The main thing that most people see about MCJROTC is that students wear a Marine Corps’ uniform on Thursdays. MCJROTC is so much more than that. In reality, the program is about leadership and the uniform is one way that the program fosters self discipline and self respect. Mainly, MCJROTC stands for Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Contrary to what some may believe, the program is not a recruiting service for any branch of the military. Instead, curriculum is focused on leadership, mentoring and community service. Students enrolled learn pride and respect for their fellow students, community and country. There is no  requirement to completely shave your head; however, it is more important to maintain a neat appearance in uniform.

You don’t need to get nervous in a program like MCJROTC. There is no demand of perfection. The MCJROTC program is a great place to start if you want to be in the service of others. The people you meet in the program will help you become a better person and change your life.  It can definitely  have a lasting impact on you. Master Sergeant Resker said the her life has changed after retiring from the Marine Corps and becoming an Instructor at Lindenhurst High School.  Both jobs have helped her grow personally and professionally.  She has more common sense and patience.  Unselfishness and realizing that it is not always about you.

MCJROTC is also not just a class. Cadets represent their school and program by being involved in their community and school activities. Cadets perform color guards for all home football and basketball games. Cadets volunteer in the community and for veteran’s events. In support of these events Cadets also have the opportunity to mentor each other and foster a stronger bond that occurs outside of the normal class period or school day. Cadets are able to earn promotions and added responsibility within the program based on their performance and not popularity. There is not a height or weight requirement. MCJROTC is open to all.  Jacob Teramo is a Cadet Captain in the program and he states, “MCJROTC is a program that helps bring people out of their shell and turns a shy unconfident person into a confident leader and teaches cadets how to be productive after high school in the real world.”

If you are interested in joining the military, however, there are a lot of benefits. In the military, you can travel to places that most people never go to in a lifetime. Master Sergeant Resker, the Marine Instructor, has been deployed to Australia, Japan, Guam and Alaska and she has been stationed in North and South Carolina, Hawaii, and New York.  If you are looking even further ahead, the long term benefits to joining the military according to Master Sergeant Resker are “education benefits, hiring benefits, and veteran’s status for loans and other services.” Master Sergeant Resker served in the Marine Corps for 24 years and has been teaching MCJROTC at Lindenhurst High School for 10 years.

As a member of MCJROTC since 2016, I have learned many life skills including self reflection.  I have become a more confident and independent person.   Though Veteran’s Day has passed and we are thinking about the holidays, we should remember the sacrifices of Veterans and thank them for their service.