Going for the Gold

As if being in JROTC isn’t a challenge all its own, imagine being a cadet this year and having the most important events in ROTC right around the corner.

On April 20th an official inspection that happens every three years will take place. An inspection is where the JROTC program gets rated for their performance in different parts of the program, like uniforms, cadets, portfolios, teams and the cadets. To most of the upperclassmen this inspection will be exciting. For new members to the program it will definitely be a new experience, and as the inspection nears nerves will get the best of many. Battalion Commander Joshua Langdon said, “I know how important this inspection is for the program, especially since we want to take back the Honor Unit Gold Star.”  Inspectors will come in and watch and grade the Drill Team and Color Guards performance. Then the Battalion comes together and inspects the uniforms while asking each of the cadets and the staff a few questions.

The staff is made up of mostly high-ranking seniors and juniors. They play a very important role in the program. They have to be very prepared, organized and focused to help lead the cadets to earning the gold star that they believe West deserves to have. “The staff is doing the best they can to get all the cadets ready for the inspection,” explains Battalion Commander Langdon “As of right now most of the staff believe that the cadets are not ready just yet, their performance, uniforms and faith still need a little more work.”

The Drill Team and Color Guard are preparing for the Grove City and Westland competition. Color Guard Commander Jordan Vacheresse has been working very hard to ready and prepare his cadets for the competition but also for the inspection. “I believe my cadets are as ready as they can be,” Cadet Captain Vacheresse said. “I have faith and trust that both Color Guard teams will to the best of their ability.” On the other hand Drill Team Commander Johnathon VanHook said “My cadets are not completely ready for competition or the inspection, but hopefully by the time the competition and inspection comes around we will be ready.” Cadet Captain VanHook agrees that this competition will be a tough one, but inspection will be even harder. He is doing his best to really prepare them, but its going to take more practice and all the team members are ready to work harder.

U.S. Army JROTC uniform patch that is found on the left arm of the uniform.

West High School Color Guard members Joshua Langdon, Chelsea Thomas and John Burgan march off the football field after an after school practice. The Color Guard was preparing for the Friday night football game.

Josh Miller, Tessa Gallegher, Joshua Langdon, and Cody Reeder perform at a West High home football game. Performing at the football games give the Color Guard practice for upcoming competitions.