Skip to main content

High School Regional Programs ⟶ Program Themes ⟶ Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps

Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC)

Looking for a high-energy high school experience that gets you up on your feet? JROTC is all about hands-on action, building real-world confidence, and making lifelong friends who have your back. Whether you're curious about public service, high-tech challenges, or just want to become the most confident version of yourself, JROTC gives you the ultimate head start for college, careers, and beyond. There is no commitment to join the military after participation.

Core Experiences

  • Engage in authentic leadership roles, service-learning projects, field trips, and challenges that benefit your school and community
  • Jump into awesome activities like Drones, CyberPatriots (cybersecurity challenges), Drill, Orienteering, Color Guard, Honor Guard, and Athletic Competitions
  • Step into real leadership by leading team projects, earning Student Service Learning (SSL) hours, and organizing community service events
  • Go beyond the classroom and experience hands-on field trips, tackle team-building challenges, and learn directly from retired military officers invested in your growth and success

Program Goals

  1. Develop Foundational Knowledge and Skills: Equip students with a strong foundation in leadership, citizenship, and character education. Build essential skills in communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and self-discipline that prepare students for success in both military and civilian life. 
  2. Provide Hands-On, Real-World Experience: Engage students in authentic leadership roles, service-learning projects, and team-based challenges that mirror real-world decision-making and responsibility. Through drill, community service, field exercises, and leadership labs, students apply classroom learning in meaningful, practical settings.
  3. Foster College, Career, and/or Community Pathways: Prepare students for postsecondary success by connecting classroom learning to diverse opportunities in public service, government, defense, and community leadership. Encourage exploration of college programs, military service options, and civic engagement pathways that promote lifelong leadership and contribution to society.

 

Application & Locations

Application: Interest-based application

Schools:

  • Southern Region: Students may apply for an Academic COSA to attend the NJROTC program full-time that is offered in the Eastern Region
  • Eastern Region: Paint Branch (Navy JROTC)
  • Central South: Kennedy (Navy JROTC)
  • Central: Students may apply for an Academic COSA to attend either the NJROTC program or AJROTC program full-time that is offered in the Central North Region
  • Central North: Magruder (Army JROTC), Gaithersburg (Navy JROTC)
  • Northern: Seneca Valley (Navy JROTC)

Course Progression

Below is a sample sequence of courses for students enrolled in the JROTC Program. Cells in blue are related to the program pathway. This is subject to change as the programs are developed.

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Naval Science  or
Military Science 1

Naval Science  or
Military Science 2

Naval Science  or
Military Science 3

Naval Science  or
Military Science 4

PE for ROTC

AP US Government for ROTC

ROTC Concentration:  2 credits in a focus area developed in conjunction with the JROTC program lead teacher and counselor*

 
US History Elective (Fine Arts, Health, or Technology) World History Elective (Fine Arts, Health, or Technology)
English English English English
Math Math Math Math
Science Science Science Elective (Fine Arts, Health, or Technology)
World Language World Language World Language or Elective* World Language or Elective*
*Part of the MCPS graduation requirements includes either 2 credits in a world language or completion of a state-approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of study along with a minimum of 0.5 elective credit or more depending on the program of study. Students who plan to attend a four-year college or university after high school are encouraged to take world language courses to meet admission requirements and strengthen their college applications.

Program Requirements

In addition to MCPS requirements for graduation, students must complete the following to remain enrolled in the JROTC Program and earn the related certificate:

 

  • Naval Science 1, 2, 3 & 4 (Navy JROTC) or
  • Military Science 1, 2, 3 & 4 (Army JROTC)
  • PE for ROTC
  • AP US Government for ROTC
  • 2 credits in focus area