JROTC

On Jan. 23, JROTC officers and cadets from both GFH and CMR gathered together at GFH’s new building to celebrate the conclusion of the first semester. Throughout the ceremony, they recognized outstanding members in different categories. Photos by Gloria Baldevia.

From the halls to real life: The life behind CMR’s men and women in uniform by Gloria Baldevia, news/sports editor JROTC When senior Daniel Brennan started to make decisions for his future, he only cited one as his inspiration and anchor.

“JROTC means a lot to me,” he said about building character and individuality. “It’s a program that a lot of people overlooked because we really do develop leaders. We have a dynamic and multitude of characters who are able to work with each other.”

A four-year-old program, JROTC has provided several students with the platform they need to pursue their aspirations after high school. Brannon was recently nominated to attend several high-end military academies such as West Point in New York. With the school’s rigorous and competitive application process, the program sufficiently provided Brannon with the essential skills to help him stand out in the application pool.

Although JROTC does not directly affiliate itself with other scholarship and military programs, they teach their cadets the necessary character development to become better individuals and candidates in the future. Like Brennan, sophomore Dawson Williams, an officer influenced by JROTC’s mission, is set to attend an 8-week program for his flying license.

According to senior aerospace science instructor and JROTC advisor Brian Holbien, the program aims to develop citizens of character to serve the nation. While its primary purpose is to educate students of good manners and right conducts, the curriculum is divided into three categories: aerospace, leadership education, and physical training. Together, the three branches of learning aim to provide the cadets most of the classroom instructions, such as the effects of atmospheric pressure and the body’s physiology in altitudes.

But it’s not all positive. Holbein admitted that the number of students joining the program fluctuates each year. This year, they did not meet the required number with only 47 students in the program. However, the program is trying to increase its numbers by personal advertising and sharing the benefits of JROTC with potential cadets.

“Part of that challenge is with the CMR students; the program can only be offered one period per day because by US law,” Holbien said. Being the only air force program in the state, a lot of people have no idea what the program is, Holbein said. Many tend to think that JROTC is a recruiting service, but anyone willing to comply with the program’s standards are welcome to join. “If you want to develop discipline, you have to make sacrifices,” Holbein said. “Learning leadership and life skills can benefit you in many ways. The biggest success stories are from cadets who come back.”

MATHEA YOUNG, 11 Captain Young, a third-year JROTC cadet officer, cites the organization as one of her more significant inspirations when it comes to having a family. As part of every school function, Young is in charge of organizing her team for the presentation of colors as the color guard commander. In the future, Young aspires to be a medical officer in the military.

JAMELA MUNSINGER, 11 Munsinger is the Public Affairs Officer of JROTC. She is in charge of any and all social media activities of the organization. As a mean to increase the number of participants, Munsinger fulfills her duty by constantly updating JROTC’s followers of their daily activities. For the aspiring pilot, JROTC gave her a sense of freedom that helped shape her individuality. BRANDON MILLS, 12 Major Mills showcased his leadership skills by serving as the third highest-ranking officer. According to him, JROTC sums up to define one word: growth. Over the years, he has valued every growth that he has gained from experience, whether it be directly for himself or his platoon. In the future, he plans on becoming a marine corps officer through the South Carolina University marine program. He also hopes to become a nuclear officer. DANIEL BRANNON, 12 Lt. Colonel After being nominated to join various military academies in the country like West Point, Lt. Col. Brannon has proved that he is more than capable of showcasing his leadership skills outside of JROTC. According to him, being able to command others well and step up for what is necessary is essential. The aspiring military officer also wants to give back in his community by serving in the Montana Air National Guard. DAWSON WILLIAMS, 10 Captain Recently, captain Dawson Williams received a prestigious 8-week program scholarship for aeronautical license in a college of his choice. This scholarship is going to help solidify his aspirations to one day join the Air Force. Williams is the group PTO. He oversees the physical training for all cadets. For the officer, He believes that no matter how small an objective is, one must perform it with the best of their ability. ETHAN JACOBS, 11 First lieutenant Jacobs serves as the activities director of JROTC. He leads his team into success by making sure that each member execute their activities with precision. He over sees the daily operations of the cadets and make sure that they also learn how to lead others. For Jacobs, JROTC helps people improve themselves. He believes that by joining the JROTC, he developed better work ethics. A virtue that Jacobs stated is the most important in an individual. Captain First Lieutenant