The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) conducted a presentation at Barker and Krueger Middle Schools on January 24, 2018. The purpose of the presentation was to inform the 8th graders about the MCJROTC prior to them selecting courses for their freshman year at MCHS. The MCJROTC is required to keep an enrollment of 100 cadets in order to maintain the program.
The presentation began with an introduction by Senior Marine Instructor Major Tom McGrath. McGrath emphasized that the MCJROTC is a leadership program, not a preparation for the military program, and that the skills acquired are applicable to any career, not just the military. There is no military obligation associated with the program, nor is there any cost to the student. All costs are covered by the Marine Corps or through fundraising. This includes all of the extracurricular activities of the MCJROTC, such as the military drill team, shooting team, Cyber Patriot team, and the week long Leadership Camp held at the St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, WI. Cadets then gave demonstrations in basic military drill, exhibition drill, a mini military field meet (analogous to a track meet). Senior cadets Major James Steinhagen and Gunnery Sergeant Nineah Langford provided the 8th graders their thoughts on what they had obtained from the MCJROTC. The program concluded with a question and answer session.
“I think our cadets provided a good representation of our program over this 45 minute presentation,” said Master Sergeant Jeff Benak. “The 8th graders were attentive and enthusiastic. Let’s hope it results in good numbers for us next year.”
The cadets will remain busy throughout the school year. They will continue to support school athletic events and compete in military drill competitions. Their next drill meet is the Chicagoland Drill Meet on Saturday, February 3, 2018 in Arlington Heights, IL.