BHS-JROTC
7 August 2014
MEMORANDUM FOR JROTC CADETS AND PARENTS
SUBJECT: Welcome Letter
1. I would like to welcome you to the Brandon High School Army Junior Reserve Officer Corps (JROTC).
Welcome to our “BULLDOG BATTALION”! For those of you returning, welcome back.
2. In this program we pride ourselves in maintaining a high standard of excellence and our expectations are even higher. The Brandon Bulldog Battalion is one of the largest and most successful JROTC units in the state of Mississippi. The high standards, combined with the outstanding performances of our cadets, consistently earned us the highest honor that a JROTC unit can earn-“Honor Unit with Distinction.” Our mission is “to motivate young people to be better citizens.” We do this by using sound teaching skills and leadership experience to teach self-discipline, confidence, teamwork, and pride in a job well done.
3. UNIFORM: There is no cost for issued uniforms however, cadets are responsible for keeping the uniform clean, neat and pressed. The proper wear and care of the uniform is taught by each instructor. Most items are wash and wear, however the dress green/blue coat and slacks must be dry cleaned. If uniform items are lost or damaged due to neglect, the cadet/parent will be held liable for replacement. This could cost up to $250.00 for the entire uniform. Uniform days are Wednesday and Thursday depending on the cadet’s schedule. On
Wednesday the cadets will wear their Class A or Class B Uniform (Dress Green/Blue). Thursday they will wear a BHS JROTC Polo shirt and Khaki/Tan Pants (long pants only) and Tennis shoes. The cost of the Polo shirt is $30.00 which will be collected sometime during the first two weeks of school so we may order the shirts as soon as possible. There will be no requirement for a new Polo for returning cadets unless the Polo from last school year has been lost or damaged. Uniform Days are 50% of the cadet’s grade. If a cadet fails to wear the prescribed uniform for 3 days during a nine week period the cadet will receive a failing grade for that nine weeks period.
4. APPEARANCE: One of the highest standards we uphold is in appearance not only in our classes but also outside the JROTC class. All cadets will adhere to the BHS dress code when not in uniform and will adhere to the JROTC Regulation when in uniform. In accordance with our regulatory guidance set by the U.S. Army
Cadet Command, CCR 145-2 paragraph 10-6. "The JROTC Program is a uniformed program where discipline is judged, in part, by the manner in which a cadet wears a prescribed uniform, as well as by the individual's personal appearance. Therefore, a neat and well-groomed appearance by all cadets is fundamental to the
JROTC Program and contributes to building the pride and esprit essential to an effective Corps of Cadets."
Male Hair-cut standards: Hair will be neat, conservative and neatly groomed. The bulk of the hair will not be excessive or present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. Hair will not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the bottom edge of the collar. Hair should be tapered and conform to the contour of the head.The top will be proportionally cut so not to present a bulky appearance. If you have any questions regarding these standards please call or E-mail an instructor.
5. JROTC ACTIVITIES: While not a requirement for successful completion of JROTC, extracurricular activities are an important part of our overall program. The following is a list of activities offered with a short explanation of each:
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BHS-JROTC
SUBJECT: Welcome Letter
7 August 2014 a. Color Guard – This is a special team that represents the Bulldog Battalion by ceremonially presenting the
Colors (National Flag) at school and community events. They appear at football games, basketball games and community events. The Color Guard also competes in several drill competitions throughout the school year.
b. Drill Team – This team represents the Battalion by competing at drill meets throughout Rankin County as well as the State. The drill teams are graded for precision, synchronization and accuracy of movement during drill and ceremonies.
c. Rifle Team - This team trains and competes in rifle matches against other JROTC teams in the county as well as other states. The team consists of male and female shooters who are trained to fire special air rifles.
d. Raiders Team - This team builds expertise in orienteering, map reading, and physical fitness excellence.
The team will compete both within the county and across the state during orienteering and physical training meets. This team practices very strenuous physical fitness tasks. Although any cadet is welcome to work, this team activity does require a very high level of physical fitness excellence.
e. As a general rule, these activities meet twice a week immediately following school and last until 5:00 p.m. If your cadet is a member of one of these teams please be prepared to pick them up on time or make arrangements to have someone pick them up no later than 5:00 p.m.
Team members who consistently cannot meet pick up requirements at dismissal will not be allowed to continue on the team.
6. FEES and FUNDRAISERS: While we intend to minimize fee collection, there are some inherent costs associated with the various activities associated with JROTC. BHS-JROTC will conduct several fundraisers throughout the school year. Funds raised from these events go towards the Military Ball, Field Trips, special equipment, and event fees for the Drill, Rifle, and Raider teams. Parents and Cadets also have an option to pay a onetime fee early in the school year which will substantially reduce fundraising activities. Parents who choose to pay a onetime fee of $150 will be issued a receipt and an account will be set up in your cadet’s name under the JROTC fund. This “flat rate” will include the cadet cost for the military ball, the field trip, and the earlier mentioned “Polo shirt” requirement. (If a returning cadet still possesses a Polo shirt, then the flat fee rate will be $120) . NOTE: The “Flat Rate” fee does not include any inherent costs affiliated with the extracurricular teams.
7. PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH CREDIT: Students are allowed to use JROTC as a PE & Health
Credit. As has been in the past, if a student is not able to participate in any strenuous activities, a written note from a Physician must accompany the Health Statement enclosed. Each and every cadet is required to conduct a form of Physical Training(PT) one day every week. PT is typically led by cadet leadership and supervised by the instructor staff. ALL JROTC cadets are required to bring a set of exercise clothes to class with them on PT days. Failure to do so could result in negative reflection on grades as this is a measure of a cadet’s ability to plan, prepare and be responsible.
8. PARENT INVOLVEMENT: Over the course of the school year there will be several competitive events with other schools. We highly encourage you to attend these events in support of your cadet. Also, chaperones are needed for the yearly field trip taken during the year. Please sign all the provided forms and return no later than Friday, 15 August 2014.
We will be hosting a parent night in the BHS multi-purpose center on the evening of August 19, 2014.
The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. and last for approximately 2 hours. We encourage all parents to attend. We will present a detailed presentation outlining our program for the year, along with some short exhibitions by some of our extracurricular teams. Additionally, Cadets who bring their parents to this event will earn an achievement ribbon which may be worn on their uniform.
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BHS-JROTC
SUBJECT: Welcome Letter
7 August 2014
9. As a reminder, there is no military obligation for any JROTC Cadet, nor is there any cost for books or uniforms. On behalf of myself, SFC (R) Watts and SFC (R) Christian, we look forward to another successful year for the BHS Army JROTC program and we thank you in advance for your continued cooperation and great support. If you have any questions feel free to contact us at (601) 824-9174. Likewise, below is our list of email addresses:
Lieutenant Colonel(R) Pippen lynn.pippen@rcsd.ms
Sergeant First Class(R) Christian- charles.christian@rcsd.ms
Sergeant First Class(R) Watts- sam.watts@rcsd.ms
CLIFTON L. PIPPEN
LTC, (RET)
Senior Army Instructor
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