Unlike when the ASVAB test is administered at the MEPS, the ASVAB Career Exploration Program is administered in the high school setting and it combines the test with an interest self-assessment and a wide range of career exploration tools. It is free to participating schools. In addition to its outstanding value as a career exploration tool, taking the ASVAB also helps prepare students for other timed standardized tests.
The ASVAB Career Exploration Program can be administered to students during their 10th, 11th, or 12th grade year. When it is administered during the 10th grade, the ASVAB results are valid for career exploration only, are not released to military recruiters, and cannot be used for military enlistment purposes.
JROTC instructors are encouraged to support the administration of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program in their school to all students (during their 10th, 11th, or 12th grade year). If this is not feasible, it may be possible to schedule the program for JROTC students, or for a select group of students who sign-up for the program.
The points of contact for the ASVAB Career Exploration Program are the Education Services Specialists on staff at the MEPS. At the Jackson MEPS this is Mrs. Martha Ueltschey at 601-355-4650/3835 ext. 263; 800-323-0513; or martha.m.ueltschey.civ@mail.mil.
Some JROTC instructors have expressed a need to gain a level of proficiency in a foreign language, in order to effectively communicate with some students and parents. The Department of Defense Joint Language University has online language resources available to assist in gaining language proficiency. As military retirees, all JROTC instructors are eligible to use the Joint Language University. For those instructors eligible to access Navy Knowledge Online, there are also language resources available there, in the e-learning section.
Spanish is the language that seems to be the greatest need among JROTC instructors. There are numerous commercial websites available for learning Spanish. Some offer instruction for free, others have a charge, or will charge for higher level instruction. A web search will reveal numerous websites. Listed below are some examples of the sites available. This is by no means a complete list of all the websites available, and these websites are in no way endorsed or recommended above other websites. http://www.spanishdict.com/
JROTC units typically have some of the largest and most successful fundraisers at their school. As you make your fundraising plans, please consider healthy options rather than candy sales. There are many other alternatives for successful fundraisers that support healthy lifestyles. Healthy fundraising ideas are available at: http://www.cspinet.org/schoolfundraising.pdf
Many of the healthy alternatives can actually generate more funds for your JROTC program than selling candy. Candy and other foods/beverages with little nutritional value sold as fundraisers, sold at school concessions, or served in celebration events are discouraged or forbidden by many School Wellness Policies.
JROTC needs to be part of the healthy solution, rather than part of the problem. It is time to change the culture, and help our students and community make healthier choices.
Navy, Army, and Marine Corps Enlisted JROTC instructors must have at least an associates degree within 5 years of initial employment. Enlisted Air Force JROTC instructors must have a Bachelor’s degree. This is a condition of employment and is a federal requirement that will not be waived. This degree should be from an accredited college or university.
The accreditation status of colleges can be verified at the U.S. Department of Education web site at:
http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx
Those instructors who are registered with the Veterans Administration, and receiving disability benefits, may qualify for educational assistance to cover the cost of obtaining an associates degree through the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation program. Information on this program can be found at:
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm
