JLAB 2014-2015 JROTC UNIT BEST PRACTICE
Date:
28 April 2015 / School :
Pickens High School / School Address:
150 Blue Flame Dr. Pickens, SC 29671
JROTC Unit Name:
Pickens High School AJROTC / Unit Telephone Number:
864-397-3600 / Unit Email Address:

JLAB Team Member Names:
Carole Thomas, Paul Dillingham, Andrew Lathe, Zachary Chastain / Name of SAI/AI:
Chris Duncan
JROTC Unit Best Practice (one per form only):
Cadet Challenge
Discussion (The who, what, when, where and how of the Best Practice, e.g., components of the function, organization (staff responsibilities, command and control), resources needed (money, people, supplies, transportation, and equipment) timeline from planning to completion, etc.):
Cadet challenge is an important and integral part of the affairs in any JROTC battalion. In the Blue Flame Battalion cadet challenge is administered every single month typically at the end of the month. Cadet challenge is orchestrated by the battalion S3 and the results are recorded by the battalion S1 or one of his/her assistants. The cadet challenge can be divided into three parts/stations, the mile run, pull-ups/flexed arm hang along with the shuttle run, and finally the V-sit reach and curl-ups portion.
The mile run is the first event of cadet challenge and is timed and officiated by one or more JROTC instructor(s). To prepare the platoon for the mile run, the platoon sergeant will warm up the platoon through a series of calisthenics and stretches. After the warm-up is complete the platoon will fall out to the one-mile start line and begin when the order is given. Immediately after completing the mile, cadets’ times are recorded according to their LET levels.
After the mile run and the platoon is once again in formation the platoon sergeant will divide the platoon into squads and assign each squad to a particular exercise and station. After the assignments are given the platoon is given the command “fall out” and the squad leaders become responsible for making sure their squads complete the rest of the cadet challenge exercises. At the curl-ups and pull-ups stations a cadet (typically let 3 or 4) is given the task to help grade and time the exercise.
The pull-ups and shuttle run are both completed outside with a JROTC instructor in charge of the timing and grading of the shuttle run. After the cadets complete the shuttle run their times are recorded and they will setup the blocks for the next test. The pull-ups and flexed arm hang are graded by a cadet and each individual pull up is counted verbally upon the completion of each repetition. After a cadet can no longer complete a pull-up correctly or their chin falls below the bar on the arm hang, the evaluation is over and the score is given and recorded.
The final station is compromised of curl-ups and the V-sit reach. Curl-ups are timed for one minute, in that minute cadets are expected to complete as many curl-ups as possible. After the minute is over the timer will call “time” and the scores will be given and recorded. The V-sit reach station uses three cadets at a time; two cadets hold the testers legs and the tester then proceeds to perform the V-sit reach. After the grade is given the tester may relax and record his or her times.
Cadet challenge is an important test in the battalion because it gives a report on the fitness levels of the cadets. It is orchestrated by the battalion S3 and recorded by the battalion S1. Cadet challenge is comprised of the mile run, curl-ups, pull-ups, V-sit reach, and the shuttle run.
At JLAB, you will participate in a forum on JROTC Unit Best Practices and Challenges You are to prepare and submit three reports on JROTC Unit Best Practices. You must submit a report on how your unit recruits students for JROTC (Cadet Enrollment) and at least two additional reports on any other aspect of JROTC unit administration, logistics, management, or operations.
Below is a non-all inclusive list of possible unit best practices.
·  Academic Team
·  Drill Team
·  Orienteering Team
·  Raider Challenge Team
·  Rifle Team
·  Color Guard
·  Marksmanship Training
·  Awards Ceremony
·  Awards support from outside organizations
·  Cadet retention in JROTC / ·  Fundraising
·  Annual Inspection
·  JCLC
·  Service Learning/Community Service
·  Military Ball
·  Cadet Commander and Staff Organization and Functions
·  Cadet Scholarships
·  Technology support of unit from school and community
·  Educational and Orientation Trips
·  Cadet Challenge
THIS IS NOT A GRADED ASIGNMENT BUT IT IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR TEAM TO COMPETE IN THE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

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