Cadets that join RAIDERS are expected to be the best cadets in the Battalion and will be held to a higher standard than other cadets.  RAIDERS will participate in weekly after school physical, and for those cadets meeting the standard, attendance at Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Leadership Challenge (JCLC) at Camp Atterbury, Indiana during the summer is their ultimate reward.  This is a very rewarding team but will require all cadets to push themselves mentally and physically.

Color Guard/ Drill Team:  The Vigo South JROTC Color Guard is the most active of all the JROTC teams.  They will present the Colors at over 30 community and sporting events throughout the year.  In addition they will compete in the CSM(R) Don Maiden Memorial Drill Meet.  They will also present the Colors at the Veterans Day Parade, JROTC Annual Awards Ceremony, and Graduation.  Being a member of the Color Team will require a great degree of commitment because most Color Guard events are late in the evening and on weekends.  Do you have what it takes to be a member of the Color Guard Team?

Marksmanship Team:  As we continue to work to stand up our Marksmanship team, we currently plan to practice in the mornings prior to school.  This will require strict attendance and adherence to conduct policies.

Community Service and Service Learning:  Members of the Vigo South JROTC Battalion will have countless opportunities for community service and to participate in the Battalion’s service learning project.  Volunteers will be selected based on their compliance with previously established guidelines.  Some Examples of the Community Service Projects we will do this year are:

1. The Vigo South JROTC Blood Drive three times per school year
2. JROTC Campus Clean-up
3. Audrey’s Pumpkin Rolls Sales
4. Vigo South Veterans Day Program
5. G.E. Aviation Memorial Day Program
6. Fuqua Elementary Veterans Day Program
7. Saint Mary of the Woods College Light Your Way Christmas Parade
8. Curriculum Fair (Middle School 8^th Graders)
9. IHSAA Cross-Country Championships assistance
10. Academic Honors Banquet
11. Flag Posting Oak Hill Cemetery (American Legion)
12. Memorial Day (Highland Lawn Cemetery)
13. Color Guard for concerts at The Mill

Mandatory Events: In addition to voluntary events, the Vigo South JROTC Battalion will participate in the following mandatory events:

1. The Terre Haute Veterans Day Parade
2. Vigo South Military Ball/Awards Ceremony
3. The Formal Inspection/JROTC Unit Accreditation

The Vigo South JROTC Facebook and Instagram Pages:  The Vigo South JROTC Battalion, cadre, and Public Affairs Officer will maintain a Facebook page documenting all activities throughout the year and as a means of informing cadets of upcoming events.  Each cadet must sign and return a media release form prior to having any information or images about them posted on the Facebook page.  The Facebook page is; Vigo South JROTC.  The Instagram is; Vigo South JROTC.

Contacts us:  You may contact the Senior Army Instructor LTC Botrell or the Army Instructor 1SG Kimber Roberts at Jeffrey.bottrell@vigoschools.org Kimber.roberts@vigoschools.org or by phone at 812-462-4270.