Coast Guard JROTC/Maritime Science

The curriculum includes coursework on leadership, civics, health and wellness, Coast Guard operations and history, nautical science, and teamwork. The curriculum is based on the principles of performance-based, learner- centered education and promotes development of core abilities: capacity for lifelong learning, communication, responsibility for actions and choices, good citizenship, respectful treatment of others, and critical thinking techniques

More important than “what” is learned in JROTC is “how” it is learned. Instructors are experienced Coast Guard personnel who provide invaluable inspiration, mentorship, and guidance to enhance whole-person development in the academic, character, and social/emotional spheres. As cadets advance through the program, they have the opportunity to grow as leaders and team members, assuming increased responsibility in their platoons, company, and battalion. The opportunity to hear from guest speakers, take field trips to local Coast Guard units, and develop strong bonds of friendship with other cadets adds to the fun.

Grades 8-10 | Multi-level | 1 Credit

This course introduces the Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (CGJROTC) program / Maritime Science course and develops knowledge of the rights, responsibilities, privileges, and freedoms that underlie good citizenship. Students / Cadets receive basic instruction in oral and written communications, study skills, leadership, health and well-being, physical fitness, drill and ceremonies, government and service-minded citizenship, career planning, and Coast Guard missions, assets, and organization of the service. Some students / cadets will serve in leadership positions in the CGJROTC unit.

Students / Cadets will perform a variety of school and community service activities. Extracurricular opportunities exist in both individual and team competition initiatives (color guard, drill, academic, physical fitness, marksmanship (archery), seamanship, orienteering, and more). Other activities include field trips, military unit visits, parades, color presentations, and community service (e.g., school beautification, beach cleanups, flag placings), and socials. Students / Cadets wear a Coast Guard uniform one entire school day each week and as otherwise directed or required at specific activities or functions (uniforms are provided by the Coast Guard). Students / Cadets also perform drills once a week and participate in other physical fitness activities once or twice a week. There is no post-high school military obligation. However, the successful completion of two or three years of the Coast Guard JROTC / Maritime Science curriculum may entitle students/cadets to placement credit in college ROTC or enlistment at a higher rank/pay grade in any of the military services.

Grades 10-11 | Multi-level | 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Completion of the Coast Guard JROTC / Maritime Science 1 (MS-1) course or new to program 11th graders.

This course builds upon the Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (CGJROTC) program / Maritime Science course and topics introduced in the MS-1 course. Students / Cadets will demonstrate knowledge of the ethical values and principles of good citizenship and perform learned leadership skills. They will also be introduced to maritime history, nautical science, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. Students / Cadets will demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of maritime sea power and America’s sea power history from the American Revolution to present day, primarily from a maritime sea-service perspective. Some students / cadets will serve in leadership positions in the CGJROTC unit and assist in some instruction presented to MS-1 students. Participation in school, community service, individual and team competitions, extracurricular activities, and uniform wear outlined in CGJROTC / MS-1 will continue. There is no post-high school military obligation. However, the successful completion of two or three years of the Coast Guard JROTC / Maritime Science curriculum may entitle students/cadets to placement credit in college ROTC or enlistment at a higher rank/pay grade in any of the military services.

Grades 11-12 | Multi-level | 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Completion of MS-1 or MS-2 or new to program 11th and 12th graders with at least a grade point average of 2.5 (4.0 scale) and high level of maturity to lead teams.

Students / Cadets practice problem solving and decision-making techniques while serving in leadership positions in the Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (CGJROTC) unit. Instructional emphasis at this level includes oral presentation, military history and strategies, maritime knowledge, marine navigation, seamanship, introduction to military law and law of the sea, leadership, and more. These students / cadets assist in some instruction presented in the Maritime Science 1 and Maritime Science 2 courses and provide primary leadership to unit team initiatives such as color guard, drill team, academic team, physical fitness, marksmanship (archery) team, and other select activities. Participation in school, community service, individual and team competitions, extracurricular activities, and uniform wear outlined in CGJROTC / MS-1 will continue. There is no post-high school military obligation. However, the successful completion of two or three years of the Coast Guard JROTC / Maritime Science curriculum may entitle students/cadets to placement credit in college ROTC or enlistment at a higher rank/pay grade in any of the military services.

Grade 12 | Multi-level | 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Completion of MS-2 and/or MS-3. New to program 12th graders may be eligible to enroll at the discretion of the Coast Guard JROTC / Maritime Science Department Head.

The Coast Guard JROTC / Maritime Science 4 (MS-4) course builds on previous leadership training by focusing on practical application through leadership positions and corps management. Students apply skills in leadership, management, and decision-making by planning and executing projects for the unit.

The course also continues to cover maritime-related topics, including leadership principles and ethics, maritime history, law, and the importance of sea power, nautical science, and other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects. 

These students / cadets assist in some instruction presented in the Maritime Science 1, 2, and 3 courses and provide leadership to unit team initiatives such as color guard, drill team, academic team, physical fitness, marksmanship (archery), and other select activities. Participation in school and community service, individual and team competitions, extracurricular activities, and uniform wear outlined in CGJROTC / MS-1 will continue. There is no post-high school military obligation. However, the successful completion of two or three years of the Coast Guard JROTC /Maritime Science curriculum may entitle students/cadets to placement credit in college ROTC or enlistment at a higher rank/pay grade in any of the military services.

NCAA Clearing: Does not meet the initial eligibility requirements set by the NCAA.