Central’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JORTC) has been around Chattanooga for over 100 years, that’s before central was even on the hill. Since the beginning they have set out to help build a future for Cadets/Students after High School going to College or Military Service. Starting out this year with 176 cadets there’s a lot to take in a short amount of time.

JROTC Senior Army Instructor Major David E. Spencer said the purpose of the program is to “Motivate young people to be better citizens.” That’s why Army JROTC teaches Citizenship/ U.S Government, Wellness and Personal Finance that give you high school credit.

Each Cadet/Student can participate in hundreds of hours of community service and service projects to help the local area and greater state of Tennessee.  There are a lot of scholarship opportunities as well credit. If you do decide to go in the military you can earn three ranks for doing three years in JROTC.  There are a multitude of other benefits and opportunities for participating in Army JROTC.  As JROTC instructors we are not recruiting for the military.

“This year’s Military Ball will be the 23 FEB 2024 of the Southern Bell the boat downtown cruising up and down the TN River for three hours,” Spencer said.

Spencer is particularly proud of a few of his cadets. “Cadet Ashley and Leslie Frias Cruz, for being the top two Cadets in the Battalion and 1 and 2 in their Senior Class rankings.. Cadet Morgan Rigsby will be going in the U.S Army, joining Infantry/Ranger after High School. Cadet Austen Forehand who is currently waiting on acceptance to AirForce Academy or a four-year scholarship to a University.”