Bengal Battalion

Bengal Battalion

Cadet Handbook

Table of Content

Army Junior Reserve Officer Corps

Index Page

Section IGeneral Information

Mission 1

Objectives 1

History 1

Benefits of the JROTC Program 2

Cost to Cadets 2

Section II JROTC Curriculum Purpose 2

Scope 2

Overall Learning Outcomes 3

Section III Enrollment

Conditions for Enrollment 4

Conditions for Disenrollment 5

Method of Grading 5

Grading 6

JROTC Classroom Rules 7

Discipline 8

Cadet Positions and Rank 8

Cadet Authority 9

Appointments/Promotions/Reductions 10

Cadet Uniform Policy 12

Cadet Appearance 13

JROTC Awards and Decorations 15

Section I

1. MISSION: "To Motivate Young People to be Better Citizens." Army JROTC is devoted to the growth, both as a student and as a person. This program will give you an opportunity to develop and improve yourself in many ways: it uses military skills to teach self-discipline, confidence, pride in a job well done and it offers you challenges and opportunities.

2. Objectives:JROTC is a service to our nation that provides cadets the motivation and skills to:

• Sharpen communication skills
• Promote and encourage citizenship through participation in community service projects
• Develop leadership potential, strengthen self esteem
• Improve physical fitness
• Strive for and live drug free
• Promote Graduation from high school and develop a solid foundation for career development

3. History: Authority for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps usually referred to by its short title, JROTC. The U.S. Army JROTC Program originated as part of the National Defense Act of 1916. The program consists of three levels of instruction: The Senior Division; the Military Schools Division, and the High School Division.

The tradition of combining formal education with military training goes back as far as the ancient Greeks. In the United States, JROTC had its beginning in NorwichVermont. In 1819, Captain Alden Partridge, a former Superintendent of the U. S. Military Academy at West Point, founded the American Literary, Scientific and MilitaryAcademy in Norwich, Vermont. The academy is now known as NorwichUniversity. Military studies were a major part of the academy's course work. Captain Partridge felt that if his cadets were not prepared to defend their country's rights, their education was not complete. Captain Partridge's Academy was so successful that the idea of combining military studies with regular classes spread to other schools.

Army JROTC has one or more programs in all 50 states, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Panama totaling over 1,800 high school units.

The Army JROTC Program, Bengal Battalion, at BlythewoodHigh School was established in 2005 following application by the Richland School District Two to the Department of the Army (DA). A contract was signed between the superintendent of RichlandCountySchool District #2 and the U.S. Army with each providing specified support for the conduct of the program.

Even though the JROTC Program is conducted in accordance with Army Regulations and in conformance with local school regulations; the course is not designed to encourage young people to join the military, no obligation to the military is incurred as a result of completing the course curriculum.

4. Benefits of the JROTC Program:

• A credit towards graduation is awarded for each year JROTC is successfully completed
• An opportunity to earn a scholarship to a college of your choice provided the college already offers Senior ROTC. The scholarship pays tuition, lab fees, text books, plus $300 per month cash allowance
• An additional opportunity to apply for admission to one of the military academies
• Opportunity to visit military installations and facilities during the school year
• An opportunity to enlist in one of the military services at a higher rank, which will mean higher pay and faster promotions
• An opportunity to earn recognition through both the awards and promotions system
• A chance to develop a skill on the Special Teams
• Department of the Army Form 134 (Military Training Certificate) will be issued to each student who successfully completes one, two, or three years of JROTC training. These are official Army documents and should be safeguarded
• A certificate indicating successful completion of two years of JROTC training establishes eligibility to enlist in the Army as a Private E2 with approximately 10% more pay than E1.
• A certificate indicating successful completion of three years of JROTC training establishes eligibility to enlist in the Army as a Private First Class (PFC-grade E3) with approximately 30% more pay than E1.
• Certificates of Training may also be used as a basis for requesting partial exemption from college ROTC at those institutions maintaining a compulsory ROTC Program

5. Cost to Cadets: Uniforms, equipment, and textbooks are issued to the cadet at no cost. A statement of responsibility must be signed by the parent or guardian assuming financial responsibility for any item(s) lost or damage due to neglect by the cadet. Statements will be sent home with the cadet during the first week of classes.

Each Cadet is responsible for the cost of cleaning, laundry, and normal maintenance of uniforms while in his possession.

Section II

6. JROTC Curriculum:

GENERAL:

a. PURPOSE: The JROTC Program prepares high school cadets for responsible leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities, and privileges as American citizens. The program is a stimulus for promoting graduation from high school and it provides instruction and rewarding opportunities which will benefit the cadet, community, and nation.

b. SCOPE: The JROTC Program is a cooperative effort on the part of the Army and the Richland School District #2 Board of Education to provide secondary school students the opportunity for total development.

c. The program of instruction (POI) consists of 4 years of instruction with a maximum of 130 core hours per year and 50 optional hours per year. The POI is based on the systematic progression of learning that is designed for the cadets' development at each grade level. The scope, focus, and content of the instruction are sequential; it reflects and builds upon the previous year's curriculum. In addition to the emphasis placed on citizenship and leadership, the development of communicative skills, the incorporation of historical perspectives, and the significance of drug awareness and prevention are also emphasized in the POI.

d. The first three years concentrate on an instructor-taught method of instruction (MOl) with cadets using textbooks. However, the fourth year concentrates on a self taught, self-paced method of instruction using a programmed text which contains case studies, vignettes and practical exercises. Emphasis in the fourth year is on evaluation of leadership development and performance in assigned command or staff positions and completion of the programmed text.

e. You will receive five periods, 90 minute sessions, of Leadership Education and Training (LET) each week. Each LET level is taught in a semester timeframe, consisting of eighteen weeks. There will be a mix of classroom and drill field activity. One hour each week will normally be devoted to a graded inspection.

f. Throughout the semester of instruction, your basic textbooks will be the JROTC manual, Student Text Handouts and notes taken in class. These information sources contain all the data the cadet needs to study and prepare their classroom assignments. If you have a particular need for information in the preparation on an instructional assignment, you will be granted permission to use the school media center.

g. The manuals issued to you, along with the uniforms, are Government property. You are responsible to safeguard them.

h. Qualified students will normally be enrolled as cadets in the following courses:

(1). 9th Grade - Leadership Education Training (LET 1-2) Program.

(2). 10th Grade - Leadership Education Training (LET 3-4) Program upon satisfactory completion

of the LET -2 Program.

(3). 11th Grade - Leadership Education Training (LET 5-6) Program upon satisfactory completion of the LET -4 Program.

(4). 12th Grade - Leadership Education Training (LET 7-8) Program upon satisfactory completion of the LET -6 Program and approval of the SAI.

OVERALLPROGRAMDESIRED LEARNING OUTCOMES:

a. Appreciation of the ethical values and principles that underlie good citizenship which include

integrity, responsibility and respect for constituted authority.

b. Development of leadership potential with the abilities to live and work cooperatively with others.

c. Ability to think logically and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

d. Appreciation of the importance of physical fitness in maintaining good health.

e. Knowledge of the effects and dangers of substance abuse, ways to resist pressures to try drugs

and how to help others to avoid them.

f. Development of mental management abilities including goal setting, visualization and positive

self-talk.

g. Familiarity with the history, purpose, and structure of the military services with

emphasis on the accomplishments of the United States Army.

h. Knowledge of educational and vocational opportunities and the development of basic skills

necessary to work effectively as a member of a civilian or military team.

i. Understanding the importance of high school graduation to a successful future.

Section III

7. Conditions for Enrollment: To be eligible for enrollment and continuance as a member of the JROTC program, each participant must meet the following requirements:

a. Must be enrolled in and attending full-time a regular course of instruction at the school.

b. Must be at least fourteen (14) years of age upon completion of the course of instruction.

c. All first year cadets will be enrolled in the Leadership Education Training 1 (LET 1) course. A pre-requisite to enrollment in LET 2, LET 3, LET 4, LET 5, LET 6, LET 7, and LET 8 courses is satisfactory completion of preceding courses earning at least a “77”.

d. Maintain an acceptable standard of conduct and be of good moral character. Require of yourself honesty, self-reliance, and a sense of responsibility in the performance and other academic requirements. (A student who has been convicted by a court or has received an unfavorable court decision for other than a minor traffic offense must be granted a waiver by the Commander, First ROTC Region, U.S. Army Cadet Command, for enrollment or continuance).

e. Provide the Senior Army Instructor (SAI) with JROTC Enrollment Form, Privacy Act Statement, Statement of Health, JROTC Uniform Contract, JROTC Waiver of Liability Form, and Agreement of Property Responsibility signed by a parent or guardian. Forms will be distributed on the first day of classes.

f. Be physically able to take part in drill and physical conditioning exercises.

g. Enrollment at the beginning of the school year is with the understanding that all training will be completed.

h. Transfer of members from Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or another Army JROTC unit is authorized and full credit will be given them for all training received.

2 . Cadet Obligations: The cadet agrees to abide by theru1es and regu1ations of the JROTC Department and accepts the responsibi1ities for care and maintenance of issued clothing and items of equipment. A cadet may not be dropped from therolls without approval of the SAI and the school administration.

8. Conditions for Disenrollment: Normally, cadets will be disenrolled as appropriate, as determined by the SAI and the school administration. Cadets may be disenrolled based on the following:

a. Withdraw from school.

b. Shows inaptitude for leadership training indicated by lack of effort.

c. Fails to maintain acceptable levels of academic achievement.

d. Shows undesirable character traits as demonstrated by cheating on examinations; stealing; unauthorized possession or use of any habit-forming drugs; conviction for commission of a felonious act; frequent incidents of a discreditable nature with civil or school authorities; and/or similar acts.

e. Fails to wear the JROTC military uniform, or wearing the uniform so as to bring shame and discredit on the Corps of Cadets, on three separate occasions. Failure to wear the uniform on three separate occasions will result in unsuccessful completion of the course of instruction.

f. Other areas as defined in Cadet Command Regulations or as determined by the SAI and/or principal.

9. Method of Grading

GENERAL:

a. The level of student performance will be measured by practical performance exercises (i.e. drill and ceremony, physical training, map reading, etc.), homeworkassignments, quizzes, uniform inspections, and written examinations in each subject presented. The final grade of each nine weeks will be adjusted to reflect work ethics. A comprehensive final examination will be administered at the end of each semester.

b. MAKE-UP GRADES. A cadet missing an examination or other graded exercises with an excused absence will be permitted to make-up missed grade. It is the cadet's responsibility to schedule through the military faculty a make-up examination or exercise upon returning to school. Make-up examination or exercise must be completed within three school days following the absence. In accordance with the Blythewood High School JROTC Department policy, no examination or graded exercises may be made up for none excused absences. Any examination or exercise missed due to none excused absence will receive an automatic grade of zero.

c. UNIFORM INSPECTIONS.

(1). Cadets are required to wear the “Class B” uniform every Wednesday for uniform inspection unless other wised instructed by the SAI or AI. This inspection is graded and will be used as a factor in computing your grade for the semester. This weekly inspection is conducted by cadet senior leadership or the military faculty on the day that uniforms are worn. Failure to wear the uniform on uniform day will result in a zero grade for the day. No excuses will be accepted. (If during the school day, a cadet changes out of uniform without informing the military faculty, he will receive azero for that inspection grade).

If a uniform is not wearable on uniform day, the cadet is responsible to bring the unserviceable part of the uniform to school so that it may be exchanged for a serviceable part. This exchange will take place during the class period.

(2). The purpose of the inspection is to insure that high standards of personal appearance are maintained and to determine how well you are caring for the government property entrusted to you.

(3). Make up inspections for cadets with an excused absent on uniform day must be done on the first day the cadet returns to school. Failure to do so will result in a grade of zero. (No inspection may be made-up for a non excused absence).

(4). Any cadet officer and / or cadet noncommissioned officer who wi11fu11y fai1s to wear the uniform on a required uniform day, or changes out of the uniform, may be reduced in grade.

GRADING:

a. The grading system used in JROTC is the same grading system as 1isted in the Blythewood Student Agenda.

b. The fo11owing is a break down of the nine week grade by subject and the percentage that subject contributes to thegrade:

SUBJECT / PERCENTAGE
Quizzes, / 25%
Homework Assignments / 15%
Practical Exercises and Group Work / 10%
Uniform Inspection / 25%
(Wednesday)
Exams / 10%
Physical Training / 15%
(Friday)

c. The fo11owing is a break down of the semester grade by subject and the percentage that subject contributes to the grade:

SUBJECT / PERCENTAGE
First Nine Weeks / 40%
Second Nine Weeks / 40%
Semester Examination / 20%

10. JROTC Classroom Rules:

a. Cadets will report to the classroom each day of class. They will be inside the classroom at the sound of the tardy bell. Cadets tardy to class will receive a tardy write-up or demerits.

b. Cadets will enter the classroom, place their books on the desk and stand at parade rest behind the desk until told to stand at the position of attention.

c. Each JROTC classroom instruction period will begin with the cadet chain of command bringing the class to attention and taking the class attendance.

d. Chewing gum, eating, talking, whispering or horseplay is not acceptable conduct and will not be tolerated in the JROTC areas.

e. No open drink containers will be brought into the JROTC classroom or office, before, during, or after the school day unless approved by the SAI or AI.

f. Classroom instruction will be conducted with all students at ease. Cadets will not slouch in their seats, put their feet on other desks, or be inattentive to instruction. Cadets are expected to sit erect with both feet under their desk.

g. During classroom instruction cadets will raise their hands in order to ask or answer a question, respect must be shown at all times.

h. In the military service, the expression of courtesy is more formal than in civilian life. The most important expression of courtesy is the hand salute. The salute is the military way of saying "Hello". It is also customary to exchange greetings such as, "Good Morning, Sir (or Ma'am)", or "Good Afternoon, Sir (or Ma'am)". In JROTC classes, drill and other JROTC activities, cadet officers will be addressed as "Sir" or "Ma'am", and be accorded salutes and courtesies by their juniors. Cadet NCOs will be addressed by their rank, and all other will be addressed as "Cadet/Mister/Miss". Military courtesies are required at all times when cadets are present in JROTC areas (classrooms, formations, drill field, and all JROTC events). These same courtesies, as well as the exchange of salutes, will be observed in all areas of the school on days when the cadet uniform is worn.

11. Discipline:

a. GENERAL: Military discipline is an outward manifestation of mental attitude and state of training which renders obedience and proper conduct instinctive under all conditions. Conduct is nothing more than ones behavior or the way he acts. It is founded upon respect for and loyalty to properly constituted authority. All JROTC cadets are expected to conduct themselves in such a manner that will reflect credit upon themselves, their parents, their school, their community, their JROTC unit, and the U.S. Army. This type of conduct is expected both in and out of uniform and both on and off the high school campus. Military discipline must not be confused with punishment.

b. STANDARDS: During your JROTC training your instructors and cadet leaders will insist on high standards such as: cleanliness, haircuts, shoes shined, marching, wearing of the uniform and others. These are forms of discipline training. Your performance will be expected to be of the highest caliber not only during the school day but also when you are performing a JROTC function off the school campus

c. PROCEDURES: When necessary, as a result of a lack of discipline, the SAI may enforce discipline upon a cadet by employing one of the following means: