Battalion History
The Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps was established in 1916, with the passing of the National Defense Act. Its mission has remained the same; to motivate young people to be become better citizens.
The Jaguar Battalion was established under United States Army General Order Number 9 dated May 28th, 1993 with an effective date of January 1st, 1993. The first cadets enrolled in the 1993-1994 school year and immediately set the standard as a successful program.
Major Robert Beasley was hired as the Jaguar Battalion’s first Senior Army Instructor and First Sergeant Charles Guy was hired as the first Army Instructor. Their efforts, along with those of the Cadets, allowed the program to run smoothly and successfully ever since.
As the years passed, the Jaguar Battalion became renowned throughout South Florida. They became particularly famous from 1997-2000. During this time, the Jaguar Battalion Drill Team made it to the United States National Drill Competitions for 4 straight years. The competitions they held at PSLHS were attended by other JROTC programs from around the state.
In 2004, Major Beasley retired after many years of instructing Cadets. He was replaced by the last SAI, Major Richard Thompson. Together, Major Thompson and First Sergeant Guy continued to lead the Jaguar Battalion and maintained it as a premier JROTC unit. In 2007, First Sergeant Guy also retired after years of instructing. Master Sergeant Michael Fitzpatrick was hired as the new AI the same year. He served as an instructor at PSLHS until the fall of 2009 when he left to take the same position at another JROTC program in Florida. With the start of 2010, Sergeant First Class Francis Raphael became the new AI.
In the fall of 2010, Sergeant First Class Raphael left the Jaguar Battalion in order to become the AI at a new program in South Florida. Within the month, First Sergeant Robert Pollino assumed the position of AI. In 2015 Major Richard Thompson left the Jaguar Battalion. During the summer, before the 2015-2016 school year, Lieutenant Colonel Al Nevarez started as the new SAI. COL. Gregory A. Cannata replaced the previous SAI in August 2020.
As of 2021, First Sergeant Robert Pollino is the overall instructor of the JROTC Jaguar Battalion.
Overall, the Jaguar Battalion is one of South Florida’s best JROTC units. They are a great benefit to their school, their community, and their country. They are appreciated and loved by all of those around them and they will be for years to come.
FAQ
Q: What does JROTC stand for?
A: JROTC stands for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Q: Do cadets in the JROTC program have any obligation to join any branch of the military?
A: No, joining any branch of the military is completely voluntary. JROTC is here to help students become better citizens, not recruits.
Q: How do I become a Booster Club parent?
A: To become a booster-club parent you must attend the meetings. The meeting are the first Thursday of every month. At those meetings they talk about ideas to fund raise money, and see who can help transport students to and from competitions. If you have any question or concerns please contact our SAI Lieutenant Colonel Nevarez.
Q: When do you wear uniforms?
A: Due to block scheduling, the uniform is now worn on Wednesday depending on the day Cadets have JROTC.
Q: Why do you have to wear the uniform?
A: The uniform, worn properly, is a sign of respect to the program, our country, and those who have worn the uniform before us and yourself. Furthermore, it also prepares you for business etiquette and dress in life.
Q: Who can join JROTC?
A: JROTC is open to all students enrolled at Port St. Lucie High school.
Q: If I’m in JROTC, can I still be in other programs, sports, and/or clubs?
A: Yes. Even if you are in JROTC you can be in any sport, club, or program, however there are some restrictions.
If you are interested in becoming a Booster club parent then email First Sergeant Robert Pollino here:
Robert.Pollino@stlucieschools.org