(THE SECTIONS OF THIS FORM WILL EXPAND AS YOU ENTER YOUR REPORT)
Date:
May 1, 1960 / School :
C.T. "Lady Bird" Johnson HS / School Address:
23203 Bulverde Road
San Antonio, TX 78259
JROTC Unit Name:
Johnson Jaguars / Unit Telephone Number:
210-3560567 / Unit Email Address:
JLAB Team Member Names:
CDT Angel Randall, CDT Angie Perez, CDT Noah Parks, CDT Tyrell Jenkins / Name of SAI/AI:
COL (R) Ron McLaurin
JROTC Unit Best Practice (one per form only):
JROTC Raiders Team
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.)(PLEASE LIMIT YOUR DISCUSSION TO ONE PAGE IF POSSIBLE):
Our JLAB unit has identified our Best Practice to be Raiders. Raiders is a team more widely known throughout our school for dealing with the physical training aspects of JROTC. While this team does engage in the building of physical fitness, it also works to develop mental strength and camaraderie. Because of how inclusive this practice is, anyone and everyone can participate in Raiders. They describe themselves as a family, where they stick together and no one gets left behind. After all, the Raiders team motto is “Start as a Team, Finish as a Team”.
Raiders follow a specific timeline for team training and competition. Raiders meets on 6:45 every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday both on and off campus. First, the JROTC unit instructors present the team commanders with a Letter of Instruction (LOI). Once received, the team commanders run a baseline assessment which measures the current level of development within selected criteria for all team members. Each competition is unique and training must be tailored to each competition. Raider Commanders then divide the teams so as to maximize each of the cadets’ strengths and mitigate their shortfalls. Training schedules are publically posted on the Battalion Training boards so everyone can prepare for the upcoming training. Practices are designed for allowing novice and varsity cadets alike to strengthen and condition their minds and bodies. This creates a “Legacy” or standard for future Raiders to strive for and creates a winning attitude among all team members. After the excitement and exhaustion provided by competition, an After Action Review is conducted so as to recollect and identify key components of team participation. Once addressed, the process repeats again so as to continuously conduct success in a team building environment.
Training and competition in Raiders also encompasses a multitude of team building opportunities for improvement. Practices are meant to reflect the appropriate levels of physical and mental intensity. For the practice to take full effect, cadets are placed in groups of 8 to 10 so as to ensure cohesive teamwork. Once team divisions have been specified, training begins. One particular form of training includes endurance building. Endurance is especially crucial to events like the 5k run and Gauntlet, which involves long distance running. For events like the Cross Country Search and Rescue, rucksacks and the 180-pound litter-laden mannequin affectionately named “Rescue Randy” are an addition to the run. For other events like the Obstacle course, technique and balance are necessary skills for wall and rope climbing. The Crucible features more complex practices including the Texas ski, 10 gallon water jug carry, log roll, army crawl, water raft carry, large vehicle pull, fireman carry. Rope bridge is when the team attaches a rope across two poles and use carabiners and harnesses to get an across achieved by using several types of knots. As variant as the training and competitive practices are, none of them possible without teamwork.
Cadets are given various leadership opportunities throughout the season; this allows the instructors to evaluate the cadets for future leadership roles in the battalion. Our Raiders consistently rank top in the district and within San Antonio, regularly bringing home trophies from all competitions. This team helps develops future leaders in the classroom and on the competition field.
At JLAB, you will participate in a forum on JROTC Unit Best Practices. You are to prepare and submit a report on your unit’s best practice. Below is a non-all-inclusive list of possible unit best practices.
Your Team must also prepare a presentation (Power Point or other presentation program) on this best practice. Your team will give your best practice presentation at the Unit Best Practices Forum, so be prepared. Guidance on how and when to submit this report and the Best Practice Presentation will be provided separately.
· 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 REPORT IS NOT IN ITSELF A GRADED ASSIGNMENT BUT IT IS THE BASIS FOR YOUR FORUM PRESENTATION WHICH IS GRADED.
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