Sons of the American Revolution
Education · High School
ROTC/JROTC Recognition Program
The SAR awards the ROTC Medal to recognize excellence in leadership, military bearing, and general performance by ROTC and JROTC cadets, promoting the principle of the “citizen-soldier.”
Community & Public
Education programs · Forsyth County, Georgia
Award Overview
The ROTC Medal is approved by the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force and can be awarded to cadets or midshipmen who demonstrate exceptional merit in their ROTC or JROTC programs. It is presented by SAR chapters, state societies, or the National Society.
- Eligibility: One medal is awarded annually for ROTC/JROTC units with fewer than 500 cadets. Larger units may receive additional medals based on enrollment size. Each ROTC/JROTC unit is counted separately if a school has multiple units.
- Medal Design: The medal features a Minuteman holding a rifle, standing next to a plow with the Liberty Bell in the background. The reverse side is inscribed “Awarded for Leadership, Soldierly Bearing, and Excellence.”
- Presentation: The medal is suspended from a ribbon in SAR colors, with a ribbon bar and a certificate available.
There are two types of ROTC/JROTC medals: the Silver ROTC Medal (college/university ROTC programs), first awarded in 1933, and the Bronze JROTC Medal (secondary school JROTC programs), first awarded in 1965.
The Enhanced JROTC Program
In 1997, the SAR enhanced its JROTC program to further recognize outstanding cadets at the local, state, and national levels.
- Selection Process: Each SAR chapter selects an Outstanding JROTC Cadet who then competes at the state level. The state winner proceeds to the national competition, and the national winner receives a special award at the SAR National Congress.
- Eligibility: The award is presented to a third-year cadet (11th grade) in a four-year JROTC program, or a second-year cadet in a two-year program.
- Presentation: Whenever possible, SAR members present the awards at the unit’s Spring Awards program.
Selection Criteria and Essay
The Senior Military Science Instructor selects candidates based on merit in these areas:
- Patriotism
- Leadership
- Military Bearing
- Scholarship
- General Excellence
Each cadet must submit an original essay on the topic: “How JROTC Has Prepared Me to Be a Better Citizen of the United States.” This essay is used at both the state and national levels.
Contest Timetable
- Chapter Level: At the start of the school year, chapters contact the Senior or District Instructor of the local JROTC unit(s). Each unit selects one nominee based on patriotism, leadership, scholarship, and general excellence.
- State Contest: The chapter winner proceeds to the state contest, where the national nominee is chosen.
- National Contest: All state nominations must be submitted to the NSSAR Executive Director by May 1 each year. The national winner receives a National JROTC Medallion and a $1,000 cash award, plus up to an additional $1,000 for travel expenses to the SAR National Congress.
Awards at Each Level
- Unit Level: The winning cadet receives the SAR JROTC Bronze Medal.
- Chapter Level: The chapter winner may receive a bronze star on their ribbon and a bronze presentation medallion.
- State Level: The state winner receives a silver star on their ribbon, a silver presentation medallion, and may also receive a monetary award.
- National Level: The national winner receives a gold star on their ribbon, a gold presentation medallion, a $1,000 cash award, and up to $1,000 for travel expenses.
Forms & Official Rules
Contact
Questions About This Program?
JROTC instructors and school staff: contact the Robert Forsyth Chapter to nominate a cadet or arrange an awards presentation.