The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) recognizes exemplary leadership, character, and scholastic achievement among ROTC and JROTC cadets. The program promotes the “citizen-soldier” ideal of the Revolutionary War Minutemen and presents awards at the chapter, state, and national levels. Awards presented
Bronze ROTC Medal — for high school JROTC cadets (typically presented by local SAR chapters).
Silver ROTC Medal — for college/university ROTC cadets and midshipmen.
Illinois highlight
Illinois SAR recognizes the Outstanding JROTC Cadet of the Year at the state level, with a $1,000 award and advancement to the National competition.
Who Is Eligible?Cadets are selected by their unit leadership for merit, leadership, military bearing, and general excellence. Chapters typically rely on the unit’s Senior Military Instructor/Professor of Military Science to make the selection. National “Outstanding JROTC Cadet” baseline (typical guidance used by many states):
Enrolled in the 3rd year of a 4-year JROTC program (or 2nd year of a 3-year/2-year program).
Strong academics (many states use Top 10% of JROTC class and Top 25% of school class as a benchmark).
Endorsements from the Senior Military Instructor and school administration.
How to Apply (JROTC – Illinois)
Nomination: The Senior Military Instructor (SMI) nominates the cadet using the SAR JROTC Nomination Form (PDF).
Essay: The cadet writes a 500–700 word original essay: “How has JROTC prepared me to be a better citizen of the United States of America.”
Submit to Your Local SAR Chapter: Mail or email the nomination packet (form + essay + any supporting documents) to the nearest Illinois SAR chapter (chapter chairs forward winning entries to the state selection). (Deadlines vary by chapter; most run December–March to meet state/national timelines.)
State Selection: Illinois SAR selects the State Outstanding JROTC Cadet and forwards to National for the final round. Il
Download: SAR JROTC Nomination Form (PDF).
What Winners Receive
Chapter Level (JROTC): Bronze ROTC medal (neck ribbon, ribbon bar, certificate).
State Level (JROTC): Illinois SAR $1,000 award and state recognition; state medal set; advancement to National competition.
College ROTC: Silver ROTC medal presented by chapters/states at university units.
Key Dates (Typical)
Unit/Chapter Window: Dec–Mar (varies by chapter/unit).
State Judging: Spring.
National Judging/Awards: Late spring–summer. (National and states publish annual calendars—check with your chapter chair for the current cycle.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Who chooses the JROTC recipients? The Senior Military Instructor/Commanding Officer typically selects the cadet for chapter-level awards using SAR criteria. Is the essay required for all JROTC entries? Yes--Illinois’ state Outstanding JROTC competition requires the cadet’s 500–700 word essay on the citizenship prompt. Can college ROTC cadets participate? Yes—college ROTC cadets may be recognized with the Silver ROTC Medal through their university unit and local SAR chapter/state society. What comes with the medals? Medal, neck ribbon, ribbon bar, and certificate; sets vary by level (chapter/state).
Contact
JROTC units: Start with your local chapter (chapter ROTC/JROTC chair).
College ROTC units: Contact the nearest Illinois SAR chapter or the state ROTC/JROTC chair.
National information: See SAR’s ROTC/JROTC Recognition Program page.