JROTC units prepare to compete
Showing off their military precision, JROTC units from across the region will gather Saturday at Warren County High School to compete in the Midsouth Dr Pepper Classic Drill Meet.
“Given the current situation in Iraq, we think the event will have a big appeal this year and we invite everyone to come out for this free event and support our students in uniform,” said local JROTC instructor 1st Sgt. Ernest Brewington.
This marks the 18th year the local high school has sponsored the Midsouth Dr Pepper Classic Drill Meet. Scheduled to compete and perform are drill teams and individuals from 17 JROTC units representing all four military branches in Tennessee, Kentucky and Georgia, including the local high school, which will use the competition as practice for the national JROTC drill team championships to be held next week in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Brewington said the day-long event will feature impressive displays of drill maneuvers, including close quarters drill, color guard and rifle tossing, a popular event in which rifles weighing several pounds are tossed through the air in flashy displays of coordination, strength and agility. In addition to multi-person teams, the competition will also feature duos and individuals.
The student drills and maneuvers will be judged by regular Army drill sergeants.
To be held in the high school’s gymnasium, the Midsouth Dr Pepper Classic Drill Meet will begin at 7 a.m. Saturday and is expected to last until 5 p.m. Admission is free. The JROTC booster club will have an assortment of food and beverages available for sale.