Williamsburg James City County (WJCC) Schools will establish an Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AJROTC) program beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year following approval from the United States Army Cadet Command in April 2026.
All WJCC high school students are eligible to participate. Like other JROTC programs, the program will be hosted at one school, Jamestown, and transportation will be provided for Lafayette and Warhill students.
The program will employ an officer (Senior Army Instructor) and a non-commissioned officer (Army Instructor). Instructor applications will be accepted beginning May 2, 2026.
What is AJROTC?
Army JROTC is a leadership development program offered as an elective course during the school day. It focuses on building confidence, teamwork, discipline, and responsibility. Students participate in classroom instruction, hands-on activities, and team-based experiences that prepare them for success in college, careers, and life.
Participation in AJROTC does not commit a student to future military service. AJROTC is not a military recruitment program.
Course Description: Army JROTC I
This course introduces students to the foundations of the Army JROTC program, the rights and responsibilities of US Citizenship, the principle components of leadership, and the foundational elements needed for academic and career success. Additionally, students receive instruction in U.S. and military history, discipline, personal wellness, physical fitness, career education, and workplace readiness skills. Extracurricular opportunities are available to cadet corps members. Enrolled students must maintain acceptable standards of appearance, conduct and academic achievement.
Additional Questions
Enrollment is open to any rising 9-12 grade student at any WJCC high school with interest in the program. Interested students must submit the Enrollment Request Form to their School Counselor no later than Friday, April 24, for best consideration. If requests exceed enrollment capacity, the program will be managed through a waitlist. Students will be notified of any update to their enrollment request if necessary.
School Counselors will document the request in VUE and follow up with the student/family if there are any questions or updates needed.
No. JROTC is offered as part of the regular school program. There are no additional course fees to participate.
Like many JROTC programs, WJCC’s program will be hosted at one school: Jamestown. All WJCC high school students are eligible to participate; transportation will be provided for Lafayette and Warhill students.
Army JROTC I is an elective course and will meet once every other day (one block). Exact scheduling structures will be confirmed after enrollment numbers have been finalized.
Army JROTC counts as a CTE Elective towards student graduation requirements.
Army JROTC Cadets are students who are enrolled in the program and participate in the curricular and co-curricular activities of the unit.
Students (cadets) learn leadership, citizenship, wellness, military history, drill & ceremony, first aid, and core life skills.
Full course description: This course introduces students to the foundations of the Army JROTC program, the rights and responsibilities of US Citizenship, the principle components of leadership, and the foundational elements needed for academic and career success. Additionally, students receive instruction in U.S. and military history, discipline, personal wellness, physical fitness, career education, and workplace readiness skills. Extracurricular opportunities are available to cadet corps members. Enrolled students must maintain acceptable standards of appearance, conduct and academic achievement.
JROTC students are expected to follow school rules and uphold high standards of conduct.
As part of the program, cadets will also be expected to meet basic grooming and uniform standards, which may include maintaining a neat appearance, adhering to guidelines for hair and personal presentation, and properly wearing the JROTC uniform on designated days.
Students enrolling in JROTC should expect to participate in activities that demand varying physical levels. Physical activities may require a medical/physical exam and clearance before students are allowed to participate.
Parents/Guardians will be required to complete and submit a JROTC Student Code of Conduct and Parent/Guardian Consent Form.
Certified instructors with military experience, hired by the school district and approved by the U.S. Army, will lead AJROTC.
No. JROTC is a school-based program that develops leadership abilities and foundational skills needed for academic and career success. There is no military service obligation.
Army and Reserve Enlistment Program Note:
For students interested in military enlistment options based on JROTC program completion:
AR 601-210 REGULAR ARMY AND RESERVE COMPONENTS ENLISTMENT PROGRAM
2–18. Enlistment pay grades for personnel without prior service This paragraph applies to Delayed Entry Program (DEP), Delayed Training Program (DTP), or Army National Guard (ARNG) applicants.
a. The following explains who may enlist and when and at what pay grade. An applicant who—
- Has no qualifications for advancement to pay grade higher than E–1 may enlist at any time.
- Has completed 2 or more years of Junior ROTC, or a National Defense Cadet Corps Program, may enlist at anytime at pay grade private E–2, and applicants are eligible for the rank of private first class (E-3) under these qualifications: Completing three academic years of JROTC (or other National Defense Cadet Corps Program).
Cadets may qualify for ROTC scholarships in college, which are separate from JROTC enrollment.
Enrollment
Students who will be in high school in the 2026-2027 school year can submit an Enrollment Request Form to their current counselor by Friday, April 24, 2026. Students will need to identify which elective course they will drop in order to add the AJROTC I course. Parent/Guardian signature is required on the Enrollment Request Form.
