SAR ROTC and JROTC Medal Program and Contest

The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) awards the ROTC Medal to recognize excellence in leadership, military bearing, and general performance by ROTC and JROTC cadets. The award, which promotes the principle of the “citizen-soldier,” is presented by SAR chapters, state societies, or the National Society.

Award Overview

The ROTC Medal is approved by the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force and can be awarded to cadets or midshipmen who demonstrate exceptional merit in their ROTC or JROTC programs.

  • Eligibility: One medal is awarded annually for ROTC/JROTC units with fewer than 500 cadets. Larger units may receive additional medals based on enrollment size. Each ROTC/JROTC unit is counted separately if a school has multiple units.
  • Medal Design: The medal features a Minuteman holding a rifle, standing next to a plow with the Liberty Bell in the background. The reverse side is inscribed with “Awarded for Leadership, Soldierly Bearing, and Excellence.”
  • Presentation: The medal is suspended from a ribbon in SAR colors, with a ribbon bar and a certificate available.

There are two types of ROTC/JROTC medals:

  1. Silver ROTC Medal (college/university ROTC programs) – First awarded in 1933.
  2. Bronze JROTC Medal (secondary school JROTC programs) – First awarded in 1965.

The Enhanced JROTC Program

In 1997, the SAR enhanced its JROTC program to further recognize outstanding cadets at the local, state, and national levels.

  • Selection Process: Each SAR chapter selects an Outstanding JROTC Cadet who will then compete at the state level. The state winner proceeds to the national competition. The national winner receives a special award at the SAR National Congress.
  • Eligibility: The award is presented to a third-year cadet (11th grade) in a four-year JROTC program, or a second-year cadet in a two-year program.
  • Presentation: Whenever possible, SAR members present the awards at the unit’s Spring Awards program.

Contest Timetable

  1. Chapter Level: At the start of the school year, chapters should contact the Senior or District Instructor of the local JROTC unit(s). Each JROTC unit selects one nominee based on the criteria of patriotism, leadership, scholarship, and general excellence.
  2. State Contest: After the chapter contest, the winner proceeds to the state contest, where the national nominee is chosen.
  3. National Contest: All state nominations must be submitted to the NSSAR Executive Director by May 1 each year. The national winner is contacted to coordinate travel to the SAR National Congress, where they will receive a National JROTC Medallion and a $1,000 cash award. Up to an additional $1,000 for travel expenses will also be provided.

Selection Process

The Senior Military Science Instructor will select candidates based on merit in the following areas:

  • Patriotism
  • Leadership
  • Military Bearing
  • Scholarship
  • General Excellence

Each cadet must submit an original essay on the topic: “How JROTC Has Prepared Me to Be a Better Citizen of the United States.” This essay will be used at both the state and national levels.

Awards at Various Levels

  • Unit Level: The winning cadet receives the SAR JROTC Bronze Medal.
  • Chapter Level: The chapter winner may receive a bronze star on their ribbon and a bronze presentation medallion.
  • State Level: The state winner receives a silver star on their ribbon, a silver presentation medallion, and may also receive a monetary award.
  • National Level: The national winner receives a gold star on their ribbon, a gold presentation medallion, a $1,000 cash award, and up to $1,000 for travel expenses.

Conclusion

This program encourages SAR chapters to work with JROTC units to identify and reward outstanding cadets who embody the values of leadership, citizenship, and patriotism. It also aims to support the national JROTC program, providing cadets with well-deserved recognition for their hard work and dedication.

Application Form (Download)