What it means to be in the Junior ROTC
Classroom studies five days a week include aerospace science, leadership training and life skills, such as personal responsibility, teamwork, communications and management.
Military drill practice at 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday.
By Victoria Van Harlingen
Contributing Writer
LEBANON — One of the programs saved by the passing of the recent school levy is Lebanon High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps classes. The AFJROTC has been a part of Lebanon High School’s curriculum since 1977.
The school offers the program through all four years of high school. Lebanon High School AFJROTC Instructor Maj. Mardis “Chip” Parker said 139 students are enrolled in the program.
“Our community benefits from numerous hours of service provided by the students, with nearly 4,100 hours completed last year,” Parker said. “Also, cadets who complete training with the program benefit by being eligible for a higher rank and pay grade immediately upon enlisting into the Armed Forces.”
Lebanon High School sophomore Jessie Norris is a student in the AFJROTC.
She grew up listening to stories about the military from her grandfather, former Marine James Norris, and developed an interest in military history.
Then, several of her friends urged her to join the AFJROTC with them.
The 6 a.m. military drill practice time four days a week was daunting at first, but Jessie says it’s worth the effort.
“Four years of ROTC really helps you plan for your future,” Jessie said. “You learn a tremendous amount about military air flight and the history of other countries. Four years of ROTC also means a lot when you apply to college. You’ve gone through a valuable training process, and that means something.”
Lebanon’s AFJROTC drill team competes all over Ohio and parts of Kentucky. The team has won the Ohio state title the last four years.
When asked why his military drill team is so successful, Parker replied, “I attribute our successful drill team to a couple of factors: First, we have a dedicated, disciplined and highly-motivated group of cadets; and second, they are trained by caring, professional enlisted instructors.”