Marine Corps JROTC - Vista Del Lago High School

Welcome to the home of Marine Corps Junior ROTC at Vista del Lago High School

Our Mission: To develop courageous, character driven young adults who possess the attributes of personal responsibility and accountability in order to become model citizens in service to the United States.

David E. Wright

Major, USMC (Ret.)

Senior Marine Instructor

951-571-4880 Ext. 36712

Biography

Gerardo C. De Lucia

Sgt. Major, USMC (Ret.)

Marine Instructor

951-571-4880 Ext. 36711

Biography

Why JROTC?

Marine Corps Junior Reserves Officers' Training Corps (MCJROTC) Cadets are trained and educated on the importance of guiding principles that have been the bedrock of the Marine Corps since 1775. There is no military service commitment, and participation in the MCJROTC program meets the CSU A-G Requirement for (G): College Prep Elective.

Since its inception in 1916, the national JROTC program has been viewed as a strong program that provides youth with much needed skills in citizenship and leadership. Students who participate in JROTC programs have better attendance, better grades, and superior graduation rates relative to students who are in general academic programs.

Official MCJROTC website: MCJROTC

Accolades for SY 2026:

September Kaiser AJROTC Raiders Competition: 1st Place Females and 2nd Place Males
October Fallbrook CG Competition: 3rd Place for Uniform Inspection
November Santiago AFJROTC Drill, CG and Raiders Competition: 1st Place Armed Drill and 3rd Place for Female Raiders
December Santiago AJROTC Raiders Competition: 2nd Places for both Males Team 1 and Females. Males Team 2 (1st year Raider Cadets) placed 5th Place out of 7th Teams.
January Desert Hot Spring MCJROTC Drill and CG Competition: 1st Place Armed Platoon Regulation, Armed Platoon Regulation Personnel Inspection, Unarmed Platoon Regulation, Unarmed Platoon Regulation, Personnel Inspection, 1st Place for Unarmed Sweepstake, and 3rd Places for both Males and Mixed Color Guard Teams.
January Daniel Boone High School Postal Match: 3rd Place "Boot Shooters" aka first-time shooters
January Madison AJROTC Raiders Competition: 1st Place One Rope Bridge, 2nd Places for Ammo Can Relay and Tire Flips for first year males.
February Fontana MCJROTC Raiders Competition: 1st Place for Males, 2nd Place for Females and 4th Place for Mixed Team. All three teams "dominated and mastered" Rope Bridge to include our Males setting a new course record on Fontana’s Males Bridge at 1:43.
February Kaiser Army JROTC Drill and Color Guard Competition: 2nd Place overall w/ 1st Place Novice Color Guard. 1st Place Unarmed Inspection, 3rd Place Unarmed Drill, and 3rd Place Armed Inspection.
March Fontana Drill and Color Guard Competition: 1st Place and 2nd Place Novice Color Guard and 3rd Place Color Guard Inspection.
March Murrieta MCJROTC Raiders: 2nd Place for Females, 7th Place Males Team (1) and 12th Place for Males Team (2)
March Rialto NJROTC World Championship Color Guard: 2nd Place for JV CG Team.
April Fallbrook MCJROTC Raiders: 2nd Place for Females and 3rd Place Overall Sweep Stakes Placing.
April Moreno Valley AFJROTC Drill and Color Guard Competition: 1st Place Unarmed Regulation Drill, 1st Place Unarmed Inspection and 3rd Place JV Color Guard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Prospective cadets may have questions about the MCJROTC program. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions. For answers to additional questions, contact Vista del Lago High School's MCJROTC Instructors.

What are the benefits for the student cadet?

There are 4 main benefits for the student cadet:

Strong Character/Personal Development/Civic Responsibility: The program produces successful students who are able to utilize concepts of the program and apply those for academic success while simultaneously becoming responsible productive young adults and fostering in each school a more constructive and disciplined learning environment.

Unique and Challenging Classes: There are many classes and activities that are not normally available to High School students; Military Customs and Courtesies, Military History, Orienteering, First Aid, Close Order Drill, Color Guard, Physical Training and Marksmanship Training,

College Opportunities and Admissions: The majority of former JROTC students advance to college applying the leadership and organizational skills learned and developed while in the JROTC program. Participation in the JROTC program is generally viewed favorably on the majority of college admissions review boards. JROTC demonstrates the ability to progress through a challenging program.

Scholarships: Participation in the JROTC program is generally viewed favorably on the majority of scholarship applications. MCJROTC demonstrates the ability to progress through a challenging program.

Does the cadet have to join the military after high school?

What are the requirements to enter the program?

Though students can opt to join/take a level one (LE-1) class at any time, this is a 4 year cumulative program/curriculum. Students with previous JROTC experience will be considered on a case by case basis for higher LE levels.

Successful Graduate of the 8th Grade.
Good academic standing with a minimum 2.5 or above GPA.
Students must maintain GPA requirement every semester and satisfactory grades in their JROTC class.
Meet and maintain USMC height/weight and hygiene standards. USMC Height and Weight Standards.
JROTC status is a privilege that can be revoked at any time by the Military Instruction staff based on conduct unbecoming to the Standards of the Marine Corps.

What is the program curriculum?

The MCJROTC curriculum is structured on a “building block” system. A student is required to start and satisfactorily complete the Leadership Education I level before advancing to the next level, and so on, until completion of the Leadership Education IV level if desired. Students may enroll in MCJROTC at any grade level while in high school; however, they are still required to start at the Leadership Education I level. Leadership Education courses are divided into five (5) major subject areas:

Leadership Training. Leadership development is central to the MCJROTC curriculum. Training includes leadership traits and principles, techniques, self-discipline methods, self-study, and a study of others. The opportunity to practice these skills and techniques within the cadet organization is an integral part of instruction.
Citizenship. This portion of the training instills in students a sense of patriotism, while making them aware of their rights, privileges, and responsibilities as citizens of this country. Instruction is included on the national defense structure of the United States.
Personal Growth and Responsibility. In addition to participating in an active physical fitness program, cadets learn the benefits of proper diet, basic health practices, first aid, and the value of a personal fitness program that continues into adulthood. Cadets take a physical fitness test at least twice during the school year. Also included in this part of the course is instruction on basics of personal finance and social skills training.
Public Service and Career Preparation. Instruction will be offered to develop informed, civic minded young adults prepared for higher education, civilian careers, and public service.
General Military Subjects. This curriculum presents military customs, traditions, and history. It also includes essential military subjects, such as drill and ceremonies, uniform regulations, map reading and military rank structure.

See more in the "Curriculum & Core Values" section below.

What are the leadership education levels?

Leadership Education I (LE I). Designed for first year MCJROTC cadets, LE I emphasizes initial development of leadership traits Marine Corps customs, drill and ceremonies.
Leadership Education II (LE II). For second year MCJROTC cadets, LE II concentrates on leadership theory, style, and principles. Cadets begin to assume leadership roles in the cadet Company. The second semester of LE II concentrates on the area of Personal Growth and responsibility and health.
Leadership Education III (LE III). Third year course concentrates on leadership application. Third-year students normally fill the majority of cadet leadership positions. Citizenship and Public Service are further emphasized in LE III.
Leadership Education IV (LE IV). Fourth year curriculum concentrates on leadership application, citizenship, and career exploration. Fourth year students act as student instructors and fill the highest leadership positions in the Cadet Company.

What about disenrollment?

The Senior Marine Instructor may disenroll a cadet from the MCJROTC unit with the approval of the principal of the school for any of the following reasons:

Integrity violations (first time).
Failure to maintain standards for enrollment.
Lack of aptitude, indifference to training, disciplinary infractions, or undesirable character traits, to include repeated failure to wear the uniform of the day.
Request of the individual cadet with written parental permission and guidance counselor approval.
Found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony.
Misuse/deceptive use of excuses to avoid training.

How much time does the program take?

JROTC classes are administered during the regular school day. Optional participation in activities such as Color Guard, Drill Team, Marksmanship, and Raiders will require extra time commitment and some commitments on the weekends at special events, much like after-school sports. The Color Guard(s) will be in the highest demand for participation in Civic Events throughout the community.

Does the program cost money?

How can the cadet balance JROTC, academics, and sports?

MCJROTC classes are currently scheduled for Periods 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6.
"G" College Elective Prep credit is given for program participation.
Robust physical training will help student athletes.
Reinforces Social Studies, Current Events, English writing and composition skills and public speaking. Fosters and reinforces disciplined study habits and time management techniques.
Room available with computers and study hall in the MCJROTC classrooms to help cadets learn good study habits and continue academic success.

Is the program open and non-discriminatory?

Our Accolades

SY 2025:

September Murrieta Raiders Challenge: 4th Place Mixed Team out of 24 teams
November Santiago AFJROTC Drill, CG and Raiders Competition: 1st Place for Males and Females Raiders Teams and 3rd Place Unarmed Drill Team
December Santiago AJROTC Raiders Competition: 3rd Place and 5th Place for Mixed Team out of 12 Teams
January Madison HS AJROTC Raiders Competition: 3rd Place for Males
January Desert Hot Spring MCJROTC Drill, CG, and PT Competition: 1st Place Unarmed Platoon Regulation, 4th Place for Personnel Inspection, and 4th Place for Males Color Guard Teams
February Apple Valley SFJROTC Knights Sports Challenge: 1st Place
March Murrieta Valley Raiders Competition: 1st Place Females and 2nd Place Males
March Fontana MCJROTC Color Guard and Drill Comp. 2nd Place for Varsity, 2nd Place for Junior Varsity and 3rd Place for Freshman Color Guard Teams
April Moreno Valley AFJROTC Drill and CG Competition: 1st Place for Varsity Color Guard, Unarmed Uniform Inspection, and 3rd Place Armed Drill
April Fallbrook Raiders Competition: 2nd Places for Males and Females

SY 2024:

February Apple Valley SFJROTC Knights Sports Challenge: 1st Place
March Murrieta Valley Raiders Competition: 1st Place Mixed and 2nd Place Females
April Ramona Raiders Challenge: 2nd Place Strength & Endurance (Females), 2nd Place 1.5 Miles (Females), and 3rd Place Rope Bridge (Females); and 1st Place Strength & Endurance (Mixed)

SY 2023:

September Murrieta Valley Raiders Challenge: 1st Place Females Raiders
November Santiago AFJROTC 2023 Drill and Raiders Competition: 3rd Place Females
February Apple Valley SFJROTC Knights Sports Challenge: 3rd Place
February Fontana Raiders Challenge: 2nd Place Females Raiders

SY 2022:

March Murrieta Valley Raiders Challenge: 3rd Place Mixed Team
April Ramona Raiders Challenge: Mixed Team placed 2nd Place Strength & Endurance and 3rd Place Speed Hike events

SY 2021:

February Legacy H.S. Postal Marksmanship Match: 3rd Place
April Smiths Station H.S. Postal Marksmanship Match: 1st Place for MCJROTC Spring "Boot Team"

SY 2019:

March Moreno Valley AFJROTC 3rd Annual Sports Competition Day: 3rd Place

Cadet Co-Curricular Activites

Cadets have the opportunity to participate in a wide array of co-curricular activities, including:

Awards Night: The Awards Ceremony is for MCJROTC Cadet who excels. It recognizes high levels of performance, excellence, and achievement. Because the MCJROTC program recognizes that not all Cadets have the same abilities and skills, the Marines designed its awards program to recognize as many personal traits as possible in Cadets. The Marines rewards Cadets for extracurricular activities, excellence in competition, contributions to unit goals, and outstanding service. Also, you may receive national recognition from patriotic and civic organizations for outstanding academic and military achievements. To achieve any of these awards, however, you must prepare yourself for success.

Community Service: Over the years, Marine Corps JROTC Cadets have volunteered countless hours of community service to their surrounding communities. Cadets around the states have volunteered their time to assist food banks, remove litter in the community, visit the elderly and the sick, and in a multitude of other capacities. MCJROTC Cadets conduct community service as a part of their MCJROTC education while contributing to their own development as citizens of this democratic society. Marine Corps JROTC cadets support many volunteer and non-profit organizations.

Color Guard: A Marine Corps JROTC unit’s Color Guard is often a very active representative of the unit at pubic events. Whether it’s presenting the American Flag at high school basketball or football games, National Honor Society events, or school board meetings, the MCJROTC Color Guard stands ready to serve its host school. In the community, MCJROTC Color Guards perform at parades, ceremonies, and sporting events.

Field Meet Competitions: Just like the Marine Corps and schools, JROTC Cadets come together throughout the year to build camaraderie for competitive events such as organized sports, physical activates and academic challenges to foster the competitive nature in a program against other schools. It also brings units together that work and support each other but may not know one another personally.

Field Trips: Marine Corps Junior ROTC units are provided an opportunity to conduct field trips on a biennial basis. These trips enable MCJROTC instructors to take their lesson plans outside of the classroom and apply them to authentic situations. Cadets are presented with leadership challenges and mentored by their instructors throughout the learning experience. At the same time, Cadets gain a unique perspective of today’s military by conducting a variety of team building and confidence strengthening events. Field trips continue to be a very popular portion of the MCJROTC curriculum.

Marksmanship: Marksmanship is an integral part of the MCJROTC curriculum. With an emphasis on safety, the MCJROTC Marksmanship curriculum allows cadets to develop pride and a sense of accomplishment as they become more proficient with their marksmanship skills. Cadets will shoot the Crosman Challenger Air Rifle specifically designed exclusively for MCJROTC. Cadets will qualify and compete using the Three-Position Air Rifle Shooting standards and will compete in postal and shoulder-to-shoulder matches.

Raiders: Marine Corps Junior ROTC physical fit Cadets compete in competitions designed to test the strength, teamwork and physical and mental endurance of cadets from across the country. Raider Competition or "Raider" as it is more commonly known is a very popular athletic competition held within Junior ROTC programs around the United States. One of the goals of the Raider program is to promote esprit de corps, teamwork, and self-confidence among JROTC cadets. It is the Junior ROTC equivalent of the Army ROTC "Ranger" competition in college, only far less dangerous but very challenging as well! The events are held outdoors in state parks or large expansive wooded areas.

USMC Birthday Ceremony: Everyone likes a “birthday party” with fellowship, good cheer, and an opportunity to celebrate a special event with friends. Just as the MCJROTC Cadets enjoy a good birthday party, so do U.S. Marines around the world in commemorating the Marine Corps birthday. Starting in the summer, the Marine Corps begins preparations for its “birthday party,” and activities become more feverish as the fall approaches. By early November we are rehearsing roles in the “party,” or pressing, polishing, and spit shining in order to appear at his or her best for the event.

Curriculum & Core Values

Our cadets are guided by the Marine Corps Leadership Traits and Principles and grounded in our Marine Corps Core Values. They are committed to excellence and strive to build good relationships at home, in school, and within the community. They are young Americans committed to their schoolwork and their cadet responsibilities. Most importantly our cadets strive to lead themselves so that they may lead others in the future.
• Motivate students to learn.
• Foster a disciplined and constructive learning environment.
• Instill essential skills like time organization, responsibility, goal setting, and teamwork.

Curriculum	Subject
Leadership	Core Values Leadership Traits Leadership Principles Team Building & Teamwork Creativity and problem solving Personal Leadership and Discipline Moral Character
Citizenship	Government Parades & Ceremonies Hosting, Escorting at Special Events Origin, Advantages, and Responsibility of Citizenship
Personal Growth and Responsibility	Job Interviews and Applications Resume Preparation Basic Financial Planning Communication Skills Life Skills Computer Training
Public Service	Community Service Volunteer
General Military Subjects	Wearing of the Uniform Grooming Standards History, Customs, & Courtesies Roles and Missions of the Marine Corps Drill & Ceremonies

Career and Service Opportunities

The graduating cadet has several career and service opportunities.

If your student is college bound, participation in JROTC is viewed favorably for military ROTC scholarships. Such scholarship opportunities include; ROTC 4 year college military scholarships and stipends valued at up to $180,000 in exchange for future military service.

Some cadets may apply to a United States Service Academy. Competition is keen and competitive to the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and U.S. Coast Guard Academy. JROTC completion is viewed favorably for admission to the service academies, though it does not guarantee admission. These academies offer a premier 4-year all-inclusive education at no cost to the student. Students are obligated to serve in the armed forces for a period of 5 years after graduation and becoming a commissioned officer.

If a cadet decides to enlist directly into the armed forces following high school graduation, the cadet enters at a higher rank and its associated pay by virtue of having completed at two years of JROTC. A student presenting evidence of successful completion of at least 2 years of JROTC under any Military Department is entitled to advance promotion of no less than E-2 on initial enlistment in an active or reserve component of the military.

Cadets thinking about directly entering the job market will have broad career exposure. Cadets will be introduced to civilian, government and military career options that utilize and honor a broad range of abilities and educational levels - everything from vocational/artisan skills to advanced college occupations.

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