JROTC cadets already see competition through marching, raiders and archery. Now they’re working to introduce an air rifle program.

“Basically, if it’s a superintendent and the principal agree to have it, we have to go through a certification course for each instructor teaching it,” instructor Douglas Borin said.

Before they can get started, they first need to focus on safety.

“We have to basically take a test…we have to make sure that we pass the test with no mistakes, and the kids take the same test,” Born said.

Cadets we spoke to say they would like to participate in the new program.

“It could help gain trust within people that are going to try and do it… I would enjoy the friendly competition within the school system,” cadet Asher Andrews (9) said.

“I would be very interested in competing in air rifles because it looks very interesting and I would love to know how to shoot an air rifle…it will help me work on leadership,” cadet Sebastian Alvarez (9) said.

Instructors recognize the challenge students face with starting up a new program.

“If these kids really, really want to shoot, they have to focus, pay attention and we go over everything step by step,” Borin said.

If everything goes well, there’s a chance you’ll see these cadets competing in the near future.