LTC(R) Robert G. Shirley, Senior Army Instructor

Welcome to JROTC!
 
I am LTC Shirley the Senior Army Instructor for LaVergne High School.  This is my 15th year in the position.  Prior to becoming the SAI, I served 21 plus years in the Army.  I held jobs at the tactical level (Platoon Leader) as well as jobs at the strategic level (Staff Officer on the Joint Staff).  I teach the LET II, III, and IV cadets.  My colleague, 1SG Sanchez, is responsible for teaching the LET I cadets (first year students).  This is his 12th year as an instructor. Collectively, we have over 45 years of military experience and 27 plus years of teaching experience.

 

My planning time is Monday-Thursday from 12:44 to 2:04 and on Friday from 12:40 to 2:02.  I can be reached via email or at 615-815-6224.  

 

Army Junior ROTC Program Overview

 

The U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) is one of the largest character development and citizenship programs for youth in the world. JROTC’s mission, "To Motivate Young People to be Better Citizens", is the guide post for the program’s success.

 

The U.S. Army’s JROTC program currently operates in more than 1,700 public and private high schools, military institutions, and correctional centers throughout the United States and overseas.

 

As JROTC students (Cadets) progress through the program, they experience opportunities to lead other Cadets. A major component of the JROTC leadership and citizenship program is female Cadets. Female Cadets make up 40% of the Cadet population. The JROTC faculty is led by nearly 4,000 instructors who are retired from active duty, reserve duty, or National Guard Army service. 

 

The JROTC Curriculum

 

JROTC curriculum provides equitable and challenging academic content and authentic learning experiences for all Cadets. All lessons are designed using a four part model to motivate the Cadet, allow the Cadet to learn new information, practice competency, and apply the competency to a real-life situation. Moreover, the four part model requires Cadets to collaborate, reflect, develop critical thinking skills, and integrate content with other disciplines. JROTC curriculum includes lessons in leadership, health and wellness, physical fitness, first-aid, geography, American history and government, communications, and emotional intelligence.

 

The curriculum is rigorous and relevant to 21st century education. In fact, many high schools grant core credits for some of the subjects taught in JROTC. Our curriculum meets the standards of Common Core State Standards and in many states it aligns with Career and Technical Education clusters. Cadets learn and apply the curriculum using technology in the classroom.

 

JROTC Co-Curricular Activities

 

Cadets participate in a myriad of co-curricular activities to demonstrate their attainment of lesson outcomes. Some of these activities include precision and exhibition military drill competitions, air rifle competitions (optional), Raider Challenge competitions, JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Camp, and a physical fitness competition known as JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC). Cadets who complete 4 years of JROTC co-curricular activities and its challenging curriculum will be more college and/or career ready.