The National Society of Black Jacks Prospective Company Presentation P/R 2015– KMB What is Black Jacks? Founded in 1967, the mission of The National Society of Black Jacks is to encourage and prepare students to aspire to attend college, join a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, enter into the National Society of Pershing Rifles, serve the Nation in the Armed Forces, or enter community or public service as a patriotic and educated citizen. We do this by establishing and maintaining units of the Society at the middle and high school level throughout the United States. Black Jacks uses General Pershing’s life as a role model for our members individual leadership development. Black Jacks has a foundation in military drill. A tradition that then 1LT Pershing began while serving at the Professor of Military Science at the University of Nebraska from 1891-95. We view excellence in drill is a function of discipline and dedication that translates into other endeavors in life. These traits are put to work on a regular basis by Pershing Rifles units which typically perform as color guards, exhibition drill teams, honor guards, funeral details, and other ceremonial duties. P/R 2015– KMB 2 The Black Jacks Mission • To aid in the development of successful officers in the Army, Navy, Air Force. • To foster camaraderie and esprit de corps among different Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs. • To further the purpose, traditions, and concepts of the United States Army, Navy, and Air Force. • And to prepare young cadets for College level ROTC. P/R 2015– KMB 3 General Pershing’s Legacy Pershing demanded high standards in his cadets and Black Jacks continues his legacy by focusing on excellence using military drill as a means to develop outstanding traits of leadership, military science, military bearing, and discipline. Black Jacks became a national organization in 1967. In 2010, the NSBJs began redefining its mission and tailored it to the individual units and JROTC services. Working with national and local NSBJ and NSPR resources, JROTC units are able to achieve their goals and provide opportunities for their exceptional cadets and drill/color guard teams. Pershing Riflemen have served in all branches of the US armed forces in every conflict since the Spanish-American war, with several making the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our Nation. Pershing Riflemen come from all backgrounds and we count amongst our distinguished alumni numerous general officers, a Medal of Honor recipient, and distinguished leaders in industry, the arts and government. P/R 2015– KMB 4 What Does Black Jacks Do for Its Members? • We complement JROTC by helping members grow as leaders and become a better version of themselves. • We build teamwork and leadership skills through drill, community service and other activities that our units perform. • We seek to model positive leadership behavior traits that emphasize the whole person concept of a well-rounded Pershing Riflemen. • We are focused on building future leaders who value teamwork, are ethically grounded,mentally resilient, physically fit, culturally attuned, technically competent, educated, and engaged in service to the community. P/R 2015– KMB 5 What Does Black Jacks Do For ROTC? One of the main missions of the NSBJ is to establish in JROTC units throughout the United States an elite brotherhood of cadets, trained and motivated to protect the ideals of General of the Armies John J. Pershing. As in the National Society of Pershing Rifles, Black Jacks is a nationally affiliated organization dedicated to fostering a brotherhood. Member units often use Black Jacks as an honor society or club, or as the backbone of their drill and color guard teams. Another part of the NSBJs mission is that of preparing a student for college level Picture Reserve Officer Training Corp and entry into the NSPR. The National Society of Black Jacks and Pershing Rifles, support member JROTC unit competitions with judges from local Pershing Rifles Units. NSBJ officials, alumni and MOWW members, will attend, if asked, and support the tournament as well. P/R 2015– KMB 6 How Does JROTC Support Black Jacks Units? The Unit depends upon the local JROTC Detachment for: • Unit Cadre / Faculty Advisor • Drill Practice and Office Space • Assistance & support obtaining access to drill rifles, uniforms and travel to drill and other competitions • Opportunities to represent the JROTC and School with Color Guards and Honor Guards One example is B-4, the Paul A. Brown Leadership Academy P/R 2015– KMB 7 Black Jack Ribbons & Awards Black Jack’s Membership Ribbon Life Saving Award Gold Achievement Ribbon Silver Achievement Ribbon Bronze Achievement Ribbon Commander Ribbon Best Company Ribbon Most Improved Company Ribbon Service Ribbon Annual Black Jack Drill & Color Annual Black Jack Drill & Color Annual Black Jack Drill & Color Guard Meet Participation Ribbon Guard Meet 1st Place Ribbon Guard Meet 2nd Place Ribbon Annual Black Jack Drill & Color Drill Team Ribbon Color Guard Team Ribbon Community Service Ribbon Guard Meet 3rd Place Ribbon Scholarship Opportunities for Black Jack members The General Pershing Scholars Program The Pershing Foundation's scholarship programs is one of the most important ways we impact students who are part of Black Jacks. The Foundation will be awarding scholarships to several deserving students in March at the 2018 National Convention in Kansas City, KS. The General Pershing Scholars Program recognizes members of Black Jacks who have, through their actions, demonstrated commitment to the ideals espoused by General John J. Pershing and established themselves as an example for their peers to emulate. The program rewards active Black Jacks who have established a history of outstanding academic achievement, and who possess exceptional leadership potential as demonstrated through their involvement and commitment to the Black Jacks. For more information on this program see: http://pershingfoundation.org P/R 2015– KMB 9 The Pershing Rifles experience is best summarized by General Colin Powell, a Pershing Rifleman in the 1950s who later served as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State… “For the first time in my life I was a member of a brotherhood...The discipline, the structure, the camaraderie, the sense of belonging were what I craved. I became a leader almost immediately. I found selflessness within our ranks that reminded me of the caring atmosphere within my family. race, color, background, income meant nothing.” P/R 2015– KMB 10 BG Sean Gainey, DCG of Army Cadet Command, LTC(R) Ruth Hamilton, Commander-in-Chief of the Military Order of the World Wars and Former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Colin Powell pictured with national staff at 2016 National Convention. Secretary Powell makes a surprise appearance to recharter his alma mater, Company A-8, City University of New York at the 2016 National Convention. P/R 2015– KMB Chartering Process Overview Application Phase (Part 1) • 6 people minimum • Submit Application Documents: Intermediate Phase (Part 2) • Unit Strength Report (USR) • Expansion advisor assigned from National • Letter of support from cadre organization member (unit advisor) • Develop Unit Bylaws • Provide weekly updates on progress to Expansion advisor • Study for Active Qualification Exam (AQE) • Prepare Color Guard or Drill performance video • Fundraise & make plans to send representatives to NATCON Final Phase • Complete Active Qualification Exam (AQE) with score of 80% or higher • Attend National Convention to receive charter** • www.PRNATCON.com P/R 2015– KMB 12 For more information, please contact the Chief Operations Officer via email http://www.pershingblackjacks.org/ at [email protected] https://www.theprgroup.org or visit one of our websites below. P/R 2015– KMB.