How do I join Marine Corps Junior ROTC?

If you are interested in taking Marine Corps Junior ROTC as a class, contact the Marine Corps JROTC instructor in your school, or your guidance counselor.

Am I eligible to participate in Marine Corps Junior ROTC?

The criteria for determining eligibility to participate in Marine Corps Junior ROTC are:

1. High school enrollment
2. Citizenship
3. Physical fitness

High School Enrollment

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

Citizenship

Students enrolled in the Marine Corps Junior ROTC program must be in one of the following three citizenship categories:

1. Citizens of the United States
2. Nationals of the United States
3. Aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence

Physical Fitness

Participation in the Marine Corps Junior ROTC also requires that students meet health and physical standards. The Semper Fit Fitness Program is the Marine Corps Junior ROTC 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.

Where are the Marine Corps Junior ROTC programs located?

Currently there are 222 high schools in the United States and overseas that host Marine Corps Junior ROTC programs.  The two Marine Corps Junior ROTC programs overseas are located in Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS) in Japan.  A complete listing of our units can be found at http://www.mcjrotc.org/units/default.aspx.

My high school does not have a Marine Corps Junior ROTC program, but another high school in my area does.  May I participate in that school’s program?

No.  In order to participate in Marine Corps Junior ROTC, you must be enrolled in and attending a regular course of instruction in a high school where a Marine Corps Junior ROTC unit is located. You may not attend one high school and participate in the Marine Corps Junior ROTC program of another high school.

I am a home schooled student.  If the high school I would normally attend has a Marine Corps Junior ROTC, may I participate in that program?

The Marine Corps Junior ROTC programs are administered by the schools in which they are located.  Home schooled children have participated in the program before but this is a decision that is made by the host school’s administration.  If interested, contact your high school’s main office.

My high school does not have a Marine Corps Junior ROTC unit.  How does my school apply for a program?

Applications for a Marine Corps Junior ROTC program are accepted at any time.  Applications must be submitted by the school district’s Superintendent on behalf of the interested high school.  The application and terms of unit establishment can both be found in the download section of our website.  If you would like your school to apply for a program, please notify your school principal.

Will I have any military obligation if I enroll in Marine Corps Junior ROTC?

No.  While some Marine Corps Junior ROTC cadets do join the military upon graduation from high school, there is no commitment to do so.  In fact, the majority of students who participate in Marine Corps Junior ROTC go on to other endeavors, such as joining the civilian workforce or entering college.  Whatever the chosen path is, the effects of Marine Corps Junior ROTC extend far beyond the classroom by developing character, leadership, and civic responsibility.  The program ultimately produces young men and women who are ready to accept the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship.

What if I want to join the military upon completion of Marine Corps Junior ROTC?

A student presenting evidence of successful completion of at least 2 academic years any Junior ROTC program (Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps) is entitled to advanced promotion to the grade of E-2 on initial enlistment in an Active or Reserve component of the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps.  At their discretion, the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps may award the grade of E-3 for successful completion of 3 academic years of the Junior ROTC program.  Contact you local armed services recruiter for more information.

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?  Send your question to info@mcjrotc.org.