Student Life

Army Junior ROTC

Army Junior ROTC Program in Georgia

Riverside Preparatory Academy offers many ways for our cadets to explore pathways to leadership and service – including our U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. Sponsored by the United States Armed Forces, Junior ROTC programs are an excellent way for cadets to learn about citizenship, service to their country, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment. The program combines challenging academic content with authentic learning experiences and co-curricular activities – some of which include opportunities to compete against other cadets from across the country.

Our Army Junior ROTC (or JROTC) program prepares students for leadership roles in future military or civilian endeavors.

Benefits of Joining Junior ROTC:

Academic curriculum that focuses on citizenship, leadership, and service
Local, state, and national competition opportunities
Travel and hands-on learning experiences
Access to Junior ROTC scholarships

Interested in joining our award-winning Army Junior ROTC program? Contact militarydept@riversideprep.org.

An Honor Unit with Distinction

As of our latest JROTC Program for Inspection visit in May 2023, Riverside JROTC maintains our status as an Honor Unit with Distinction.
This designation reflects the ability to maintain exceptionally high standards of training and discipline.

Junior ROTC Activities & Competitions

Our Junior ROTC cadets have the opportunity to compete against cadets from across the country across a variety of activities – providing motivation and encouragement, discipline, and travel opportunities.

Raiders

Riverside's Raider Teams compete in a 5K Team Run, Rope Bridge, Cross Country Rescue, The Gauntlet, and a Physical Fitness Team Test at several meets each season. Cadets challenge themselves physically as they train to compete here on campus and across the United States.

Riverside currently holds the National Champion title in both the Challenger and Army divisions. Our 2024-2025 competitions include meets at Lumpkin, Dawson, Cedar Shoals, Hiram, and Nationals at Ft. Knox, KY.

Raiders success stories:

Raiders’ Success at Nationals in Fort Knox (11/9/2023)
Truong “Nick” Le Credits Mentors with His Success (4/3/2023)

Drill Team

Riverside's armed Drill Team travels around the state to compete at the squad and platoon levels as well as in Color Guard. Cadets learn discipline, precision, and attention to detail while developing the skills needed to lead and move formations.

Rifle Team

Riverside's Rifle Team focuses on control and discipline to master the art of target shooting. Cadets train in the Standing, Kneeling, and Prone shooting positions.

For the 2024-2025 school year, Riverside has both a Sporter and Precision team with the Precision team competing as a GHSA sports team.

Rifle Team success stories:

Raider Team Wins Nationals (11/9/2021)
Rifle Team Makes National Championship (2/7/2020)

JROTC Leadership & Academic Bowl (JLAB)

Junior ROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB) is a national competition that empowers cadets to leverage both academic and leadership knowledge as a team. Riverside's Academic and Leadership teams compete with cadets across the country, striving to attend the Level III Championship competition in Washington, DC.

Junior ROTC Curriculum

The Junior ROTC curriculum is divided into seven sections or units. Each unit offers a new opportunity, challenge, and different perspective from which the student can see himself and the world around him. Here’s a sample of what you’ll learn as part of our curriculum.

Unit 1: Citizenship in Action - helps develop new skills the student will need in school and throughout his life. It engages him in the practice of basic citizenship customs and traditions and in the exploration of opportunities for non-military and military national service.

Unit 2: Leadership Theory and Application - teaches the student about leadership. It teaches how to BE a leader, what you need to KNOW when you are influencing others and what you DO when you are leading.

ROTC Scholarships and Career Pathways

The U.S. Military offers unique opportunities and benefits for students planning to pursue a college degree. Service Academies, Senior Military Colleges, and Maritime Academies offer a world-class education, often granting scholarships in exchange for a period of service.

Senior Military Colleges (SMCs) offer a combination of higher education with military instruction. SMCs include Texas A&M University, Norwich University, The Virginia Military Institute, The Citadel, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), and the University of North Georgia. Every cadet must participate in the Reserve Officer Training Corps, but only cadets receiving an ROTC scholarship are required to enter military service following graduation. Learn more about our post-secondary partnerships.

Students who participate in Riverside Prep’s Army Junior ROTC program have access to college counseling including assistance applying for these and other scholarship opportunities.

Army ROTC Scholarship

The Army ROTC Scholarship is a merit-based, four-year college scholarship.

It can be applied toward tuition and fees or room and board. In addition to the scholarship, cadets receive a $1,200 annual book allowance and up to $6,000 per year for subsistence.

In order to receive this scholarship, students must meet or exceed the minimal standards in each of the following areas: grades, physical fitness, height and weight standards, commitment, and potential to become an officer upon completing his degree. Recipients must be willing to serve in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, or U.S. Army National Guard as an officer upon completion of degrees.

University of North Georgia Military Scholarship

The State of Georgia awards 42 outstanding high school seniors the University of North Georgia Military Scholarship each year.

It is a merit-based, four-year college scholarship that factors in preparation for college, leadership, extracurricular activities, and desire to serve in the Georgia Army National Guard. This scholarship pays for tuition and mandatory fees, uniforms, books, room and board, and meal plan.

Each applicant must receive a nomination from a Georgia Legislator in his congressional district. Scholarship recipients agree to attend the University of North Georgia (The Military College of Georgia), participate in the Corps of Cadets, graduate with a bachelor's degree, and enlist in the Georgia Army National Guard where they commission as officers.

Junior ROTC FAQs

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

Who can join the Army Junior ROTC Program?

The program is open to all students enrolled at Riverside who are interested in developing leadership skills, understanding military values, and enhancing their physical fitness. No military service commitment is required for participation.
How does the program prepare students for future success?

Our Junior ROTC Program emphasizes leadership development, critical thinking, and teamwork through classroom instruction, physical training, and extracurricular competitions. Students learn to apply these skills in various settings, preparing them for success in their future careers and as active, contributing members of society.
How does Riverside support cadets in achieving the Honor Unit with Distinction designation?

Achieving the Honor Unit with Distinction designation reflects our commitment to maintaining high standards of training and discipline. Our instructors and staff provide rigorous training, mentorship, and support to ensure that our cadets excel both individually and as a team.
Are there any opportunities for scholarships through the Junior ROTC Program?

Cadets in the Junior ROTC Program have the opportunity to compete for ROTC scholarships and nominations to Senior Military Colleges and Service Academies, which can cover tuition, room and board, and other expenses in exchange for military service after graduation.
What kind of support does Riverside provide for Junior ROTC cadets?

Riverside offers comprehensive support for Junior ROTC cadets, including academic tutoring, leadership mentoring, physical fitness training, and guidance on college and scholarship applications. Our goal is to ensure every cadet has the resources and support they need to thrive.
What types of competitions do Junior ROTC cadets participate in?

Our cadets compete in various events, including Raider Challenges, Drill Team competitions, Rifle Team matches, and the Junior ROTC Leadership & Academic Bowl (JLAB). These competitions allow cadets to showcase their skills, discipline, and teamwork while also providing opportunities to travel and meet other Junior ROTC participants from across the country.
Can participating in Junior ROTC help with college admissions?

Participation in Junior ROTC is viewed positively by many colleges and universities as a demonstration of leadership potential and commitment. Additionally, our program offers guidance and support for students applying for ROTC scholarships and military academy nominations. Learn more about our post-secondary partnerships.
What is the Army Junior ROTC Program at Riverside?

The Army Junior ROTC Program at Riverside is a comprehensive leadership program designed to instill in students the values of citizenship, service to the United States, and personal responsibility through military-based education and discipline.