DEAR PARENT(S) GUARDIAN:                                      

            The purpose of this letter is to provide you with some additional information concerning the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program at Hardaway High School.   We are commonly referred to as the 6 th JROTC Battalion with seven other JROTC units in the Muscogee County School District.   Our program continues to be one of the two largest in the district.   We anticipate the enrollment to reach or exceed 200 cadets during the 1 st Semester for this school Year .   JROTC is available for our students during the 3 rd and 4 th periods.   Whether your son or daughter is a returning cadet or a new student at Hardaway, I personally commend your selection of the JROTC elective.   Welcome, to our fantastic, energetic, and challenging JROTC Cadet Program.  

            JROTC is an elective in the Vocational Department.   Professionals-retired US Army personnel teach it.   At Hardaway High School, we have a Senior Army Instructor, LTC Thomas   Whitley; two assistant instructors, SGM Jackie McGriff and 1SG Robert H. Cline Sr. Our duties are to develop, train, and support high school students to become positive, productive, and respected members of our society and community.   The JROTC mission reads:   “Motivate young people to become better citizens.”   The Curriculum’s priorities are to teach citizenship, patriotism, leadership skills/traits, teamwork, discipline, oral and written communications, first aid, map and world geography skills.   Each instructor will address special requirements; grading, homework, and projects during the next two weeks of classes.   Information will be sent home for your review and signature.

            Cadets enrolled in JROTC will be required to wear the Army Class B uniform on Thursday of each week.   It is a portion of the cadet’s nine-week grade.   They are graded on their appearance, posture and response to military discipline associated with proper wear of the uniform.   All clothing, ribbons, rank, and miscellaneous items will be issued by the JROTC Department.   Cadets will be responsible for the proper care and maintenance of items issued to support the above requirement.   The total cost of the uniform exceeds $150.00.   Although your son or daughter participates in   JROTC and receive exposure to all branches of the military, they assume no obligation or responsibilities upon completion of the elective.   However, cadets who are enrolled in the program for 2 to 4 years, and successfully complete the elective requirements, will receive special promotion and training credits that are honored by   all branches of the military service.   For example, a cadet who completes 3 or 4 years of the program will receive automatic promotion to Private First Class upon their enlistment in the military service. Other cadets are afforded opportunities to submit applications for the Senior ROTC programs located at Universities and Colleges throughout the nation.   This is primarily directed at the 11 th and 12 th grade cadets.

            Hardaway has a number of very successful extra-curricular activities that are offered during the school year.   These activities include: Male and Female Drill Teams, Male and Female Ranger/ Leaders Challenge Teams, Air Rifle Team and Color Guard Teams.   I have attached a draft copy of the activities scheduled for   this school year .

            Prior to a cadet’s participation in any JROTC activities, the attached MCSD JROTC form must be completed by the cadet and signed by a parent or guardian.   The Department of the U. S. Army requires this form.   The primary reasons for the form is to obtain the health condition of the cadet (note paragraph III requires an initial) accountability for the uniform, and authorizations to use a cadet’s basic information in our computer. Please complete this form and return as soon as possible.

            I sincerely congratulate your son or daughter for selecting the JROTC elective for this School year.   If you have questions on the curriculum, grading policies, uniform requirements, or information on the above forms, please contact me at 748-2766 and ask for the JROTC   Department.

                                                                                 THOMAS Whitley

                                                                                    LTC, USA(Retired)

                                                                                    Senior Army Instructor

                                                                                    JROTC Department