Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC): Building Leadership and Life Skills

Adanna Wharton and Madison Kelley participating in a duel exhibition.

Looking around the campus at Braden River High School, the blazing navy-blue

uniforms every Wednesday are hard to miss. These students belong to the River’s very own Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), but it’s more than just uniforms and drills. The program is all about leadership, personal growth, and preparing its students for the future, whether outside or inside the military. Because of the values that JROTC promotes, this program has positively shaped the lives of its students, guiding them along the path for a successful and fulfilling future.

A Glimpse into JROTC Activities

As Kaylynn Magee, the JROTC Public Affairs Officer at BRHS, states, the mission of the JROTC program is to teach students to become better citizens. Throughout the school year, JROTC cadets participate in a variety of activities, ranging from Raiders, Drill Rifle, Orienteering, Academic Team, Archery, and Cyber Patriots.

BRHS JROTC Drill Team

This year, one event that our very own JROTC is hosting is the Raider Rumble, where the BRHS Raider team competes against other schools. There is a 5K run (about 3 miles), a raider replay, obstacle course, cross country rescue, and a rope bridge. While it does sound like fun, our JROTC students train every day to improve their skills, building lasting friendships, leadership experience, and physical strength training along the way.

Last year, Adanna Wharton and Maddison Kelley competed at nationals for drill. This year, both the female and male team will compete for Raiders at Fort Knox, Kentucky. As for the rifle team, they have already won 3rd place so far. Brinlee Johnson is the 1SG of the Raider Team, a two-time state champion, and national runner up. She says that her experiences in JROTC have taught her "excellent leadership skills and teamwork" - two skills she deeply values.

The dedication of BRHS JROTC students is evident even on regular school days, when competition is not happening. JROTC students are the ones that take down the flag every morning before school and every afternoon after school. The memorable experiences that students participate in stay with them even after high school. Reina Pacheco, JROTC member states, "JROTC has helped me meet incredible people. They have taught me so many things along the years and have made my experience in this program memorable. Being able to lead fellow cadets has helped me grow as a person and as a leader."

Building Leaders of Tomorrow

For many students, JROTC is not just about learning to follow orders, but about becoming leaders. The program instills important values such as responsibility, discipline, and respect.

This past Veterans Day, JROTC participated in a Veterans Day Parade to show appreciation for those who have served in the military. The students marched proudly, wearing their uniforms with honor, as they celebrated the sacrifices made by veterans. It was a powerful reminder of the values of duty and service that JROTC teaches each and every one of its students. For many JROTC students, it was a chance to reflect on the importance of service, not only to the country but also to the values of JROTC.

JROTC participates in a Veterans Day parade.

This month of November, JROTC has also been collaborating with Habitat for Humanity, a global organization that works to help families build and improve their homes. This was a  three-day event, where our JROTC cadets participated in painting, electrical, sweeping, outside maintenance, and building events. This partnership not only provided support to families in need, but it also allowed JROTC to develop valuable skills and make a positive impact on our Manatee County community.

Looking Ahead

As the JROTC program at the River continues to grow every year, its impact on students continues to grow as well. Thomas Bear, Charlie Commander in JROTC states, "In my four years of being in JROTC, I've learned how to become a better person in general. Being on the Raider, Drill, and Orienteering teams has helped build character into becoming the person I am today."

Whether students choose to pursue a career in the military or not, JROTC gives them skills to become better leaders, citizens, and individuals. With so many opportunities for growth, leadership, and service, JROTC stands out as a program that helps students make the most of their experience in high school—and far beyond into the future.

For students considering joining, here’s some simple advice: Give it a try. You’ll learn so much about yourself and will never regret being part of JROTC.

To learn more about JROTC, visit their website!