JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICER’S TRAINING CORPS PROGRAM (JROTC)

LTC Joseph Raczkowski, Chair

The JROTC Program at La Salle Institute is one of only two such high school programs in the capital area. The program plays a vital role in the high school educational process. It is designed to complement the efforts of the entire staff and faculty in motivating young men to be better citizens and members of society. The program is structured to support the La Salle Mission of inspiring young men to become moral, responsible, and productive members of communities with a total commitment to the motto of “Truth, Honor, and Duty.”

The goal of the JROTC program at La Salle is to:

• nurture personal growth by continually emphasizing the ethics and principles that foster good citizenship and good leadership
• instill discipline by a daily routine of inspections and holding students accountable for their appearance and actions
• provide practical experience in leadership by entrusting students with leadership responsibilities and holding them accountable for their actions

The JROTC program does not propose to train soldiers.  The objective is to instill in each student individual self discipline, personal responsibility, pride in self and team, and respect for authority, especially when exercised by equals.

The aims of the program are:

• To maintain and enhance the appearance of the students and the reputation of the school by requiring students to properly wear the school uniform neatly and to act with courtesy and politeness when interacting with other students and the staff and faculty.
• To provide a realistic system of merits and demerits which will allow all cadets, who wish to excel, the opportunity to achieve the highest rank available to members of their class.
• To achieve a high degree of student government in the conduct of the JROTC program.  The JROTC activities are planned and directed by the students, with the concurrence and guidance of the JROTC Instructors.

The JROTC Academic Program is a four-year Curriculum:
The academic program is geared to accomplishing the JROTC Mission of 
“Motivating young people to be better citizens.”

612      Grade 9: American Citizenship
Prerequisite: none       
Duration:  full year cluster course                          
Credit:      0.5          
Weight = 1

Introduction to the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) Program with emphasis on the importance of understanding the ethics and principles underlying good citizenship, selfless service, responsibility and leadership.  Students examine the evolution of U.S. citizenship and the freedoms stated in the Bill of Rights; the history and organizational structure of the JROTC Program and of the Army; and the traditions, customs and courtesies of the military. Students are also introduced to the basic techniques of oral communication skills, the importance of goal setting, and time management.

622      Grade 10: Military History
Prerequisite:  none       
Duration:  full year cluster course                          
Credit:      0.5          
Weight = 1

Sophomore year gives students the opportunity to build on what they learned in their freshmen year and to study military history. The course examines American involvement in wars and conflicts and the impact those conflicts had on the structure and role of the U.S. Military and on our government. Students also continue to study and practice effective communication in preparation for their leadership responsibilities as juniors and seniors.

632      Grade 11: Leadership
Prerequisite: none       
Duration:  full year cluster course                          
Credit: 0.5          
Weight = 1

The third year of the JROTC Program gives students the opportunity to study the basic principles of good leadership with emphasis on character, personal and professional values, and on attributes required to be successful. The study of leadership also includes research of prominent civilian and military world leaders responsible for the shaping of American and World History with emphasis on the causes of their success and failures. Students are also introduced to the basic concepts of personal financial planning as established by the National Endowment for Financial Planning.

642      Grade 12: Advanced Leadership and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation:
Prerequisite: none       
Duration:  full year cluster course                          
Credit:      0.5          
Weight = 1

Seniors at La Salle have the opportunity to provide leadership for the entire high school. This opportunity gives them practical experience in leadership and management. Students are assigned leadership positions within the Cadet Brigade and are responsible for the daily operations of cadet companies to include coordinating, planning and executing daily inspections, drill competitions, adventure training, parades, and numerous other extracurricular events. All fourth year students are required to study Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (including the practical and theoretical work in providing artificial resuscitation and artificial circulation to persons in need). Successful completion results in Red Cross certification.

The JROTC Extracurricular Activity Program:
The JROTC Program at La Salle also provides numerous opportunities for students to participate in either before or after normal school programs.

Drill Teams: These groups are composed of cadets that are interested in the fine art of Military Drill. The teams participate in several performances throughout the year and engage in competitions with other JROTC Schools in New York and New England.  The drill teams are composed of the McCormicks (JR Varsity) and the O’Donovans (Varsity.
 
Color Guard: This group is composed of cadets that have an interest in carrying the National, State, Papal, and La Salle Flags.  The Color Guard carries the colors in local Parades, Ceremonies, and during home athletic events.

Rifle Club: Interested Cadets may join the La Salle Marksmanship Company. This club uses pellet rifles at the RPI Rifle Range usually three times a week from 3:00 to 4:30. Transportation from La Salle to the RPI Range is provided. However, students are responsible for transportation from the RPI Range to their home. The range is supervised by a Certified NRA instructors.

Pathfinders: This organization provides interested cadets the opportunity to learn more about military training.  Activities include: physical training, camping out, military map reading, rope bridging, hiking, long distance marching, drill, and sporting events with competitions within the group. Pathfinders participate in local parades and ceremonies.  Those that qualify, compete in the Raider Challenge at Fort Devens, Massachusetts.

JROTC Summer Camp: In the spring of each year, 10 JROTC students are selected to participate in a weeklong summer camp program at Camp Edwards in Massachusetts. The purpose of this camp is to give students a flavor of military living and training. The program is run by a well-trained Army Staff and includes over 400 students from 40 schools in New England and New York. The camp takes place usually at the end of June.

OTHER ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS:
Officer Commissioning Program: This is the Senior Leadership Program. Seniors are selected at the end of their junior year to fill the leadership positions of La Salle Institute. Selections are made on the basis of earning merits during their first three years at La Salle, faculty recommendations, special training program, and examination. Cadet Officers are responsible for running the JROTC Program.

Annual Military Ball: In February of each year, cadets hold a military ball at a very reputable location. Students are responsible for coordinating all aspects of the event. The event gives the students the opportunity to experience the fine aspects of dining in a formal setting with their classmates and fellow students.