Will I need to cut my hair?

Hair during uniform days needs to be neatly groomed. Specifically…

Males:

Sideburns will be neatly trimmed. The base will not be flared and will be a clean-shaven, horizontal line. Sideburns will not extend below the lowest part of the exterior ear opening. The face will be clean-shaven, except for permitted mustaches. Hair that is clipped closely or shaved to the scalp is authorized. Males are not allowed to wear braids, cornrows, spikes, or ponytails are any type of eccentric hairstyle while in the JROTC uniform. We do not require a “crew cut,” but we do expect the hair on top of the head to be neatly groomed.

Females:

Hairstyles will not interfere with the proper wearing of military headgear. Hair holding ornaments (barrettes, pins, clips), if used, must be transparent or similar in color to hair, and will be inconspicuously placed. Beads or similar ornamental items are not authorized. Females may wear braids and cornrows as long as the braided style is conservative and the braids and cornrows lie snugly on the head. Hair will not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the bottom edge of the collar at any time during normal activity or when standing in formation. Long hair that falls naturally below the bottom edge of the collar, to include braids, will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned, so no free-hanging hair is visible.

Do I need to wear the uniform all day?

Yes, full uniforms must be worn all day on uniform days. The only exception is gym; you may change out of the uniform for gym but must put it back on afterwards. Ask permission from your gym teacher to go to the locker room early if you need to.

Will I have to join the army afterwards?

No, JROTC is a leadership program and you do not need to join any branch of the military afterwards.

Do I need to pay for the uniform?

No, the JROTC uniform is free and must be returned at the end of the school year. However, any parts that you lose or destroy will need to be paid for by you.