Overview
In order to have a drill team, you need to have interested cadets! In this article, we’ll give you three actionable ideas for finding not just MORE drill team cadets but the RIGHT drill team cadets!
Number 3: Varsity Sport Cut Rosters
Nearly every school has more interested athletes than available starting positions on the various teams. This means that naturally, some student athletes will find themselves warming the bench, languishing for another year on the JV team, etc.
One of the best recruiting tactics is getting access to those who didn’t make the varsity or starting line-up cut and enticing them towards an athletic activity with travel opportunities and potentially even the ability to earn a varsity letter for drill team BEFORE most others have a chance to earn a letter in other activities!
Some of the best cadets we’ve coached and drilled alongside were outstanding athletes looking for a way to perform at their highest but who didn’t quite make the initial round of cuts for their respective sports!
Number 2: Middle School Drill Club
Want to earn community service while mentoring the next generation AND creating motivation to join the drill team before it’s even an option? Enter the middle school drill club!
Network with your feeder schools to set up an after-school, once or twice a month club where middle school students can come out and learn skills from drill team members. Remember to keep this light and fun! Teach them how to march and drill and even show them how to do basic exhibition!
By engaging them earlier on, not only are you getting them motivated to REALLY drill when they reach high school, you’re giving them valuable initial training while also building relationships with them in advance.
When it comes time for practice to begin the following year, you have a basically-trained group of rising freshmen ready to go!
Number 1: In Your Current JROTC Class Period
Somewhere right now is a cadet who would be an AMAZING asset to the drill team who will NEVER volunteer on their own!
Take notice of who excels on classroom drill day, who earns high marks on their weekly uniform inspections, and who seems to be someone who is mature and organized.
Invite them to come try out the drill team and explain how the team is always looking for someone with their qualities. Try and remove barriers for entry by offering rides home, alternative introductory practice times, etc. to help limit objections.
While not everyone you approach and ask to give it a shot will say yes, there are a handful of people in your program who would give it a shot if approached and sold on the idea the right way!