I was in NJROTC at my school. It was a lot of fun, great mix of academics, pt, and drill.
If your unit has a drill team, or any extra-curricular stuff, do it. Don't be one of those unmotivated cadets who shuffles around in their uniform just to get out of PE class. Four years on the drill team was without a doubt the best experience of my life. Hell, I still hang out with some of those guys. I made more friends in four years of JROTC than I did at any other time in my life. It didn't hurt either that we got second in the state for drill my senior year
Take advantage of any opportunity JROTC has to offer. Go out for the competition teams. As a freshman, there will be many times where you are treated like garbage, delegated to grunt work, and asking yourself "what have I gotten myself into?" The instructors and upperclassmen may seem intimidating and unfriendly, but that's life as a freshman.
However, it all pays off in the end. I made great friends with lots of upperclassmen, and when I was in their position, I felt larger than life. I can guarantee you that I would not have been able to get into a four-year university if I had not sat down with my instructor after junior year to work on my AROTC scholarship application. Your instructors become your mentors for college, and work for you far more than any guidance counselor will (no disrespect).
You will have challenges, there will be adversity, and it will have It's down moments. But hey, that's high school. You will not be the same person when you graduate in four years. JROTC will shape you into a better person. Besides, colleges and employers love seeing "four years of JROTC" on your resume.
So, in short...
-go out for the competition team
-be motivated and dedicated to your unit.
-stick with it, it will pay off in the end.
Take it from me, it is the best program that high school offers. If you have any questions about anything JROTC related, feel free to ask me via PM or this thread.
Best of luck!!!
