In the sea of plainclothes wandering North Atlanta’s standard, school-issue hallways, there’s usually a guarantee of at least a few, slightly more formal faces. Ones clad in dark blue uniforms, decorated in various insignia, and clicking around softly in dressy, soled shoes. Characterized by their signature fit and constant presence, the cadets of North Atlanta High School’s Junior Reserves Officer Training Corps (JROTC) hold special significance in Warrior culture, and it’s high time they got the coverage they deserve.
With some of their first high school chapters being established nearly 100 years ago, the JROTC is an American career pathway offered to high school students interested in fostering personal growth and service-based skills, while also providing a well-rounded understanding of military service and national defense. Considered the little sibling branch of the much more established ROTC (the college and original™ model), JROTC offers more student-tailored activities, including Leadership and Academic Bowls and various competitive teams.
What’s more is that the program’s reach 100% hits home in the Peach State. Within APS alone JROTC has one of the highest student participation rates of all offered career/technical field pathways. Across the district, there are over 3,000 participants, and the program has become a largely integrated part of the school system, with cadets performing during major events, organizing teams, and acting as signatories for district-wide leadership initiatives. APS JROTC Deputy Director Sergeant Major James Harris expounded on why JROTC became so popular in the district and explained that, ultimately, it was because of how adept it was at hitting all of the ligaments of personal, academic, and physical growth in one go. “The goal of JROTC isn’t necessarily to encourage participation in the military,” Harris said, “it’s a way to get ahead in the game. JROTC provides a completely unique blend of leadership and community activeness- you can’t get that in many other school programs.”
North Atlanta’s JROTC is a golden example of the “blend” in action. The Warrior Battalion has time and time again provided invaluable leadership by spearheading pep rallies, presenting Color Guard at home football games, coordinating service events (blood drives, food distribution, etc.), and establishing North Atlanta’s presence in extraneous activities- such as Riflery, the JROTC Cadet Leadership Camp, and the APS’ Military Ball.
Instructor First Sergeant Joseph Barker described cadet efforts as a way to foster a sense of civic duty. “Every day, whenever they enter the classroom, it’s about working to become better citizens;” Barker said, “learning is always the goal.” And even beyond a classroom setting, JROTC cadets & staff members are constantly leading, orienting, and even coordinating events to uphold critical cornerstones of North Atlanta culture. So the next time you see a uniform? Give them a thank-you!
