Romeoville High School | Marine Corps JROTC - Future Parents

Choosing the right opportunities for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make during their high school years.
We understand that Marine Corps JROTC may be unlike any class or activity your family has experienced before, and it's natural to have questions.

Our goal is to provideclear, honest answers about the program, the expectations, and theopportunities available to your student.
Whether you're wondering about uniforms, time commitments, leadership opportunities, or how Marine Corps JROTCprepares students for life after high school, we hope this page helps you feel informed and confident.

Most importantly, we want you to know that the Marine Corps JROTC program is not a military commitment and we are not creating Marines—it is a leadership program that develops confident,responsible, and compassionate young adults who are prepared to lead wherever life takes them.

If you still have questions after reviewing this page,
feel free to submit a question or request a meeting or phone call with our instructors!

We would love to speak with you.

Understanding Marine Corp JROTC

This section answers one of the biggest questions parents have: What exactly is Marine Corps JROTC?

Learn what the program is, what it isn't, and how it helps students develop confidence, leadership, responsibility, and character. We'll also address common misconceptions, including the important fact that Marine Corps JROTC is not a military recruiting program.

Is JROTC a military program? Will my child be enlisted or required to join the military?

No — and this is the most important thing to understand before anything else.

JROTC is a leadership and character development program, not a military recruitment program. Participation in JROTC creates absolutely no military obligation of any kind. Your child will not be enlisted, contacted by recruiters, or pressured toward military service in any way.

As one of our own cadets put it: "JROTC teaches you how to lead like a Marine — not how to be one." Using leadership tools and programs from the Marine Corp, the program is designed to build life skills, discipline, confidence, and community — all of which benefit students regardless of what path they choose after high school.

What is the difference between JROTC and a traditional PE class?

JROTC fulfills the PE credit requirement at Romeoville High School — but it goes far beyond physical fitness.

While a traditional PE class focuses just on physical activity, JROTC adds leadership development, public speaking, community service, team building, life skills, character education, and real-world experience that will help create success in whatever next chapter they choose - college, the workforce, public service, trade school or military.

What does my child actually LEARN in the JROTC classroom?

The JROTC curriculum is bigger than you might think!

In addition to physical fitness, leadership and drill (which focuses on listening, accurately communicating and attention to detail), cadets learn résumé writing, interview skills, CPR and first aid, personal hygiene and grooming standards, public speaking, civics, personal accountability and are part of running the program (S-Shops) which gives valuable insight on how to build and maintain something much bigger than yourself.

Our program also heavily values Service. Your child will not only be getting leadership classes, consistent physical fitness but also service hours. In school year 25/26 - our cadets compiled 2,699 service hours in total - more than any other club or class at RHS.

Throughout the year, numerous guest speakers will visit our classroom to teach new skills or share valuable insights on leadership and teamwork.

Cadets are also eligible for unique summer leadership camps that are out of State or take place at Illinois Universities, along with numerous award opportunities to strenghten college essays or scholarship applications.

Click the links below to learn more!

Curriculum & Instruction

S-Shop

After-School Teams & Activities

What to Expect -
Starting something new can feel overwhelming—for both students and parents.

Below you'll learn what the first year looks like, the challenges many new cadets experience, the support systems available, and why so many students say the program becomes easier and more rewarding as they grow.

What changes will I actually see in my child at home?

Our parent survey results were striking.

78% reported improved academic habits — attendance, organization, and punctuality
96% reported improved confidence, leadership, and communication skills
96% reported greater discipline and personal responsibility
96% reported better health habits and fitness motivation

One parent shared: "He used to be really attached to me as mom. Since his first year, he demonstrated a lot of confidence and became really independent."

Will my child make friends in JROTC?

In our annual survey, 100% of cadets — every single one — reported making new friends through JROTC.

And 100% of parents confirmed their cadet formed meaningful friendships in the program.

JROTC creates a rare environment: a shared challenge, a shared standard, and a shared sense of purpose. Those conditions produce friendships that tend to be deep and lasting. As one cadet put it: "No matter what, you will have a home in JROTC."

Is JROTC welcoming to all students, regardless of background, body type, or athletic ability?

Yes — and this is something our parents confirmed clearly. One parent described the program this way: "Being inclusive — everyone participates regardless of race, religion, size, and shape."

Another parent added: "All the kids feel they are in a safe space, and that's why they develop a lot of confidence in themselves."

JROTC is not a program for a certain type of student. It is a program for any student willing to show up, grow, and be part of something bigger than themselves.

For athletic or academically competative students who are looking for a non-traditional competition team - with a winning track record - we highly encourage students and families to explore the JROTC option!

How can I as a parent get involved and stay connected?

We have an established JROTC Booster Club for families who want to get involved in our parent community and stay more connected to their cadets. The Booster Club provides flexible opportunities for parents to volunteer at events, support fundraising, and stay connected to the program community.

Our Google calendar is available to all our parents and families so they can support their cadet at competitions and participate in events geared for families and supporters. We recognize that these last years of high school are important and want famlies to be able to share this experience with their cadets as much as possible. Explore our Google Calendar of Events below along with a Cadet Weekly Schedule.

If you are interested in learning more about our JROTC Booster, please feel free to contact our Booster president, Nicole Alaniz: n.gomezalaniz@gmail.com or visit our Booster page below.

Calendar of Events

Cadet Weekly Schedule

Get Involved - JROTC Booster

Time Commitment & Scheduling -

Marine Corps JROTC offers incredible opportunities, but we know students have busy lives.

Since we are a highly competative program with the annual goal of attending Nationals, we want to be transparent about the time commitment required of students and families.

This section explains practice schedules, competition teams, transportation, balancing sports and other activities, and how families can help students manage their time successfully.

How much time does JROTC require outside of school?

JROTC meets as a class during the regular school day.

After-school time is when our competitive teams (drill, color guard, raiders) practice, similar to any traditional sports team. (First year cadets do not have to join any teams until they are ready to commit to the program and are still encouraged to just partake in two teams to insure they adjust to their first year).

All practice schedules, competition dates, inspection days, and service events are posted on our Google Calendar, which is accessible to both cadets and families at any time.

Can my child participate in JROTC if they are already in a sport, band, or another club?

Yes — many of our cadets balance JROTC with volleyball, soccer, NHS, and other activities, with Marching Band being the one exception as our practice schdules are mirrored.

Just like being on the football or basketball team, our trips to Nationals and winning seasons are the product of consistent after school practices and student activity schedules that place JROTC as one of their main priorities.

Our new first-year structure — with a reduced team minimum and a full semester calendar published at the start of the year — is designed to help families plan ahead and make JROTC work alongside other commitments.

Explore a sample weekly schedule and our calendar of events at the bottom of this section.

How will I know what is coming up — competitions, inspections, practices, service events?

We know our families are busy and constantly juggling multiple schedules.

In addition to "Chain of Command" communication - the method used by the military where students are required to relay information to their peers and families - facilitaing their growth as accurate communicators - we offer the following supports to our parents and families:

• A full monthly and semester calendar is posted in the classroom for cadets to verify their information during the school day.

• A live Google Calendar is available on the program website with all events, inspection days, haircut opportunities, competition dates, community service opportunties and after school practice schedules.

• Google Calendar invites with automated reminders are sent directly to cadets and families for larger events with details attatched.

Explore our Calendar of Events at the bottom of this section.

Does my child have to compete or attend after-school events right away?

No. Under our updated first-year policy, new cadets are not required to compete or attend after-school practices until they feel ready to commit to the program or a team.

We want Year 1 to be about learning, building friendships, and finding their footing in the program — not feeling overwhelmed before they've had a chance to fall in love with it.

First-year cadets are required to attend some community service events where they will earn service hours that go toward their academic profile and assist them in obtaining program promotions that further their leadership resume

Calendar of Events

Uniforms & Grooming Standards -
Marine Corps JROTC uniforms represent a proud tradition of service, professionalism, and respect.
Learn when uniforms are worn, when grooming standards begin, what they involve, and how new cadets are given time to decide whether they want to fully commit to the program.

Explore our Uniform and Grooming page linked below this section

Does my child have to cut their hair to join JROTC

This is one of the most common misconceptions about the program — and the answer is no, not right away.

Under our updated first-year policy, new cadets are not required to meet grooming standards or wear a uniform until they feel ready and have made the decision to fully commit to the program.

In our cadet survey, 84% of cadets reported that grooming was never a barrier to their participation.

How clear are the grooming standards, and how much do they cost to maintain?

Grooming standards are clearly documented and shared with cadets and families at the start of the year. Cadets will recieve step-by-step instruction and demonstrations on proper grooming and uniform standards from both cadets and their instructors. From rolling up your sleeves, shaving and slicked back buns, we have it covered.

In our annual parent survey, the vast majority of families rated the standards as "extremely clear" or "very clear."

We offer on-site haircuts at the school with a reduced cost to help cadets meet standards conveniently by Inspection Days (designated days when cadet grooming standards are evaluated) which occur once a month and are noted on our Master Calendar both in the classroom and on our website.

Spartan Barbershop hours are also present on our Calendar.

Does my child have to wear a uniform every day?

No.

Only after a cadet feels ready to commit to the program will they be issued a uniform. This includes their Utility Uniforms ("Cammies" or "Utes") and their Dress Blue uniform used in competitons and formal ceremonies.

Cammies are worn only once a week to school by committed cadets and during Inspection on designated Inspection Days.

Uniform & Grooming Standards

Preparing for the Future -

The lessons learned through Marine Corps JROTC extend far beyond high school.

Discover how leadership experience, community service, teamwork, and responsibility provide a unique advantage to cadets for college, scholarships, apprenticeships, military service, and future careers.

Explore all the post-secondary bennefits of JROTC in the links below