Within the JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) program, there are multiple teams that each cadet can choose from. These teams are an opportunity for them to develop their skills within JROTC. Out of these teams, there are two that often come to mind: the unarmed and armed drill teams. For these teams to work, a cadet is chosen to become the commander. This year, the commanders are Autumn Chatman (12) for unarmed and Theo Scarlett (11) for armed.
Chatman and Scarlett have been in the JROTC program since their freshman year of high school. The two teams can each be characterized by different attributes. First of all, the armed drill team’s incorporation of rifles and the all-female makeup of the unarmed drill team are both differences between the teams, creating different dynamics within them.
“The biggest difference [between the two teams] is the fact that we do have rifles,” Scarlett said. “That is what constitutes the major differences. Since unarmed does not have rifles, they do a lot of steps, [while] for armed we focus on spinning the rifles and doing tricks with those, so our entire drill is based around that. We do some rhythm things like unarmed does but just with our rifles — that is the biggest difference.”
The innate dynamic of the unarmed drill team can be seen as a sisterhood where support and guidance are intertwined with Chatman’s job of commanding the team.
Many of those who join JROTC do so because it can be a place for them to bond and build relationships. Others might do it for the credits that are granted from completing the program. Some join because their family advised them to.
“Originally [I joined because] my father actually wanted me to join the program,” Scarlett said. “I didn’t have so much interest in the beginning, but I knew that my brother had done it, so I knew it was something that could be kind of cool. I originally joined mainly for the PE credit and the government credit, but then after my first year I realized that this was something that I really enjoyed, which is why I stayed in it.”
Once a student finds that they enjoy what they do and wishes to continue into the next year, they too can work toward fulfilling a position such as the commander.
“My experience getting this position was pretty smooth going,” Chatman said. “I had to go up for a board to get the position and basically a board is like an interview in which I had to recite my responsibilities and answer any other questions that were asked of me.”
Once a student finds a team they are passionate about, they may feel called to further their responsibilities and to become a leader of their peers. Through boards, a cadet’s knowledge is tested to ensure that they know the position that they are applying for and to gauge their ability to lead a team successfully.
“Originally when I joined JROTC, I wasn’t planning on joining this team,” Scarlett said. “But I met the commander my freshman year and he was what made me want to join. It was that first day of practice that really got me interested. I wanted to do it and did it in my freshman year and continued it in my sophomore year. I realized then that being commander was something that I wanted to do because I wanted to help the cadets on the team, and I wanted to be someone in charge [who the team] can look up to.”
JROTC gives students an opportunity to commit to an overall effort with their peers. Those who receive a leadership role are granted a unique opportunity to test themselves with responsibility and see how they can lead a team.
“My roles and responsibilities are to come up with a routine to compete with,” Chatman said. “[I have to] make sure that everyone on the team receives everything they need to perform at any event we have lined up. [I have] to come up with practice dates and times [to] make sure they align with our [Senior Army Instructor’s] schedule, and I also have to promote my team and get as many people [as possible] to join.”
The commander’s role is very important to the effort of the entire drill team. They schedule, teach, make the routines for exhibitions, plan and organize events and, most of all, communicate with team members.
“This is my first year being commander,” Scarlett said. “This is my first year having a role in the battalion. As commander, I am in charge of [the cadets on my team] and teach them everything that they need to know. I have help from other people who have been on the team so far, but it is my job to make sure everyone understands and to create a very kind and caring environment on the team.”
Although being a commander provides many opportunities and experiences, it is a difficult job. There is a lot of pressure when someone is the main driving force of an effort.
“I have faced many struggles throughout the time I’ve been a commander,” Chatman said. “For instance, we don’t have a stable place to practice, so we have to hop [from] place to place to find a solid space big enough for us to be able to practice at. We also have a lot of events that the school wants us to perform at — which we love — but it gets complicated when we aren’t notified far enough in advance. But that’s just a few complications that I’ve faced being the unarmed drill team commander.”
At times, difficulties arise within the team; addressing these conflicts falls on the commander. Some students may not put in the effort needed for the team or may have conflicting schedules, so commanders must pick up the slack within the team. Despite these difficulties, commanders learn how to listen, work, teach and lead a team.
“Unarmed has impacted me in a significant way,” Chatman said. “It taught me how to be a leader, role model and overall a better citizen. When I took up this role, I knew that I had to set an example to the girls that I would be leading, so I had to get myself together as far as my grades and behavior.”
Students who enter these leadership roles can find their strengths. They can also find what makes them confident and happy.
“Being able to teach the other cadets has been my favorite thing.” Scarlett said. “When I was a [first year cadet] on the team I was so passionate and eager to learn, [and] now I am able to be a teacher for these cadets. I see myself in them and am glad that I could be there for them to learn from.”
After this year, Chatman will be making her way into the Airforce. Scarlett hopes to continue to be commander next year and is trying to reach for more leadership positions within the battalion.
“What’s next for me is graduating high school and enjoying my last summer here in Memphis.” Chatman said. “Once the summer is over, I will be heading off to [basic training] for the Air Force.”
