On January 23, 2025, the Corps of Cadets at Central Catholic High School JROTC participated in a comprehensive JROTC Program of Accreditation (JPA) Inspection in accordance
with Cadet Command Regulation (CCR) 145-8-3, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps: Program for Accreditation, dated 29 Sep 2021. This inspection is the third JPA that Central Catholic has experienced since JPA’s implementation in SY 2015-2016.
JPA Inspection is an extensive assessment of high school JROTC programs, typically conducted every three years. The results determines whether the school earns the designation of “Honor Unit with Distinction” by scoring 95% or higher on the inspection along with the ability to nominate cadets to our nation’s service academies: the United States Military Academy at West Point, United States Naval Academy, or the United States Air Force Academy. This inspection covers the following categories: Unit Report, In Ranks Inspection, Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP), Service-Learning Project (SLP), Cadet Drill, Color Guard, Cadet Portfolios and Instructor Portfolios.
Unit Report - JROTC programs complete the Unit Report annually in JROTC Unit Management System (JUMS), in accordance with CCR 145-2. In Ranks Inspection - All CCHS JROTC cadets were inspected on their uniform and military knowledge.
Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) Brief- For this presentation, the entire battalion staff briefed an identified area that needed improvement within the Cadet Corps. Their plan for improvement stated the issue, how they developed a continuous improvement strategy, their implementation process, and documented continuous improvement results. Each staff member explained their role in supporting the Continuous Improvement project and responded to questions about their role.
Service-Learning Brief - There are three different aspects of Service Learning: planning and preparation, implementation, and evaluation. Selected Cadets, other than the battalion staff, presented the presentation and were evaluated on how well Corps accomplished the three aspects of Service Learning.
Cadet Drill - Cadets were evaluated on formation, dress/alignment/ cadet leader control, and unit response as they perform a marching drill sequence.
Color Guard - Cadets were evaluated on casing, uncasing the colors, and performing a marching sequence.
Cadet Portfolio - Each Cadet created a portfolio that contains an organized collection of work based on accomplishments, personality, goals, and aspirations. Portfolios should provide insight and information on the Cadet’s personal achievements and growth over time and serve as a guide for the Cadet interview during a JPA visit.
In 2022, Central Catholic Corps of Cadets went through their second inspection of the JPA format and concluded with a 99.4 %. As a result of the Corps putting forth their best effort this year, Central Catholic High School JROTC received a perfect score of 100% – an accomplishment that only few JROTC programs in the nation have achieved. This is the first 100% given this year in the state of Texas. They will also retain their Honor Unit of Distinction with the coveted Gold Star.
Written by 1SG (Ret) Jose D. Gonzales, Army Instructor at Central Catholic High School
