This page serves as the official message board for Master Gunnery Sergeant Jonathan Couturier, Senior Marine Instructor (SMI).
Cadets should review this page regularly for important announcements, reminders, and guidance. Staying informed is an important part of being prepared and maintaining readiness.
9/4/26
We have completed three weeks of school year 26/27. By now Cadets should be well versed in the daily and weekly rhythm of JROTC schedules. Cadets, Parents/Guardians and community interested in this program should frequent the program calendar for all upcoming events. It's always great to see cadets in uniform and it teaches many life skills and instills a tremendous sense of pride. Cadets in uniform stand out amongst their peers in a positive manner! The month of September will be very busy as we head into our Raider competition season, Promotion Cycle #1, increased amount of Community Service, Fundraisers, etc. After Labor Day weekend, there always is an increase in tempo. Cadets must learn to manage their workload, exercise time management and communication skills. All academia throughout VVSD will increase and this is the time where students must exercise organization and good habits to maintain grades and eligibility for promotions, awards, and competitions. In order for Cadets to compete in JROTC activities and competitions, they must maintain a C- grade in all their classes. If they are achieving D or below grades, their focus should be on drastically improving their academia. There are MANY RHS resources to assist students to include our dedicated time every Wednesday for study/academic help in Rm 902.
***JROTC is a very SOCIAL program. Cadets must interact, communicate, and be involved. It is a Leadership Education / Interactive program. All cadets are highly encouraged to participate to experience the positive effects of JROTC. Just like in life, if you don't participate you will gain nothing. Too many cadets these days are looking for the easy way out, not seeking responsibility, not wanting to be held accountable. This is not what this program is about. Developing oneself means taking on challenges and getting out of your comfort zone. If a Cadet show NO EFFORT, they will not be promoted, earn awards, not compete or gain the positive experiences they could otherwise learn and develop from. Participation and Effort are what matter. ***
8/13/26
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am Master Gunnery Sergeant Jonathan Couturier, the Senior Marine Instructor and Administrator for the MCJROTC program. WELCOME to the MCJROTC family and school year 2026/27! I am excited to share with you the great and unique opportunities that this program provides. While I understand the transition from middle school to high school is stressful and challenging, I can’t think of a better program to help in that transition. For all returning families, welcome back and look forward to having another great year.
The MCJROTC program promotes a positive culture that develops many life skills that will positively impact your child as they develop into young adults. The program builds personal honor, discipline, resiliency, through personal and professional leadership development. Your child will develop a drastic increase in responsibility, accountability, and professionalism through improved self-esteem and confidence. This program fosters a challenging yet very rewarding sense of accomplishment as they will make friends, participate in a tremendous winning culture, and have a sense of belonging in an otherwise chaotic atmosphere.
Through a structured curriculum, they will increase their level of discipline, personal responsibility, initiative, desire to succeed, and life skills. The benefits of MCJROTC are endless but some key outcomes are
Ø Noticeably higher level of positive behavior, attendance, and high school completion.
Ø Development of leadership potential, personal responsibility, and many life skills.
Ø Numerous opportunities for Community Service, Career Exploration, and Physical Fitness.
Ø Unique opportunities such as Drill, Raider, Archery, Air Rifle competitions at the very highest level.
Ø Character and Leadership development through curriculum and practical application through many hands-on leadership roles.
Ø Adult & Career Readiness Skills such as Time Management, Decision-Making, Preparation Skills, Email/Communication Skills.
Ø Cadets earn a .5 elective credit per semester and waiver of their Physical Education credit towards their graduation requirement.
I firmly believe that MCJROTC motivates Cadets to succeed academically, personally, and professionally while providing a structured, nurturing, and real-world culture that truly prepares them for adulthood regardless of profession they choose for a post high school career. This is NOT a program that obligates anyone to join the military. Less than 5% of Cadets ever qualify and join the military. The vast majority of Cadets go on to be successful in vocational or collegiate educational institutions or straight into the workforce. If a Cadet does decide to join the military the program benefits truly help them prepare for their future.
You are now part of the first and oldest Marine Corps JROTC program established in Illinois (1973). There is a tremendous heritage associated with this program as we continue to be a Distinguished Naval Honor School that ranks in the top 20% of all JROTC programs in the Nation.
I encourage you to continuously reference the MCJROTC website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram (the_romeoville_mcjrotc_program). I can be contacted via couturiejp@vvsd.org.
8/7
Cadets:
As we come to the end of Spartan Camp, I want to congratulate our LE1's who have made a commitment to not just themselves, but this program and the legacy it represents. Thank you for deciding to serve your community in the unique and selfless capacity that is JROTC. We look forward to seeing you grow and become the best version of yourself. To returning cadets, and senior leadership - welcome back. Welcome Home. Thank you for continuing to serve not just your community and families for another year, but our newest cohort of cadets. Our pride is always in our accomplishments, but our strength will always come from our cadets and our cadet leadership.
Families:
Thank you sharing your young people with us. We look forward to enhancing all the hard work that you have already invested into them. Rest assured that we have every intention of creating leaders not just for our community, but for your families. Please know that we are also here to support you and invite you to contact me or First Sgt. Casas at any time. (Master Gunnery Sgt. Jon Couturier - couturiejp@vvsd.org & First Sgt. Efren Casas - casase@vvsd.org)
