JROTC director warns of instructor vacancies and program risks in Winston‑Salem/Forsyth schools
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Summary
A senior JROTC instructor briefed the curriculum committee on program requirements under federal rules, noted multiple instructor vacancies (including Mount Tabor) and warned units could be lost if two‑instructor staffing requirements under Title 10 are not met.
A senior JROTC instructor told the curriculum committee that Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs in Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County are nationally accredited but face staffing pressures that could threaten local units.
The presenter — who identified his role as Director of Army Instruction — summarized regulatory requirements, including Cadet Command regulations and Title 10 authorities that require each JROTC unit to maintain two instructors. "It's advertised in the school system itself, but ... anytime that I have a vacancy I have to go through Fort Bragg up to Cadet Command," he said, explaining that Cadet Command posts instructor vacancies and oversees staffing.
He said the district currently operates eight JROTC programs, described several recent instructor departures and singled out a vacancy at Mount Tabor that has persisted for about two years. "If we're not able to maintain that [two‑instructor] requirement, then the program can go away," he warned, urging attention to recruitment and retention.
The presentation covered co‑curricular activities — drill, raiders, rifle and archery teams, and emerging drone competitions — and regional events such as brigade drill competitions that can lead to national qualifiers. He also noted local support for events, saying the City of Winston‑Salem provides $5,000 annually for a 9/11 safety challenge that engages cadets with first responders.
Board members asked about recruitment pathways, program enrollment reporting and possible unit merges for small schools. The presenter said merging units or transporting students to nearby programs is possible but raises transportation and scheduling costs; he offered to follow up with enrollment and open‑enrollment reports that are due this weekend.
The committee did not take formal action on JROTC staffing at this meeting but members asked for follow‑up information about vacancies and enrollment to assess program viability.