335th SC (T) Evaluates an Annual, Georgia JROTC Drill & Ceremony Competition

ATLANTA, GA, UNITED STATES

03.08.2017

Story by Capt. Tara Matchulat 

335th Signal Command (Theater)

ATLANTA, Georgia-- Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps from high schools across the state gathered in Atlanta, Feb. 25, for a drill and ceremony competition. They were evaluated by soldiers of the 335th Signal Command (Theater), headquartered in East Point, Georgia, as well as some of the local U.S. Army recruiters in the area.

Over 25 high schools' JROTC teams competed in this year's competition, which tested cadets' marching skills, color guard performance, and leadership abilities as they guided formations around by calling cadence. Grovetown High School's male and female teams performed admirably at parading in unison and took home the overall trophy.

Although the JROTC programs were predominantly U.S. Army-driven, one U.S. Marine Corps team rose to the challenge and competed for the trophy. Marine Cadet Jacob Jewett expressed his appreciation for the program and the role it played in developing his character. "Participating in JROTC throughout my four years in high school provided me with confidence and helped me to become a better leader," said Jewett, who recently applied for a Naval ROTC scholarship and has already been accepted at Auburn University in Alabama. Someday he hopes to fly helicopters for the Marine Corps.

The annual competition was hosted at North Springs High School for the fourth consecutive year, led by Maj. Todd Powers, professor of military science. As a former member of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, more commonly known as, The Old Guard, Powers is a subject matter expert on drill and ceremony. Since World War II, The Old Guard has served as the official Army Honor Guard and escort to the President. Soldiers who serve on this team are infamous for their unyielding ability to stand watch for a 24 hour vigil over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, regardless of atrocious weather conditions.

Powers not only teaches cadets the importance of discipline and sacrifice by example, but he also believes in grooming cadets' leadership potential throughout their high school tenure by promoting a cadet-centered JROTC program. His senior cadets managed the major coordination efforts for the drill and ceremony competition, presented winning trophies to final contestants, and even ran the concessions stand during the competition.

The 335th Signal Command (Theater) is proud of our Nation's youth and future military leaders, and our soldiers look forward to assisting in grading next year's annual competition.

• Date Taken: 03.08.2017
• Date Posted: 03.08.2017 14:26
• Story ID: 226177
• Location: ATLANTA, GA, US