JROTC BLACK

Explore the historic Corps of Cadets, one of our specialized programs that keeps our students' "Future Aspirations in Mind!

 

Craft Your Future

The JROTC-Leadership Program is designed for students who choose to be a part of the prestigious Corps of Cadets and aspire to earn ROTC scholarships as well as appointments to the United States Service Academies. See how our Corps of Cadets holds close to our storied traditions, with the opportunity to learn how to lead others at a young age. Leadership is not only reserved for those who might choose a path to service, but can also benefit any young man or woman who wants to develop and hone leadership skills that can support a lifetime of achievement.

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What To Expect

Life as a Cadet

Uniforms

Uniforms are an important part of life at SJN, reflecting pride, discipline, and tradition. Each serves a unique purpose:

  • Training Uniforms: Worn during physical training and outdoor activities, with versions for both warm and cold weather.
  • Class Uniforms: Used during the academic day to promote professionalism and attention to detail.
  • Ceremonial & Parade Uniforms: Reserved for special events and ceremonies. Cadets wear white shirts displaying their ranks and ribbons or the formal parade uniform—modeled after West Point’s iconic dress—for major occasions like parades and commencement.

Drill

Drill is a cornerstone of cadet life, building unity, discipline, and precision. Cadets practice marching formations several times each week—both during company-level sessions and under the direction of the Commandant’s Office.

In addition to dedicated drill periods, cadets participate in daily “march-ins” to meals, reinforcing teamwork and attention to detail in every movement. These exercises prepare the Corps for parades and formal reviews while instilling habits of coordination, confidence, and pride that carry into all areas of life at St. John’s Northwestern.

Inspections

Attention to detail is a hallmark of the Corps of Cadets. Cadets are expected to maintain clean, organized rooms and sharp personal appearance each day.

Uniforms and living spaces are routinely inspected—both by student leaders and adult TACs—to ensure cadets meet established standards. Formal inspections, including SOP and Commandant’s Inspections, assess everything from cleanliness and uniform care to overall discipline.

These inspections aren’t just about appearance—they’re lessons in accountability, self-discipline, and leadership, reinforcing the habits that build confidence and character at St. John’s Northwestern.

Parades

Parades are a proud tradition of the Corps of Cadets—moments that showcase teamwork, discipline, and unity. Each event highlights the precision and cohesion our cadets develop through daily training while allowing families, alumni, and guests to share in that pride.

SJN hosts four to five formal parades each year, including Fall and Spring Family Weekends, Alumni Weekend, and Commencement. These events are highlights of campus life, where cadets take the field in full parade uniform to demonstrate the excellence, leadership, and spirit that define the Corps of Cadets.

Dorms

Life in the barracks is where discipline, structure, and community come together.

Male cadets reside in Scott John Barracks, a three-story facility that houses the Academy’s companies—Bravo on the first floor, Alpha on the second, and King Company on the third. Each company consists of approximately 45–50 cadets, creating a close-knit team atmosphere that supports personal growth and accountability.

Female cadets live in Smythe Barracks, where they are supported by residential advisors and enjoy the same structured environment and sense of camaraderie that define the Corps experience.

While housing is separated by gender, all cadets unite as one Corps during training, drills, and Commandant’s Time—reinforcing the shared values of teamwork, leadership, and respect that define St. John’s Northwestern.

JROTC Curriculum

The nationally accredited Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program is a US Army-sponsored curriculum designed to prepare cadets for responsible leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities, and privileges as citizens, along with supporting programs. Seniors in key leadership positions in the JROTC Program may be required to take upper-level leadership courses. For decades, SJN JROTC has earned a reputation as being one of the best JROTC programs in the state, as JROTC headquarters consistently awards SJN with Honor Unit Status based on incredible quantities of opportunities for our Cadets and the first-rate quality of our JROTC program.

What is a cadet?

Cadets: A cadet is a student who chooses a safe, structured environment to build a foundation for life. Cadets learn to lead themselves first, then others. They wear the uniform with pride, practice drill, keep orderly rooms, and learn how routine and accountability unlock independence. Cadets do not have any military service obligation after graduation. Most matriculate to colleges and universities of their choice. For those who are interested in officership or ROTC, SJN provides a proven pathway and is among the best in the Midwest for the number of our cadets who are selected for service academy nominations and ROTC collegiate-level scholarships.

A Safe, Supportive Community: Located in Delafield, Wisconsin, one of the safest, most family-friendly communities in the state, SJN provides a secure environment where cadets can focus on growth. Nestled in the scenic Lake Country, our campus offers students both peace of mind and endless opportunities to achieve their best.

The Military: While SJN is proud of its military traditions, becoming a cadet does not mean you are required to pursue a military career. Most of our graduates advance to the colleges, universities, and professional schools of their choice. Others choose to attend one of the five military service academies. The cadet experience prepares students to excel in whichever path they choose. For students interested in a military career, SJN provides unmatched preparation. Our JROTC program has achieved a perfect score, rare among military academies, and for seven years running, SJN has held the record for the most appointments to the United States Military Academy at West Point nationwide.

Becoming a Cadet: Cadets at SJN are students of strong character who want to be challenged to reach their full potential. Some come to us because they feel “lost in the shuffle” at larger schools, while others seek a structured environment where accountability and leadership help them thrive. Others are aware that SJN can set them on a future path and fulfill a destiny to serve as a commissioned officer in our military through service academies or through ROTC scholarships across the best universities and campuses in the country. At SJN, cadets are not just students—they are leaders in training who take ownership of their education and their future.

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JROTC-Leadership

Electives

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Charles King Club

The club brings together students who demonstrate strong character, commitment, and competence—the “three C’s” of leadership. Members share a passion for leadership and a desire to learn more about military service, public service (like firefighting, law enforcement, and EMT).

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Silver Rifles

Precision drill and exhibition at the highest level. Silver Rifles is a selective cadet team focused on regulation drill and exhibition routines using drill rifles. The Silver Rifles do perform and often compete in regional competitions.

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Raiders

Our Raiders push their limits through intense physical challenges and teamwork. Open to all high school students, the Raider program builds strength, confidence, resilience, and camaraderie—qualities that make our teams national contenders year after year.

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Pathway To Officership

SJN offers a "Pathway to Officership" with preparation and results you can’t get elsewhere. Our prestigious program is built around the JROTC curriculum to help you achieve a U.S. service academy appointment or ROTC scholarship.

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JROTC: Making Waves

See how the JROTC-Leadership Program is helping build a "Foundation for Life" and setting our student up for future success.

JROTC FAQ's

While many schools offer JROTC, St. John’s Northwestern’s Corps of Cadets is unique. It is a living, breathing leadership lab where students not only learn the curriculum but also practice leadership every hour of every day. This structured environment instills discipline, responsibility, and confidence that extend far beyond the classroom.

Students who choose to be a part of our historic JROTC-Leadership Program wear the traditional military uniforms of SJN.

All other students dress in a traditional prep school way, as you see in many of the pictures on our site. Polos, quarter-zips, long pants, along with a more formal blazer, dress shirt combination for more formal events.

No. There is absolutely no requirement for SJN cadets to pursue a military career. Most of our graduates attend top universities, professional schools, or enter directly into careers. For those who are interested, however, our “Pathway to Officership” provides unmatched preparation for service academies and ROTC scholarships.

Cadets follow a structured schedule that includes academic classes, physical training, leadership development, study halls, and extracurricular opportunities. They learn to manage time effectively, keep personal spaces organized, and take pride in wearing their uniforms correctly—skills that translate into lifelong habits of success.

 

Cadets earn promotions based on academic performance, physical fitness, community service, and leadership potential. Rank comes with responsibility: those who advance take on leadership roles within the Corps, learning to guide their peers under the mentorship of experienced adult advisors (Trainer–Advisor–Coaches, or TACs).

 

Boarding schools, including SJN, are designed to provide a structured and supportive environment for students who are looking to excel academically, athletically, and personally. Our students come from diverse backgrounds and are motivated individuals who seek a well-rounded education that prepares them for college and life beyond.

Cadet

News

Read More

SJNA Cadet Donovan Stadler Earns Congressional Nomination to West Point

SJNA is proud to announce that Cadet Donovan Stadler has received a Congressional Nomination to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

SJNA JROTC Team Claims 1st Place Overall at Upper Midwest JROTC Challenge

SJNA proudly announces another championship victory at the annual Upper Midwest JROTC Challenge Competition held in Minneapolis on Friday, February 7.

Three SJNA Cadets Receive Prestigious Senatorial Nominations for U.S. Service Academies

SJNA proudly announces that three senior cadets have earned Senatorial Nominations for appointments to the United States service academies.

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