Cape High JROTC briefs administrators

Learning to accept accountability and take responsibility ranked high among key takeaways learned while serving in the battalion, Cape High JROTC cadets expressed during an annual briefing with school administrators Feb. 9.

During the small gathering of leaders, Battalion Commander Isaac League told Principal Kristin DeGregory and Assistant Principal Josh Chubb that 187 cadets comprise the school program.

“If something goes wrong, I have to fix it,” he said. “Whether it was my fault or not, I have to say it was, and I have to get to fixing it.”

League was among 10 cadets who outlined their functions and the areas they supervise in the battalion. Every day, he said, students spend time learning about the Constitution, leadership qualities and a new component of their instruction – robotics.

“That’s the future,” League said of the computer science and engineering field.

Cadets said they volunteer in many community service projects, including Flags for Heroes, Wreaths Across America, the Dewey Beach triathlon and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Helping people who need it is very satisfying, League said.

On Veterans Day, about 40 cadets are busy working in shifts at Applebee’s to help to greet, host, bus and wait on those who served and receive a free meal, he said.

League also detailed the battalion’s participation in the Junior Leadership Academic Bowl, a competition which begins with 5,000 teams vying in academic and leadership contests.

Cape’s JROTC team has made it to the national championship nine out of the last 10 years, he said.

Of this year’s senior cadets, he said, about seven to 10 want to join the military, and he is aware of seven seniors who are not in JROTC but who are also interested in enlisting.

Students said the skills and qualities learned in the JROTC will benefit them in all aspects of their lives and careers, whether or not they decide to join the military.