Most locals know about FIT’s JROTC, but not everyone is aware of the full program offerings or the extent that the cadets are involved with their local community. JROTC aims to get students active in worthwhile pursuits to build character and life skills.
Understanding the importance of graduating high school, developing time management skills, gaining leadership roles, thinking logically, resisting negative peer pressure, and maintaining peak physical fitness, cadets develop building blocks to become successful in life, whether throughout high school, college, everyday jobs, or even a potential military career.
From the very beginning, JROTC cadets learn the importance of serving their community.
Command Sergeant Nicholas K. says, “We help out with veterans. We go to the memorials and put flags on the graves of lost veterans and clean the graves to make them look nice again. We also do adopt-a-highway projects, where we clean up the roads for the community. We also march in the Oak Leaf Festival every year in Oak Hill, WV.”
JROTC has multiple after-school teams. They go to competitions and compete against other schools. There are over 300 people who come to the competitions.
JROTC S-1 Captain Madison E. says, “JROTC has a Field Day or Rater competitions. Many cadets from different counties come together where we do push-ups, sit-ups, run, and flip tires. We carried 100 lb. training dummies across an obstacles course. It’s a teamwork-based competition. The cadets in our company all work together to accomplish a task to win against the other schools. We try our hardest to win every year.”
In addition to competitions, cadets also get the opportunity to train with pellet rifles on FIT’s shooting range.
“Target shooting is a skill that teaches the student concentration, focus, and confidence. You can’t just pick up the pellet rifle and shoot a bullseye. You have to focus on your breathing and hand-eye coordination. This type of concentration is not usually found in other classroom environments,” says COL(R) Chris Selvey, Senior Army Instructor, FIT JROTC.
Drills like this build confidence amongst the cadets, which serves well for the new recruits.
JROTC upperclassmen that have been in the program for several years help the newer students that just started. They tutor incoming students, get them fitted for their uniforms, and show them the ropes of everything they must do to accomplish and succeed in JROTC or in any military job.
Nicholas K. says, “We have leadership roles we take part in like Command Lord, Command Sergeant Major, Battalion Major, and Battalion X.O.- those are the four commands. We take care of everyone who is underneath us and make sure they are doing the right things.”
Col. Selvey and Sergeant Coomes emphasize positive outlooks for the cadets, such as being a better citizen, having integrity, and being respectful to others. Company rules are very strict: doing drugs, drinking alcohol, stealing, or breaking the law are forbidden.
Sgt. Coomes says, “We emphasize the Army Values- Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.”
And these values stick with the cadets as they work their way through the program. Nicholas K. said he wants a military career after high school in the Marine Corps and to also go to college.
“I’ve spent four years in this program getting to where I am now. With my command, I strictly base my time helping everyone and getting everything set up the best way I can. It’s my job, and I need to get it done.”
Aside from the daily responsibilities of JROTC members, the companies also march at football games or in parades like the Oak Leaf Festival.
JROTC Cadet Second Lieutenant Kathan K. says, “The Oak Leaf Festival is a local parade. It gives the newest students a chance to march, to be exposed, and show community support. The festival brings more attention to the class. For the first two weeks, we drilled nonstop after school to prepare; we worked hard for the event. We stayed in step. It was a good moment for us, and I’m just proud to be a part of it.”
