What should I do about my JROTC Drill Team?

Question

I am the commander of the Unarmed Drill Team at my school and I've put alot of work into is this past summer and 1st half of school. Although I've put my all into it there is one person holding us back. The Drill Team sponsor (who is also my JROTC insturctor) is very lazy in doing anything for us. He doesn't: watch us practice, give helpful tips, talk to us the whole practice time, or commend us for anything. He actually has a problem with us practicing 3x a week because last year we only practiced 1x a week. I was trying to get up to go to the Nationals in Florida this year, but thats all gone. I don't even think we'll make it to regioinals! He is just a big morale killer! All he does during our practice is sit behind his computer in his classroom and watch Judge Judy. Its really annyoing since I already expressed to him that I would like him to participate, but I guess he feels he doesn't want a student to tell him what 2 do.What do you think? what should I do? This is Army JROTC btw

Answer 1

Well First off I would like to commend you for all you are trying to do for your unit. As it is a very very difficult role to be a commander of your unarmed drill team. So Congratulations on the job and a job well done. As for your instructor, Do you only have one instructor or do you have two? If you have two, go to your senior instructor and tell him about your concerns. JROTC is trying to boost the morale of children and help them become better students and leaders, and if your instructor isn't doing that then there is aproblem. If he is the only instructor, then go to your principal. Tell your principal that he is not helping and having your principal deal with him. If all else fails, contact your Area Manager, I know you guys have one of those. Write to your Area Manager and address your concerns. He will probably deal with that better.

Take pride in what you do, and good luck your second half of the year. Remember that teamwork is always the best, and even if your instructor doesn't help you, you can get yourself to national standards. And when you get there, you'll feel even better about yourself ebcause you got there by yourself, and with the leadership that you and your command has put into you.

Answer 2

If all you want is someone who will help you with drill consider going to the local Legion or VFW. You might run into a salty old DI who would love to help you guys out.

Generally speaking you might be able to find a vet or even a recruiter who will help out with drill. As far as your actual admin issues with your instructor I can't really offer you any advice.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Don't you have 2 instructors? An officer and a senior enlisted man? Talk to the other one, and if that fails, and you think this really matters in your life, talk to an instructor at another school. See what advice you can get.

Answer 4

well, just ot say i was the leader of a drill team for California Cadet Corps, we had somewhat of the same problem, anywho the bvest thing i could think to do would have you go talk to his superiors in the area and tell him of this activity and tel lthem that you would lie kfor him to partivcipate more and help out, if he still doesnt then tell his superiror again and have him deal with it, there really is nothign you can do here besides take charge and lead them and help the people in your team to succeed.

Answer 5

JROTC instructors become JROTC instructors because they have no place in the operational army. As such, they're not going to do anything about this.

Answer 6

Get a few others and hold a "blanket party"

Answer 7

Utilize your chain of command. That's what it's there for.

Answer 8

Talk to his commander about it.