JLAB 2015-2016 JROTC UNIT BEST PRACTICE (THE SECTIONS OF THIS FORM WILL EXPAND AS YOU ENTER YOUR REPORT) Date: School : School Address:

4/28/16 Enloe HS 128 Clarendon Crescent, Raleigh, NC 27610 JROTC Unit Name: Unit Telephone Number: Unit Email Address:

Eagle Battalion [email protected] JLAB Team Member Names: Name of SAI/AI:

Riana Burton, Zackery Hankins, Colin Jones, MAJ Robertson Matthew Schneider, Drasuna Simmons, Eneko Zubizarreta JROTC Unit Best Practice (one per form only):

Military Ball Discussion (The who, what, when, where and how of the Best Practice, e.g., components of the function, organization (staff responsibilities, command and control), resources needed (money, people, supplies, transportation, and equipment) timeline from planning to completion, etc.)(PLEASE LIMIT YOUR DISCUSSION TO ONE PAGE IF POSSIBLE):

We have determined that the Enloe Eagle Battalion annual Military Ball is the best demonstration of our organizational and leadership abilities. For the past five years we have held a formal ball to showcase cadets achievements and progress throughout the year. Held in March, the military ball is also very entertaining and provides a good time to escape the troubles of a normal school week. The size of this event lends itself to a large amount of planning that starts almost immediately following the previous military ball. With an AAR as the guide to improve for the next year, leaders plan with input from multiple sources including booster club meetings, which allow parents and cadets to converse about pertinent topics that together create a cohesive formal ball. After extensive planning and preparations the day of military ball arrives. Many cadets arrive early to help set up different aspects of the ball. Multiple committees are created for specific tasks; by delegating each assignment to a group they are completed more efficiently than working blindly without a strong plan. Starting late January, the selected committees meet to discuss the coordination and execution of Eagle Battalion’s Military Ball. A plan is established to best ensure all cadets understand the protocol and timeline of the event. Beginning early February, the chain of command issues instructions for Company Commanders and First Sergeants so they may successfully teach their cadets how to conduct themselves at the ball. As March approaches, we re-establish the committees and roles of specific cadets and cadre. We hold a run-through of the complete event one week prior to the ball. Meetings are held consistently during the approaching days. We then prepare equipment, such as a memorial, decorations, color guard equipment and table decorations to ensure the event flows smoothly and appears elegant. An inventory is taken on the day before and the day of the event to make sure nothing is missing. On the day of the Military Ball, an equipment team is sent out two hours prior to the start of the event. Tables are set, the monument is placed, glasses are charged and the food is prepared by a professional catering crew. A team is designated to capture photos for historic record (photos are posted to a Dropbox so that all attendees can remember the experience) and its members are assigned to specific areas of the ballroom. Another team is designated to help at the front desk as to take tickets and show cadets to their seats. From there cadets engage in an hour of social time where they can meet parents, other cadets, or distinguished guests. After the social hour the formal portion begins with the posting of the colors by the flag detail. After the flags have been posted the ceremony is opened with toasts. Following the toasts tables are allowed to get food from the buffet. After everyone has eaten the awards ceremony begins. The ceremony is concluded with a recognition of seniors in the program. The guest speaker then comes to the front and delivers their speech. The formal portion is concluded with the retirement of the colors. The informal portion then begins which included dancing with music provided by a DJ. The military ball is a great time for cadets to dress up and experience a formal ball. Many cadets say that the military ball is better than prom. Through proper planning and execution the military ball is a great success and will continue for many years.

At JLAB, you will participate in a forum on JROTC Unit Best Practices. You are to prepare and submit a report on your unit’s best practice. Below is a non-all-inclusive list of possible unit best practices. Your Team must also prepare a presentation (Power Point or other presentation program) on this best practice. Your team will give your best practice presentation at the Unit Best Practices Forum, so be prepared. Guidance on how and when to submit this report and the Best Practice Presentation will be provided separately.

2  Academic Team  Fundraising

 Drill Team  Annual Inspection

 Orienteering Team  JCLC

 Raider Challenge Team  Service Learning/Community Service

 Rifle Team  Military Ball

 Color Guard  Cadet Commander and Staff Organization and Functions

 Marksmanship Training  Cadet Scholarships

 Awards Ceremony  Technology support of unit from school and community

 Awards support from outside organizations  Educational and Orientation Trips

 Cadet retention in JROTC  Cadet Challenge

THIS REPORT IS NOT IN ITSELF A GRADED ASSIGNMENT BUT IT IS THE BASIS FOR YOUR FORUM PRESENTATION WHICH IS GRADED.

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