JROTC represents TJ in the formal inspection, bringing the gold star back to TJ.
Photo by Ed Gloor
On November 4, 2010, TJ’s JROTC proved that hard work pays off by representing the school in a formal inspection from the Brigade in Colorado Springs performing nearly perfect obtaining the highest level of achievement, the Honor Unit of Distinction, the Gold Star.
JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) is a program consisting of a series of classes all four years that aspires to help students strengthen their leadership skills and become better citizens. “JROTC is a citizenship and leadership class, not a military recruit. It can help a person enter the military or get in contact with a recruiter if they should like to do so,” said Second Lieutenant Junior Mo Miller.
The formal inspection occurs once every three years here at TJ. This year members of the official Brigade, from Colorado Springs, came to formally inspect TJ’s JROTC and graded them on how well they meet certain criteria in a timely manner and to evaluate their color guard. “In the inspection, TJ’s JROTC was being graded on leadership skills, information, and marching skills. This would be things like, what a regular step is (none inches when marching), marching, correct commands and keeping his or her company in step, and successfully completing the platoon drill,” said Miller.
JROTC prepared for the inspection through great amounts of effort and working with cadets on educating them in certain areas that were looked at during the inspection. “We taught the cadets how to put together their uniform and insignia, how to react to the marching commands and execute them correctly, how to answer the questions and how to identify other things. Staff members have checklists to prepare for the inspection also,” said Captain Alex Carter, a graduating senior this year.
The cadets performed extremely well, working hard prior to the inspection by studying a total of 22 possible questions inspectors may ask during the inspection. “We had 161 cadets representing TJ’s JROTC. Each was asked three questions from judges. Totaling 483 questions, we only missed 16. Our cadets work and studied hard,” said TJ JROTC Instructor CW4 Charles Gaines.
Two of the most important areas covered in the inspection are the color guard and the platoon drill. TJ received excellent scores in both aspects of the inspection. “Our color guard is the group who marches with two flags and two rifles. There are certain commands that have to be given. They also inspect what is called the platoon drill. This is when someone from each class period gives a series of commands to that class period and they have to execute them as best as possible,” said Carter.
Obtaining the gold star is based on points and percentages scored in all categories. TJ’s JROTC has a great deal to be proud of performing outstandingly and exceeding the standards. “There are three color rankings: a white star, a blue star, and a gold star and the points are out of 600. TJ received a 90% or higher on each item and got a total of 576 points, which is pretty darn good,” said Miller.
The gold star is a very prestigious honor that is not easily earned. “The gold star is translated as the honor unit with distinction. Statistically, 10% of ROTC units achieve the gold star. It shows the pride of TJ and what our students can accomplish,” said Gaines.
JROTC , through its hard work and commitment, accomplished goals and met standards shown in the form of a gold star. “I am proud of the fact that we got the gold star. It has been something like seven years since we have had this prestigious award, so it has definitely brought me happiness as well as to the rest of the cadets in the program. This means so much to us because this shows that the time and dedication that we have put into this program has finally paid off and there is nothing that brings the three of us [Seniors Andrew Wesch, Daniel Cole, and Alex Carter] more happiness than seeing our hard work pay off,” said Carter.
