GET INTO FORMATION WITH THE ARMY JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS

By MIMI BADU

MIMI BADU  FOR WIZARD WEEKLY

The Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Program is one of the hardest working programs in our school that doesn't receive enough recognition. The club helps high school students, not only improve themselves, but prepare for future leadership roles. The course of study is taught by retired Army personnel who educate students on stability, military experience and leadership. Students leave the program prepared for adult life that consists of working and going to college. 

At Washingtonville High School, the class is instructed by Chief Brickel and Major Allen who work together to teach their students communication skills while lending a helping hand to model the importance of community, patriotism and leadership. Many people in the building are familiar with the classes going on during the school day but have no clue about the activities they participate in: the after school program.

The JROTC after school program runs from Monday to Thursday. Each day students involved stay after after for different purposes. On Mondays the lead team meets where students practice questions that are similar to ones found on the SAT’s.  On Tuesdays, the raiders meet where they push their athletic abilities. They train for competitions which come with a lot of running, push ups and sit ups. Students also learn how to tie a bunch of different knots, and how to make their own harness for rappelling. They also learn how to make a rope bridge over water so they can get from one side to the other. On occasion, they visit the shooting range to practice their shooting.  

Training for competitions is something that the cadets take very seriously. On Wednesday’s the drill team fills the hallway where they rehearse numerous marching techniques. Four people, known as the color guard, meet on Thursdays to “present the colors.” During this activity, one person carries the American Flag, the other holds the JROTC flag, and the other two carry rifles. They show respect to the country and to the flag. The team does this during a lot of school events and compete at drill competitions against other color guard teams.

The members of Washingtonville’s JROTC program work very hard not only during school hours, but after school, to show their dedication to, not only their country, but their program. At the end of the school year they are awarded with parades, community service, field trips, dances and military balls.