On February 1, 2025, at Monarch High School in Florida, Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Pepin of the Georgia State Defense Force volunteered his expertise to judge a highly competitive JROTC drill competition. A proud alumnus of Monarch High School, Pepin returned to his alma mater to lend his experience and inspire cadets as they showcased their proficiency in regulation drills, exhibition routines, and color guard challenges. The event, which marked the opening of the school’s drill meet season, brought together Broward County Public School JROTC units in a spirited contest to secure their place in the upcoming state championship..
The GSDF’s involvement in the competition underscores its commitment to community engagement and youth development. This tradition of state defense forces supporting educational military programs is mirrored by efforts in other states; for instance, last fall the Indiana Guard Reserve played a significant role in the Indiana JROTC Raider Challenge by officiating the event, documenting the proceedings, and assisting The National Guard 81st Troop Command with running ranges and inventorying critical supplies. Such initiatives reflect a broader, nationwide commitment to mentoring and preparing the next generation of military leaders.
The active participation of state defense forces in JROTC events offers mutual benefits, serving as both a support tool and a means of fostering professionalism and leadership among cadets. By engaging directly with these young cadets, organizations like the GSDF, Indiana Guard Reserve, and other State Defense Force provide invaluable exposure to military standards and discipline, while also gaining insights into the evolving dynamics of youth training and community involvement. This collaboration not only strengthens the bonds between state defense forces and local communities but also builds a robust foundation for future service members dedicated to excellence and duty.
The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Pepin volunteers to judge a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Drill Competition at Monarch High School in Florida, Feb. 1, 2025.
Monarch High School opens its drill meet season with a competitive match consisting of many Broward County Public School JROTCs. Cadets from various schools go through multiple regulation, exhibition, and color guard challenges to see who would progress to the state championship later this year. Sgt 1st Class Pepin was a graduate and prior cadet at Monarch High School.
The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.
(Miramar High School JROTC photos by Cdt. Christian Veloz)
It’s been a busy fall for the Indiana Guard Reserve with several new missions! IGR service members helped officiate and document the JROTC Raider Challenge. They also assisted the 81st Troop Command by helping run the ranges and by taking inventory of critical supplies.
Sources: Georgia State Defense Force – Indiana Guard Reserve
