Cadet Conduct, Bearing & Discipline
Learn about the expectations for cadet conduct, bearing, and discipline within the MCJROTC program. Our standard is simple: Respect the uniform, respect others, and lead yourself first.
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Core Values
Honor, Courage, Commitment guide every decision. Cadets demonstrate respect, integrity, and accountability in and out of uniform.
- Honor — Tell the truth, keep your word, own your actions.
- Courage — Do the right thing, especially when it’s difficult.
- Commitment — Show up prepared; support the team; finish the job.
Bearing & Professionalism
- Stand, sit, and move with military bearing—eyes up, shoulders back, respectful tone.
- Use proper greetings and courtesies; address instructors and cadet leaders respectfully.
- Keep areas clean: “leave it better than you found it.”
Classroom & Drill Deck Conduct
- Be on time, seated, and ready with materials when the bell rings.
- Follow directions the first time; raise your hand to speak; one voice at a time.
- No food/gum; water in a sealed bottle is OK if permitted by the instructor.
- On the drill deck: listen for commands, maintain intervals, and correct quietly—never mock mistakes.
- Wear the prescribed uniform the entire school day unless directed otherwise.
- Uniform complete: cover outdoors; grooming per standards; shoes/boots and brass clean.
- Represent the unit: courteous language, professional conduct, zero horseplay.
Attendance & Punctuality
- Arrive before the bell; late entry requires a pass. Three tardies = parent contact.
- If absent on uniform day, make-up inspection occurs next class period (must arrive in uniform).
- Communicate proactively about excused absences due to athletics/academics.
Phones & Social Media
- No phone use while walking or during instruction; put away when directed.
- Social media tied to MCJROTC must reflect our values: no harassment, profanity, or unsafe behavior.
- Photos in uniform: follow school policy and instructor guidance; never misrepresent affiliation with USMC.
Academic Integrity
- No plagiarism or cheating. Cite sources when required.
- Assisting others to cheat is also a violation.
- Infractions result in a zero on the assignment and discipline actions per school policy.
Chain of Command & Communication
Use the chain for questions and issues:
- Squad Leader → Platoon Sergeant → Platoon Commander
- Company 1stSgt / Company Commander
- Battalion SgtMaj / Battalion XO / Battalion Commander
- Marine Instructor (MI) → Senior Marine Instructor (SMI)
Emergencies or safety concerns: go directly to an instructor or trusted adult.
Discipline System (Positive & Corrective)
Merits & Recognition (Positive)
- Merit points for leadership, initiative, volunteer hours, inspection excellence, PT improvement.
- Public recognition: “Cadet of the Week/Month,” ribbons, billets, letters of commendation.
Infractions & Responses (Corrective)
| Level |
Examples |
Typical Response |
| Minor |
Talking out of turn; minor tardy; uniform detail missed |
Verbal correction; quick re-teach; minor demerit; make-up inspection |
| Moderate |
Repeated minor issues; disrespect; phone misuse |
Parent notification; reflective assignment; supervised corrective training |
| Major |
Harassment; unsafe acts; academic dishonesty; property damage |
Admin referral; counseling plan; potential removal from extracurriculars |
All actions align with school policies and the student handbook.
Corrective Training (Educational, Not Punitive)
- Used to teach the standard, not to embarrass or punish.
- Short, supervised, and related to the deficiency (e.g., uniform reset/checklist; drill movement re-teach; area clean-up for cleanliness issues).
- Documented when recurring; parents informed for patterns or moderate/major infractions.
Prohibited Conduct (Zero Tolerance)
- Bullying, harassment, hazing, discrimination, or retaliation.
- Threats, violence, unsafe behavior, or possession of prohibited items.
- Public displays of affection while in/around the program.
- Any conduct that violates school policy or law.
Safety & Reporting
Cadet safety is the priority. Report concerns immediately to your chain of command or an instructor. You may also use:
Recognition & Incentives
- Merit points for leadership, community service, PT progress, and inspection excellence.
- Ribbons/awards, billets, letters, and public recognition at formations/events.
Cadet & Parent Acknowledgment
Cadets and parents/guardians review these expectations together. By remaining in the program, you agree to uphold MCJROTC standards and the school’s code of conduct.
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