10/07/2026
Today for we are introducing our JROTC instructors.
Our Shoemaker High School JROTC program has once again earned the award "Honor Unit with Distinction" based on their performance last year.
JROTC units receive Honor Unit with Distinction status two ways depending on where they are in the three year inspection cycle. During the inspection year, they receive a JROTC Program for Accreditation (JPA) Inspection. During the non-inspection years, they get re-certified through the assessment of the annual Unit Report which shows all of the activities the program conducted that year along with instructors meeting Army standards with regards to height and weight compliance, JROTC education compliance, background investigation (every five years), and updated photo (every five years).
The Honor Unit with Distinction is the highest rating a JROTC program can earn, awarded to top-performing units that score 95% or higher during their formal JROTC Program of Accreditation (JPA) inspection.
What the Award Means:
Elite Status: Only about 10% of all Army JROTC programs nationwide achieve this designation.
Gold Star: Cadets in these units are authorized to wear a distinctive yellow/gold star insignia on their uniforms.
Service Academy Nominations: The unit receives the privilege of nominating candidates directly to U.S. Military Service Academies, a power equivalent to a congressional or senatorial nomination.
During a JPA inspection (which typically occurs every 3 years), units are evaluated on several core areas:
Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP): Strategies for program growth and quality.
Service Learning Projects: Active community engagement and impact.
Cadet & Instructor Portfolios: Demonstration of core leadership and learning skills.
Formal Briefings & Inspections: Staff briefings, uniform upkeep, and cadet knowledge testing.
Today in class they inspected uniforms and after school they are completing promotion boards. Their next JPA is in January and we have no doubt that they will receive the same honor again.
Thank you for shaping our future leaders!
