Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the East Coweta High School Marine Corps JROTC program. Our program is designed to teach responsibility, good citizenship, respect for authority, self-discipline, and instill a sense of patriotism. It is a program designed to promote leadership. Those students who are successful in JROTC will find they have developed numerous life skills which will help them become a success in whatever career they choose. Their options for further academic and technical training after high school will be enhanced by their success in this program. Students, hereafter referred to as "cadets," will be placed into a military style classroom, where they will move through positions of ever increasing responsibility as they gain experience and knowledge. Should you have additional questions after reviewing this brief informational section, please contact Major Pete Merrill or MGSgt Mark Johnson for more information. Parents are an important aspect of our program and we always welcome your input. We look forward to meeting and working with all potential students in the future.

Q. Is JROTC an afterschool program or a class?

A. ECHS MCJROTC is a class offered by East Coweta High School taught by retired Marine Corps personnel. In order to participate in other JROTC activities such as Color Guard, Drill or Rifle team, you have to attend the JROTC class for at least half of the school year, under block scheduling.

Q. Is JROTC designed to train me to be in the military?

A. Absolutely Not. The making of a Marine is left to the Marine Corps. Our program attempts to reveal each cadet's gift of leadership, physical development, educational abilities and positive character traits that will serve him/her well into their future, no matter their chosen career paths.

The Nine Objectives of MCJROTC:

Aims at developing informed and responsible citizens.
Helps develop leadership.
Build character through leadership development.
The program is developed to teach you about the elements and requirements for national security.
Develope responsible young adults who are physically, mentally and morally fit.
Develope informed and civic-minded young adults prepared for higher education, civilian careers or public service.
Discipline is stressed.
Learning respect for authority, your peers, superiors and subordinates.
Will enlighten you to possible career and educational choices in the future.

Q. How does this class help me if I do want to join the military?

A. This class will familiarize you with chain of command, basic military protocol and, under certain requirements, can help with the promotion of one rank. Please see Major Merrill or MGSgt Johnson for more details.

Q. Are there any physical fitness requirements?

A. No, not to join the class. Physical training is held once a week. Participation in PT and dressing for PT counts towards your grade. A positive attitude and willingness to strive to get better is what is sought after long-term, not necessarily being in peak physical condition.

Q. What is the class like?

A. MCJROTC is not the typical classroom environment. Instead of sitting at desks, cadets fall into formation for attendance. You will answer to a platoon sergeant who then reports to a platoon commander. You will be informed of what will be done that day, at that time. The class can be typical instruction on military history, instruction on marching or facing movements, uniform inspections or physical training. There is an abundance of information to learn and all will be taught in the form of basic classroom instruction.

Q. When can I enroll in the MCJROTC class?

A. Students may enroll in MCJROTC at any grade level while in high school; however, they are still required to start at the Leadership Education I (LE I) level regardless of age or grade. The MCJROTC curriculum is built on a “building block” system. A student is required to start and satisfactorily complete the Leadership Education I (LE I) level before advancing to the next level, and so on, until completion of the Leadership Education IV (LE IV) level, if desired. Level are explained below:

Leadership Education I (LE I). Designed for first year MCJROTC cadets, LE I emphasizes followership, development of leadership traits, and Marine Corps information, customs, drill and ceremonies.
Leadership Education II (LE II). For second year MCJROTC cadets, LE II concentrates on leadership theory, style, and principles. Cadets begin to assume leadership roles in the cadet battalion. The second semester of LE II concentrates on the area of Personal Growth and responsibility and health. Completing the second semester of LE II satisfies the State of Louisiana graduation requirement for one semester of health.
Leadership Education III (LE III). The third year course concentrates on leadership application. Third-year students normally fill the majority of cadet leadership positions. Citizenship and Public Service are also emphasized in LE III.
Leadership Education IV (LE IV). The fourth year curriculum concentrates on leadership application, citizenship, and career exploration. Fourth year students act as student instructors and fill the highest leadership positions in the cadet battalion.

Q. Will I learn how to shoot or spin a rifle in this class?

A. In the class, you will be taught basic rifle safety only. You will NOT be taught shooting or spinning of rifles in class. Actual handling of the rifle will be done within the Rifle Team or Drill Team AFTER school. Spinning rifles is done on the Drill Team's exhibition team which is extremely competitive. Rifle team is also an extremely competitive event. You have to attend JROTC class for at least half of the school year to qualify for either of the teams. Rifle Team and Drill Team are voluntary participation only and no cadet has to participate in either team for a class grade.

Q. How do I disenroll in this class?

A. The classroom Marine Instructor may disenroll a cadet from the MCJROTC unit with the approval of the principal of the school for any of the following reasons:

Request of the individual cadet with written parental permission and guidance counselor approval.
Failure to maintain standards for enrollment.
Lack of aptitude, indifference to training, disciplinary infractions, or undesirable traits of character, to include repeated failure to dress out.
Found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony.
Misuse/deceptive use of excuses to avoid training.