Welcome to the Pioneer Battalion

Senior Army Instructor : LTC (Ret) John T. Brooks

Army Instructor: MSG (Ret) Garland C. Stables

FACT SHEET

The mission of the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps is to motivate young people to be better Americans. The nation-wide program was organized under the authority of the National Defense Act of 1916 with the purpose of providing leadership training and academic preparation to high school students in grades 9-12. Its current objectives are: to foster patriotism and good citizenship, to develop self-reliance and self-discipline among its members, to improve oral and written communications, to improve physical fitness and to increase graduation rates among students who are often "at risk" in terminating their high school experience.

The curriculum of JROTC is based on a systematic progression of learning designed for the personal development of cadets at each grade level. In addition to its focus on building strong citizenship and leadership skills, JROTC possesses a multi-discipline approach to education which directly reinforces self-discipline, personal success and an awareness of post high school educational opportunities. The program is especially designed to provide a structured learning environment to counter negative societal influences and drug/alcohol abuse.

Currently, two to three days per week are devoted to classroom instruction, leadership training, guest speakers and current events; while two days are generally used for physical training and leadership lab. Students are afforded additional socialization and competition through a broad JROTC extracurricular program ranging from marksmanship competition, adventure training, sightseeing tours and drill competitions on the local and national level. Each summer interested students are given the opportunity to attend a free, week long, leadership evaluation and adventure training camp with other students from across the state and region.

Other benefits of the Thomas Walker JROTC include: no expense for participating in the program (all uniforms and instructional material is issued free of charge), the granting of academic credit for each JROTC course toward high school graduation, the availability of scholarships for college attendance, administrative assistance in applying for college scholarships and Service Academy appointments, no "military service" obligation for JROTC participation, accelerated promotions upon entrance into any military service in recognition of high school JROTC participation.

The Thomas Walker High School Army JROTC program was established in 1993 and is now completing its fifth year of high success with both students and the local community. Each year approximately 25% of the schools eligible students in grades 9-12 have been enrolled in the JROTC program. In addition to many contributions of JROTC students to their families and school, the Thomas Walker Program has maintained a very high profile of activities within the local communities of Ewing, Rose Hill and Jonesville, Virginia. Frequent participation in school programs, parades, community service, fund raisers, annual Toys for Tots program and other value-added activities resulted in the program's designation as a JROTC "Honor Unit With Distinction" at its earliest point of eligibility. The JROTC program has maintained the Honor Unit with Distinction status since its initial award. Other superlatives include being the 1996-1997 National Capital Drill Classic and Fourth ROTC Brigade Unarmed Champions and the Runner Up Champion for 1997-1998.

For further information contact:

Mr. Kyle Chadwell, Principal, Thomas Walker High School, 540-445-4111

Lieutenant Colonel John Brooks or Master Sergeant Garland Stables, Pioneer Battalion, Thomas Walker High School, PO Box 39, Ewing, Virginia 24248

Phone = 540-445-3046   FAX = 540-445-5584