Junior Reserve Officers Training is a cooperative effort between the school system, the U.S. Army (at Atholton and Howard high schools), and the U.S. Air Force (at Oakland Mills High).

ROTC provides a career pathway for students interested in careers in the military.

The program can be taken in all four years of high school. About ten percent of the students in each school are involved in the program. Cadets are involved in community service and outside leadership programs. Many cadets also participate in related extracurricular activities such as drill team, color guard, or other team competition.

The mission of Junior Reserve Officers Training is to motivate young people to become better citizens. The program includes citizenship, leadership, communication skills, historical perspectives, and other topics to help cadets in high school and after graduation. The program is designed so that learning progresses as cadets develop at each grade level.

The program's objectives in support of the school system goals are to help each cadet develop:

• Appreciation of ethics and values that underlie good citizenship, including integrity, responsibility and responsiveness to established authority.
• Patriotism, self-reliance, leadership, and teamwork skills.
• Goal-setting abilities and a positive self-image.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Appreciation for the importance for physical fitness.
• Knowledge of educational and vocational opportunities.
• Appreciation for the role of the U.S. Armed Forces and knowledge of military skills.

The school system receives partial reimbursement for the costs of this program from the U.S. Government.

JROTC is located at three schools in the county: Atholton High School (Army), Howard High School (Army) and Oakland Mills HIgh School (Air Force).