Expectations of Students Enrolled in the La Cueva Marine Corps Junior ROTC

1. The La Cueva High School Marine Corps JROTC, although relatively new, is a nationally recognized program that has appealed to many of the top students at LCHS. Several of our graduates have been appointed to the service academies, received college ROTC scholarships, and still others are serving in the various branches of the Armed Forces. Many of our former students are in college or are working in the civilian community - applying the leadership skills learned and developed while in this program. In addition, many varsity athletes are enrolled in the Marine Corps JROTC unit.

2. The primary purpose of the Marine Corps JROTC program is Leadership Education. The emphasis of our instruction is developing leadership skills. In order to be a good leader, one must first learn to be a good follower. As a cadet gains experience and knowledge, he or she will be given active, hands-on leadership responsibilities within the JROTC program.

3. The Marine Corps JROTC Leadership Education program places a great deal of emphasis on the development of self-discipline, leadership, honor, integrity and the value of community service. Citizenship training is emphasized throughout the program and reinforced by using current events and activities occurring in Albuquerque, the state, nation, and the world. In addition, students are acquainted with basic military skills and Marine Corps traditions.

4. The success each student achieves while in the Marine Corps JROTC program depends to a large extent on their willingness to get involved and participate in the program. Satisfactory performance within the program will result in the cadet receiving passing grades during the quarterly marking periods. However, since the Marine Corps JROTC program is structured to function much like a military organization, there will also be opportunities for cadets to develop leadership skills and to progress in rank. Promotions, especially those to the senior enlisted and officer ranks, are based on a cadet's overall performance and their demonstrated capability to assume greater responsibility. Additionally, a great deal is expected from cadets promoted to leadership positions. Cadets who accept top-level promotions also accept the additional duties and responsibilities that go along with the promotion. Conversely, top-level promotions may be rescinded if a cadet, once promoted and assigned to a leadership position, demonstrates that he/she is incapable or unwilling to put forth the time and effort to successfully meet the obligations of the grade and billet assigned.

5. The La Cueva Marine Corps JROTC rank structure is the same as that used by all Marine Corps JROTC units across the country and is modeled after that of the United States Marine Corps. The cadets that become senior officers and staff noncommissioned officers find themselves active participants in the leadership of the La Cueva Marine Corps JROTC program.