Frequently Asked Questions

  • For whom do the MCJROTC instructors work?

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    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 and MI works for the principal. The school and the instructor mutually agree on the length of the instructor’s contract. 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.  
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  • Who are the MCJROTC Instructors?

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    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 Education Program at a school hosting an MCJROTC program is called the Senior Marine Instructor (SMI).  Enlisted personnel employed by the school in the MCJROTC program are called Marine Instructors (MI).  At FOHI MCJROTC, the SMI is LtCol Meelarp and the MI is MSgt Harkley.  The minimum education requirement for SMIs is a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.  All MCJROTC instructors must be certified by Headquarters Marine Corps.  Additionally, SMI and MI must meet state teaching credentialing requirements.  

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  • What subjects are included in the curriculum?

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    The wide variety of subjects includes the following:
    • 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).
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  • What are the benefits of MCJROTC?

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    Benefits include:
    • 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 successfully completing 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 successfully complete 2 years of MCJROTC 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.  
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  • What are the student enrollment eligibility requirements?

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    • Be enrolled at Fontana High School
    • Be physically qualified to participate fully in the physical education 
    • Be selected by the MCJROTC instructor with the approval of the school principal or administrative 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 and uniform wear. Standards will not be relaxed so as to reflect disgrace on the United States Marine Corps.
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  • What does the MCJROTC program do?

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    The MCJROTC program:
    • 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
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