JROTC exists as an integral part of the Cretin-Derham Hall community and dates all the way back to 1917. With a large portion of the student body at Cretin-Derham Hall high school involved in JROTC, the events are well known throughout the campus and its influence is far reaching in the community.
One of the most important occasions of the year occurred on Wednesday, April 30th – the JROTC Inspection. This is an event that only comes around once every three years and requires the participation of the entire JROTC body. Most, if not all, can’t help but have hope that their brigade will succeed. There are many aspects that make the inspection increasingly difficult, such as the “LET” question, which is a question that is based on the history of not only CDH but also JROTC and the military. Whether it retains symptoms of diseases or the requirements to reach the status of executive officer, a plethora of questions can get asked. To prepare for this special occasion, JROTC students have been prepping their whole high school career. Students in the Freshman class only need to know their questions from this year, whereas the students in the senior class have to know their “LET” questions from every year. Students really prepare every year for this inspection. Not only are students preparing for the inspection in regard to the “LET” question, but they also take time beforehand to make sure that their uniform is up to standard by being clean and including all necessary pins.
At every inspection, the exam always takes place in the same order: asking the question and getting inspected by officials on uniforms. First, the question must be answered correctly to get credit, thus earning a point. If one is not able to answer the question correctly, the whole battalion/community gets docked a point. Early in the year, many colonels have even gone to the extent of proclaiming that a student will be given a failing grade for a whole trimester upon answering incorrectly. Although this could just be an empty threat, the JROTC students aren’t looking to take any chances. If the number of questions incorrectly answered is below the threshold of ninety-six percent, then every member can lose their JROTC star. Not only is the star a sign of membership, it’s also an example of honor. It specifically is called the honor star that symbolizes who is an appropriate honor unit with special distinction. This star has been held for a total of ninety four years and will hopefully be seen for many years to come.
This year, a shockwave hit that made the tri-annual inspection truly unpredictable. On the 30th of April morning, all JROTC students gathered within the Mauer Fieldhouse where they took their positions of standing in multiple rows with proper attire and straight stances. Even though they were told to occasionally bend their knees so they wouldn’t lock, several members seemed to still become light headed. After the students heard the first thud of their neighbor passing out, many more seemed to drop like flies. In the end, a total of ten students passed out against the side of the white, rigid gym walls while thirty altogether had to be excused. From this, it was evident that the JROTC members had worked so hard to the point of exhaustion. Although many may have fainted, every student was able to get the necessary aid and the overall JROTC inspection was seen as successful. Now, the comrades must continue to wait for the official results since a second inspection takes place outside at the twilight parade. However, every Cretin-Derham Hall resident offers their support for JROTC going into next week as they are prime examples of impressive work ethic and resilience that help make up the overall school spirit.
