Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents. Students and parents should remember that Junior ROTC is an elective. If you find the rules and regulations in JROTC to be objectionable, I highly recommend the student enroll in physical education.
Why do I have to wear a uniform?
Wearing the cadet uniform is a requirement established by Cadet Command Regulation 145-2, Organization, Administration, Operation, Training and Support. Wearing a uniform is not an unusual requirement. Varsity and professional sports players have uniforms they must wear. Policemen, firemen, and even McDonald's employees have uniforms they are required to wear. Even businesses that do not require the wear of uniforms, have a strict dress code they expect all their employees to follow.Back to Top
That depends on how long your hair is. A male cadet must wear their hair so that it is not shaggy, unkempt, or extreme in appearance. It must not fall below the eyebrows or ears, or touch the top of the shirt collar (except for the short cropped neck hair), and not braid their hair. A female must wear their hair so that it is not shaggy, unkempt, or extreme in appearance. It must not fall below the eyebrows or fall below the bottom of the shirt collar. Both male and female hairstyles must not interfere with the wear of the garrison cap which is part of the uniform.Back to Top
What jewelry may I wear while in uniform?
All cadets may wear one ring on each hand. Cadets may not wear jewelry on the eyebrows, nose, lips, or tongue. Only female cadets may wear earrings. The earrings will be one pair of stud type earrings in gold, silver, or pearl, but they may not exceed 1/4 inch in diameter. If a necklace is worn, it must not be visible. If hair clips are worn, they must be transparent or similar in color to the cadet's hair. Also, female cadet's lipstick and nail polish must be conservative in color.Back to Top
Is it okay to change into my uniform for class, then change out after class?
No. You are required to properly wear your uniform from the time you leave home until your return home after school. There are exceptions. If you have a class that requires you "dress out" then you may change out of your uniform for that class then put your uniform back on at the end of that class. If you are a member of a spirit group and are required to wear your uniform on a JROTC uniform day, you may wear your uniform just for class or your instructor may allow you to wear your uniform on another day. You may also change your uniform for work if you go directly to work after school. You may also change your uniform for a class that might damage your uniform, such as welding.Back to Top
Yes. Cadet Command requires us to conduct a formal event (Military Ball) and enter our teams in competitive events. Unfortunately, neither the US Army or the school system provides us any money to carry-out this requirement. That is why we have fundraisers. Participation in our fund raisers is voluntary and has no bearing on your grade. However, if you do participate in the fund raiser, and make your sales goal, your entry into the Military Ball is free. You may even get your date admitted free. That could save you $15 - $30.Back to Top
What if I miss wearing my uniform on uniform day?
As a third or fourth year cadet, you are expected to set the example for the first and second year cadets. Therefore, I expect you to be in uniform on uniform day. If you forget to wear your uniform, you may not make-up the uniform day at a later time. If you are absent on uniform day, and your absence is excused by the school, I will let you make-up the uniform day.Back to Top
Can I fail Junior ROTC for not wearing the uniform?
Absolutely. If you miss wearing the uniform three times during a nine weeks grading period, you will receive not more than the highest failing grade for that nine weeks period. If you fail the other nine weeks grading period in that semester for missing three or more uniform days, you will fail the semester regardless of your academic grades.Back to Top
Does Junior ROTC have mandatory events?
Yes. The third and fourth year JROTC cadets have five mandatory events. The Annual Inspection is the most important. If you miss this inspection, you will fail JROTC that semester. Cadet Challenge and the Service Learning Project are also required activities that will do major damage to your grade if you miss them. The Veterans Day ceremony and the Awards Day in the Spring are also required events that carry a large point value toward your grade.Back to Top
Is it possible to be excused from a mandatory event?
Its rare, but possible. If you are in the hospital on the day of the event as a result of a car accident, or emergency appendectomy, or a death in the immediate family, I will excuse the absence. Generally, I follow Northwood. If they excuse the absence, so will I. However, these events are known well in advance. If you miss one of these events for an annual dental check-up, or going to take your driver's test, Northwood may excuse the absence, but I won't.Back to Top
Why are you so strict about the mandatory events?
The Northwood JROTC Program has been an Honor Unit with Distinction (HUD) for over twenty-five years. Part of our evaluation is the level of participation at certain events. If we don't have the required participation, this program will loose its HUD rating. JROTC is like a sports team. Everyone must work together to keep the highest rating in the country. It only takes a handful of "no shows" to fail this unit which has held the HUD rating longer than any other school in Caddo Parish.Back to Top
Is there a military obligation if I take a JROTC course?
No.Back to Top
Does my conduct in school and in the community affect my status in JROTC?
Absolutely! The mission of JROTC is to motivate young people to be better citizens. That means you are accountable for your actions at all times. If you get suspended from school or arrested by the police, you will probably be reduced in rank. Depending on the severity of your infractions, your participation in the JROTC program will be curtailed, and you may not be allowed to continue in the JROTC program.Back to Top