• ABOUT JROTC

    Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) is a dynamic and nationally recognized leadership development program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces. At Fort Smith Public Schools, our JROTC program is working to achieve program goals by using a world-class 21st Century, technology-driven, student-centered curriculum. 

    The FSPS ROTC program, known as the Grizzly Battalion, is hosted at Northside High School and comprises students from both Northside and Southside high schools. Our program is distinguished as one of the only programs in the state to offer such a diverse range of Cadet Command-approved activities. These include CyberPatriot, Drill (Color Guard, Honor Guard, Saber Team, Armed/Unarmed Regulation, and Armed/Unarmed Exhibition), JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB), Raider Team, Rifle Team, and Robotics. 

    Community Engagement

    The JROTC program is deeply engaged in our local community, contributing over 4,000 service learning hours annually. Cadets participate in events such as Wreaths Across America, The Salvation Army Kettle Bell Drive, Night to Shine, local parades, and various other community service initiatives. 

    Winning Tradition

    The Grizzly Battalion cadets take pride in a winning tradition, achieving remarkable success in JROTC co-curricular activities. Competing nationally in JLAB and securing state championships in Rifle 19 out of the last 21 years, our cadets consistently demonstrate excellence. The Raider Team and Drill Teams also frequently win or place in their events, while our CyberPatriot Team excels in cyber defense competitions. 

    Academic Excellence

    In addition to their achievements in JROTC activities, our cadets excel academically. More than 30% of our cadets are inducted into the JROTC Honor Society, and many receive scholarships for their academic and leadership excellence. 

    Mission and History

    The mission of JROTC is to motivate young people to become better citizens. Established in 1916 by the National Defense Act, JROTC has a rich history of preparing young men and women for leadership roles in both military and civilian life. Fort Smith Public Schools' JROTC program, started in 1967 and made available to females in 1977, continues this legacy of excellence, with a growing number of students participating at both Northside and Southside High Schools. 

    Curriculum

    The JROTC curriculum at Fort Smith Public Schools is designed to nurture leadership, citizenship, and critical thinking skills in our students while adhering to national academic standards. Our comprehensive curriculum covers various subjects such as leadership, civics, geography and global awareness, health and wellness, language arts, life skills, and US history. 

    Key Features

    Our curriculum is rooted in the principles of performance-based, learner- centered education, fostering the development of core abilities essential for lifelong success. Every learning experience is designed to address Core Abilities, Program Outcomes, and course Competencies, progressively building upon students' skills and abilities crucial for success in high school and beyond. 

    Core Abilities

    Core Abilities represent the broad, lifelong skills that every cadet requires for success in future life and career endeavors. These abilities are a result of goals and values that drive the JROTC program and are woven into our curriculum. Core abilities include:

    • Critical thinking techniques

    • Build your capacity for life-long learning

    • Effective communication

    • Good citizenship

    • Responsibility for your actions and choices

    • Respectful treatment of self and others

    Program Outcomes

    Our program outcomes articulate what JROTC cadets will know and be able to do upon successful completion of the program. Evidence of learning can be witnessed through a cadet's portfolio, which will showcase continued development. The program outcomes are:

    • Act with integrity and personal accountability
    • Engage in civic and social concerns
    • Graduate prepared for post-secondary options and career pathways
    • Make decisions that promote positive social, emotional, and physical health
    • Value the role of military and service organizations
    Course Competencies

    Competencies are discipline-specific measurable and observable skills, knowledge, and attitudes targeted in each lesson of our curriculum. These competencies are assessed through performance standards, ensuring mastery of the skills necessary for success. Cadets demonstrate their learning by applying competencies in these tasks:

    • Decision-making
    • Skill performance
    • Perform a service
    • Problem-solving
    • Product creation

    JROTC Honor Society

    The Grizzly Battalion JROTC Honor Society, established in 2015, recognizes the academic excellence of our cadets. Inductees must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good standing in JROTC. Each year, over 60 JROTC students earn the honor of being inducted into the Honor Society. Membership in the Honor Society is a prestigious acknowledgment. Each Wednesday, they are recognized by the yellow cord worn on the left shoulder of their uniform. Honor Society members play a vital role in planning major program events, including the military ball and Battalion Organizational Day, showcasing their leadership and dedication to the program. 

  • Co-Curricular Activities

    Grizzly Batallion Teams

    Participation in co-curricular activities is integral to reinforcing classroom learning for our candidates at Fort Smith Public School. Through a diverse array of co-curricular activities, cadets have the opportunity to showcase their mastery of lesson outcomes whiling honoring valuable skills and competencies. Participation in co-curriculars makes cadets more college and career-ready.

    JROTC student holding flag   smiling rotc student  jrotc carrying flags
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  • Grizzly Battalion Company Leadership

    The Grizzly Battalion is split into eight companies: Command and Staff, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, and Golf.
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  • JROTC Leadership

    LTC(R) Johnson
    Senior Army Instructor
    LET 3/Staff Instructor
     
    Teams:
    • Rifle
    • Robotics
    • CyberPatriot

    Contact: tjohnson3@fortsmithschools.org

     

    1SG(R) Colbert

    LET 1 Army Instructor

    Teams:
    Raider Team

    JLAB

    Contact: mcolbert@fortsmithschools.org

     

    SFC(R) Lincoln

    LET 2 Army Instructor

    Teams:
    Color Guard
    Honor Guard
    Saber Team
    Armed Regulation Drill
    Unarmed Regulation Drill
    Armed Exhibition Drill

    Unarmed Exhibition Drill

    Contact: alincoln@fortsmithschools.org | (479) 222-0143