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Standard Operating Procedures

Competition rules and comprehensive procedures for the Marine Corps JROTC National Drill Championship

Competition Divisions

Teams are nominated to compete in either the Armed or Unarmed Divisions. Some schools may qualify to bring both teams.

Team Requirements

  • • Teams are nominated based on results from regional qualifier scoring
  • • See SOP for minimum cadet numbers required
  • • Schools are responsible for their travel costs & housing at the Marine Corps JROTC National Championships in Georgia.
  • • Nominated schools that cannot attend the event in person can submit their routines on video to be evaluated by the same judges scoring in person.
Marine Corps JROTC teams in formation

Armed Division

Teams compete with drill rifles in precision movements, demonstrating skill in armed drill and ceremony.

  • Rifle manual of arms and movements
  • Precision rifle handling and presentation
  • Team synchronization and timing

Unarmed Division

Teams compete without rifles, focusing on marching precision, bearing, and military drill fundamentals.

  • Marching movements and formations
  • Military bearing and discipline
  • Precision in movement and cadence

Competition Events & Scoresheets

All Teams compete in four core events demonstrating Marine Corps standards of excellence

Inspection

Uniform, Bearing, Knowledge

Regulation

Basic commands by the Manual

Color Guard

Commands by the Manual

Exhibition

Creative drill performance showcase

Standard Operating Procedures

Comprehensive rules and regulations governing all aspects of Marine Corps Nationals

Competition SOP

Competition SOP

Detailed rules and regulations for all competition events, scoring criteria, and performance standards.

  • • Event-specific rules and regulations
  • • Scoring criteria and methodology
  • • Performance standards and expectations
  • • Competition procedures and protocols
Download Competition SOP
SOP Updates

SOP Updates

Stay informed about the latest changes and updates to our Standard Operating Procedures.

Coming Soon

SOP Information

Standard Operating Procedures and Scoresheets will be posted as they become available. Check back regularly for updates.