Norfolk, Virginia -- RICHMOND, VIRGINIA- Cadets from 10 different Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps units got a chance to show off their skills in drill, uniform regulations and knowledge of the Marine Corps during a drill competition at Hermitage High School, Feb. 14.
The cadets came from JROTC units throughout Virginia and Maryland. Also in attendance were U.S. Marines from Recruiting Station Richmond who served as impartial judges, grading the cadets on their uniform appearance, quizzing them on Marine Corps orders, history and standards, and judging the armed and unarmed drill competitions.
The goal was to provide an educational opportunity for the cadets, who spend countless hours after school practicing their roles in the competition. The Marines would give cadets positive feedback and pointers after their turn on the drill deck.
“This is a show of commitment on the part of all of these cadets, who spend hours after school practicing,” said retired Sgt. Maj. Clayton Hartsell, a JROTC instructor for J.R. Tucker High School, in Richmond. “These young men and women are the future leaders of our Corps and nation.”
For the recruiters, it was another way to interact with high school students on a professional level.
“It was an opportunity for the JROTC students from my assigned schools to experience a part of Marine Corps life, and for us to teach them about drill,” said Staff Sgt. Jose Ramirez, a recruiter from Recruiting Sub-Station Richmond Main, and native of Los Angeles. “The cadets put in a lot of work, and it’s great to be able to see that work pay off.
The cadets are scheduled to take part in more drill meets and challenges, opportunities to not only compete with other JROTC units, but to continue to build their skills and interact with cadets from other schools.