Launch a Program

Great question! The answer depends based on your location and the JROTC program you’re interested in launching. In order to be considered, you have to submit an application with one of the JROTC Cadet Commands listed lower on this page. The JROTC Cadet Command will review your application and connect with you to ensure your school meets the necessary guidelines to host a program. Each service area has different guidelines that a school system must comply with before a program is granted. (I.E space, funds, student population of the school, a set minimum number of students that must be enrolled in the program, etc.

The school system must commit to keeping the JROTC program for at least two years. A contract is signed between the school superintendent and the military. Since JROTC falls under the auspices of Career and Technical Education, the school system’s CTE administrator must be in on all decisions made to begin the program. The salaries and benefits for each JROTC instructor is budgeted against Maintenance of Effort (MOE) for CTE in that system.

Two JROTC instructors counts as one instructional unit, because the system will be responsible for paying 100% of the salary and benefits for each instructor up front and reimbursed by the respective branch of service 50% of that salary only.

A JROTC unit is required to be staffed with a minimum of two instructors. JROTC Instructors normally consist of one retired officer (the Senior Army Instructor, or SAI) and one noncommissioned officer (the Army Instructor, or AI). A school system can recommend an instructor to the cadet command to teach after an interview is conducted. 

The Army reimburses schools for a percentage of each instructors pay and provides Cadet uniforms, equipment, automation, and an accredited and rigorous curriculum. 

Contact your respective Cadet Command below for more information.