Berkner High School Army JROTC

BHS JROTC offers its cadets the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities.  In general, cadets must be in good standing, and have passing grades in all their classes.  Cadets may participate on more than one team.  Teams practice after school starting at 4:30pm for about an hour.  With approval, teams may conduct practice off-campus at other RISD facilities or with parental permission, non-RISD facilities.  Teams do not practice during state testing, exam review week, or semester exam week.

The Color Guard is a detachment of Cadets trained in the safeguard, care, and display of the national, state, and unit Colors. Being assigned to the color guard is considered an honor due to the fact that these individuals present and carry the symbols of their unit and country. Cadets in the Color Guard form 3 or more man teams to carry the National Color and other flags appropriate for the occasion. In addition to the flag bearers, who are positioned in the center of the color guard, there are two or more individuals who carry rifles or sabers. This is a symbol that the flag (and its nation) will always be protected.

The color guard presents and/or posts the colors at numerous events throughout the school year and during the summer vacation. These events occur both on campus and at locations throughout the metroplex.

The Saber Guard is a military ceremonial unit whose primary function is to escort the national flag during official functions. Additionally, the Saber Guard provides funeral honors, special dedications, and detachment for review by VIPs. The Saber Guard may serve as ambassadors to the public, presenting a positive image of JROTC and assist in the functioning of school and community events. Cadets are trained in the manual of the saber and outfitted in a special uniform. Typical events include: football games, pep rallies, special presentations by community organizations, open house, funerals, and parades.

The Raider Team, consisting of highly motivated BHS JROTC Cadets with exceptional leadership and physical fitness qualities, conducts team building and leadership skill-enhancing events utilizing a variety of military non-combat tasks and outdoors adventure equipment and facilities. Events include:

Raider Swim Event: lap swim, treading water, cross a water obstacle using a poncho raft, ranger swim, blindfolded slide, and combat inner tube football.

One Rope Bridge: Raiders cross a a rope suspended between two anchor points.

Obstacle Course: Raiders test their physical abilities and mental toughness in a timed event through various obstacles.

First Aid: Raiders evaluate, treat, and evacuate a simulated casualty.

Land Navigation: Raiders learn to read topographic maps, plot azimuths, and use a compass to reach their destination along a specified route.

Physical Fitness: Raiders improve their upper body and abdominal strength through calisthenic and cardiovascular endurance on cross country runs.

Marksmanship: Raiders learn gun safety operation, and accuracy skills.

Raiders/Challenge Stakes: Raiders use all their skill during competitions with other JROTC Raider teams.

The armed Drill Team is a precision marching unit that performs regulation and choreographed exhibition routines based on military drill. Cadets are trained to be proficient at the manual of arms with a facsimile M1903 Springfield rifle weighing approximately 9 lbs. The team is organized as a platoon where cadets are expected to be physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of rigorous inspections and drill. The team competes against other JROTC programs during drill meets and performs during special events.

The Academic Team enhances their scholastic aptitude during competitions that capture knowledge from a wide range of sources including: JROTC curriculum, ACT/SAT questions in reading comprehension, English composition, mathematics, science, and current events.  Cadets participate annually in the JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl against all other JROTC programs with a chance to compete in Washington, D.C..  The team also competes at various drill meets.