Blue Devils Battalion

Winter Haven High School Army JROTC

MISSION

"To Motivate Young People to be Better Citizens".

The JROTC program is designed to teach high school students the value of citizenship, leadership, service to the community, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment, while instilling in them self-esteem, teamwork, and self discipline. The program also provides cadets the opportunities to serve their high school and community through volunteering.

OBJECTIVES

Develop in each cadet:

    a. Ethical and fundamental values that underlie good citizenship such as respect, duty, loyalty, personal courage (physical and moral), integrity, self-less service and honor.

      b. An appreciation of the role of productive and participating citizens in matters ranging from local community service, to service learning projects to national defense.

     c. Physical and mental fitness as important components to overall good health.

     d. The motivation to graduate from high school; acquire knowledge about college and other advanced employment opportunities (including the military) and pursue a meaningful life.

HISTORY

     a. The Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) originated as part of the National Defense Act in 1916 and was formed at Winter Haven High School in 1971.

     b. JROTC units are established by the State Board of Education with the approval of the County School Board and Principal of each school. A contract is signed between the Superintendent of Schools and the U.S. Army with each providing certain support for the conduct of the program.

     c. The WHHS Blue Devil Battalion is an Honor Unit with Distinction and has been every year starting with SY 1971-1972. This is the highest status a program can earn.