MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- "Left right, left right, platoon; halt!"
This is one of the many commands service members have surely heard throughout their military careers.
Now a few Matthew C. Perry High School students will have the opportunity to experience what it is like to follow close order drill and other military related activities in a recently formed Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program.
The JROTC program here, the first of its kind at the high school, is intended to teach students a variety of leadership and life skills.
According to Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Crone, Marine instructor, he isn't wasting any time developing the student's basic skills.
"The first year is made up of the fundamentals and understanding of rank structure as well as close order drill," said Crone.
Crone went on to say that during the student's second year in the program they steadily build on the fundamentals to prepare for leadership positions during the third and fourth year.
That's when the students are given the opportunity to prove what they have learned by running the unit on their own without much guidance from the instructor.
"The JROTC class is run like any other Marine Corps unit," said Crone, a former drill instructor and recruiter. "We follow all of the Marine Corps orders, and there are actually orders suited just for JROTC programs."
Crone stated that just because it's a JROTC class doesn't mean the kids are pushed to select the military as their career field.
"We're just trying to help the students any way we can, and if they decide to go into the military, I will answer any questions for them with the absolute truth," Crone added.
Cadet Capt. LaToya Thompson said her experience in JROTC has given her opportunity to be a leader with responsibilities.
"We want to emphasize leadership in our class as well as being a good citizen out in the community," said Crone. "Going into the military is secondary to that."
With the class stressing the importance of physical fitness, close order drill and ceremony, history of the military and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, students say JROTC has made a lasting impression.
"I know the principles I have learned in JROTC will benefit me for years to come," said Thompson.