Instructor Information

Unlike when the ASVAB test is administered at the MEPS, the ASVAB Career Exploration Program is administered in the high school setting and it combines the test with an interest self-assessment and a wide range of career exploration tools.  It is free to participating schools.  In addition to its outstanding value as a career exploration tool, taking the ASVAB also helps prepare students for other timed standardized tests. 

The ASVAB Career Exploration Program can be administered to students during their 10th, 11th, or 12th grade year.  When it is administered during the 10th grade, the ASVAB results are valid for career exploration only, are not released to military recruiters, and cannot be used for military enlistment purposes.

JROTC instructors are encouraged to support the administration of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program in their school to all students (during their 10th, 11th, or 12th grade year).  If this is not feasible, it may be possible to schedule the program for JROTC students, or for a select group of students who sign-up for the program. 

The points of contact for the ASVAB Career Exploration Program are the Education Services Specialists on staff at the MEPS.  At the Jackson MEPS this is Mrs. Martha Ueltschey at 601-355-4650/3835 ext. 263; 800-323-0513; or martha.m.ueltschey.civ@mail.mil. 

Some JROTC instructors have expressed a need to gain a level of proficiency in a foreign language, to effectively communicate with some students and parents. The Department of Defense has online language resources available to assist in gaining language proficiency. For those instructors eligible to access Navy Knowledge Online, there are also language resources available there, in the e-learning section.

Spanish is the language that seems to be the greatest need among JROTC instructors.  There are numerous commercial websites available for learning Spanish.  Some offer instruction for free, others have a charge, or will charge for higher level instruction.   A web search will reveal numerous websites.  Listed below are some examples of the sites available.  This is by no means a complete list of all the websites available, and these websites are in no way endorsed or recommended above other websites.

• http://www.spanishdict.com/
• http://www.studyspanish.com/

JROTC units typically have some of the largest and most successful fundraisers at their school.  As you make your fundraising plans, please consider healthy options rather than candy sales.  There are many other alternatives for successful fundraisers that support healthy lifestyles.  Healthy fundraising ideas are available at:

• http://www.cspinet.org/schoolfundraising.pdf

Many of the healthy alternatives can actually generate more funds for your JROTC program than selling candy.  Candy and other foods/beverages with little nutritional value sold as fundraisers, sold at school concessions, or served in celebration events are discouraged or forbidden by many School Wellness Policies.

JROTC needs to be part of the healthy solution, rather than part of the problem.  It is time to change the culture, and help our students and community make healthier choices.

The Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program has an outstanding curriculum which includes strong emphasis on physical education and health education.   JROTC can substitute for the ½ Carnegie unit graduation requirements for PE and/or Health.  For further explanation and the references relating to this, click here.

JROTC is included as a Career Pathway graduation option, under the Government and Public Administration cluster - National Security pathway.  Click here to view an information booklet on this career pathway option. 

The Mississippi Air National Guard Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) located in Gulfport offers a variety of support for JROTC field trips and events, as shown in this Power Point presentation.  In addition, JROTC units can contact the CRTC to arrange tours of the bombing range/assault strip at Camp Shelby.

Navy, Army, and Marine Corps Enlisted JROTC instructors must have at least an associates degree within 5 years of initial employment.  Enlisted Air Force JROTC instructors must have a Bachelor's degree.  This is a condition of employment and is a federal requirement that will not be waived.  This degree should be from an accredited college or university.

The accreditation status of colleges can be verified at the U.S. Department of Education web site at:

• http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx

Those instructors who are registered with the Veterans Administration, and receiving disability benefits, may qualify for educational assistance to cover the cost of obtaining an associates degree through the VA's Vocational Rehabilitation program.  Information on this program can be found at:

• http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm

Per the Children First Act of 2009, students who fail to attain a 2.0 average for their semester grades will be suspended from participation in extracurricular activities during the following semester.  This suspension can only be removed by attaining at least a 2.0 average for subsequent semester grades.  This requirement impacts cadet eligibility to participate in extracurricular (outside of class time) JROTC activities.  The state law code for this is:  37-11-65.

The Mississippi JROTC educator license lends professional credibility to JROTC instructors and puts them on an equal status with other certified teachers. The Mississippi JROTC educator license (endorsement code 499) is valid for a period of 3 years. The requirements for applying for the license and renewal of the license, are on page 33 of the document at the following link: Licensure Guidelines (PAGE 33)
All JROTC instructors should ensure that they maintain a current Mississippi JROTC teaching license. Mississippi teachers may now access their teaching license online through the Educator Licensure Management System. JROTC instructors may view their credentials and degrees that are on file. The online renewal process does not apply to JROTC licenses. Renewal of a JROTC license still requires submission of a written request by the school district as outlined in the above guidelines.