Marine Corps JROTC

Students enrolled in the MCJROTC program must be in one of the following three citizenship categories:

Participation in the MCJROTC also requires that students meet health and physical standards. The Semper Fit Fitness Program is the MCJROTC physical fitness program conducted throughout the school year. Cadets must have current school physical evaluations certifying that they are physically fit for participation in the program. The Semper Fit Fitness program focuses on more than just the physical fitness training aspect; it also provides wellness training to include good nutrition and stress reduction.

In order to participate in MCJROTC, you must be enrolled in and attending a regular course of instruction in a high school where a MCJROTC unit is located. You may not attend one high school and participate in the MCJROTC program of another high school

• Promotes Patriotism
• Develops informed and responsible citizens
• Develops respect for constructed authority
• Develops a high degree of personal honor, self-reliance, individual discipline and leadership
• Promotes an understanding of the basic elements and need for national security
• Provides information on the military services as a possible career
• Promotes community service
• Develops leadership potential
• Promotes high school completion
• Provides incentive to live healthy and drug free

• Be enrolled in and attending a regular course of instruction in a grade 9 through 12 at the school hosting the unit.
• Be physically qualified to participate fully in the physical education program of the host school.
• Be selected by the MCJROTC instructor with the approval of the school principal or his/her representative.
• Maintain acceptable standards of academic achievement and an academic standing that warrants at least normal progression leading to graduation.
• Maintain acceptable standards of conduct.
• Comply with specified personal grooming standards. Common sense and good judgment apply to the attainment of these standards. Standards will not be relaxed so as to reflect disgrace on the United States Marine Corps.

• Approximately 60 percent of the MCJROTC cadets graduating seniors continue to higher education.
• MCJROTC provides the opportunity for secondary school students to learn the basic elements and need for national security and their personal obligations as Americans.
• The program enhances the image of the military in the eyes of the community by providing a chance for success to the nation's youth.
• While the training is along military lines, it is conducted so as to encourage initiative and individuality to develop natural gifts, to teach self-control, develop personal character, responsibility and qualities of integrity, loyalty, and dedication.
• Cadets derive self-esteem from belonging to MCJROTC.
• MCJROTC cadets are better behaved, have higher attendance, are role models for the avoidance of substance abuse, have higher self-esteem, develop positive life skills, graduate at a higher rate, and are an excellent source of service accessions.
• The values, principles, and self-discipline taught in MCJROTC promotes positive, productive behaviors.
• The MCJROTC program is motivational in encouraging cadets to graduate from high school.
• Cadets presenting evidence of successful completion of at least 3 years of MCJROTC are entitled to advanced promotion to pay grade E-3 upon initial enlistment in an active or reserve component of the Navy or Air Force and pay grade E-2 in the Army or Marine Corps.
• Cadets accepted for enlistment, who provide evidence of successful completion of 2 years of a MCJROTC program are entitled to be enlisted in pay grade E-2 (except in the Marine Corps and Air Force).
• Senior Marine Instructor is authorized to nominate a maximum of three eligible cadets each year to compete for U.S. Naval Academy appointments.

• CITIZENSHIP -- Provides all aspects of citizenship to include patriotism, citizenship requirements, civic responsibilities, and national defense.
• LEADERSHIP -- An ongoing study of the principles and practical application of leadership with emphasis on providing opportunities for students to exercise and develop their own leadership abilities.
• PERSONAL GROWTH AND RESPONSIBILITY --: Provides information and requires cadet involvement in physical fitness, health, hygiene, nutrition, social skills, written and oral communication and personal finance.
• PUBLIC SERVICE AND CAREER EXPLORATION -- Provides information on career preparation and opportunities for public service.
• GENERAL MILITARY SUBJECTS -- Explains all aspects of MCJROTC administration, drill and ceremonies, uniforms, clothing and equipment, customs, courtesies and traditions of the Marine Corps, ranks structure, chain of command, military history, marksmanship, first aid, guard duty, land navigation, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

A. MCJROTC instructors are:
Retired Marine Corps, commissioned officers, warrant officers, and enlisted personnel, E-6 through O-6, who have served a minimum of 20 years of active duty. The Head of the Department of Marine Corps Leadership Program at a school hosting an MCJROTC program is called the Senior Marine Instructor (SMI). The SMI is the commissioned officer or Warrant Officer (with degree) employed by the school.  Enlisted personnel or warrant officers and LDOs without degrees employed by the school in the MCJROTC program are called Marine Instructors (MI). Warrant Officers or LDOs with a Baccalaureate degree may also apply to the school for employment as an SMI. The minimum education requirement for SMIs is a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

A.  MCJROTC Instructors:
Are employees of the school and are responsible to the school authorities and Marine Corps JROTC for the conduct of the program. The SMI works for the principal and is the direct supervisor of the MI. The school and the instructor mutually agree on the length of the instructor’s contract (not less than 10 months per year). Even though the instructor’s contracts are with the schools, the Marine Corps reserves the right to remove instructors from the program through decertification action if their performance or conduct is unsatisfactory.

• Program of Instruction for Marine Corps JROTC Leadership Education (LE) courses:

• Complete application form and instructions for schools interested in applying for a National Defense Cadet Corps unit:

• This document contains background and reference information for schools interested in applying for a Marine Corps JROTC unit, including Terms & Conditions:

• Complete application form and instructions for schools interested in applying for a Marine Corps JROTC unit:

• Official handbook for JROTC cadets:

• Marine Corps JROTC Accreditation Press Release

• Marine Corps JROTC Instructor Personal Appearance and Grooming Standards

• "Complete application form and instructions for Marine Corps JROTC instructor candidates *Application revised July 2015, previous editions will not be accepted.*"​: