About Us
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
Discover the Strength and Spirit of Our Battalion
Mighty Ghost Battalion is a place where we celebrate the values of leadership, discipline, and teamwork. We are dedicated to providing a platform where cadets can grow together, develop their skills, and share their passion for service. Our mission is to create a strong community that not only strives for excellence in training and academics, but also upholds honor, respect, and responsibility for the future.
At Eastside High School, the Mighty Ghost Battalion is more than a JROTC program—it is a family united by discipline, teamwork, and pride. Our cadets carry forward a tradition of excellence that prepares them to lead in the classroom, the community, and beyond.
The program is led by Major Luis Eduardo Barraza, together with Command Sergeant Majors Ricardo Garcia and Wilson Ormaza, who mentor the cadets in their academic, physical, and personal growth. Through their commitment and excellence, the Mighty Ghost Battalion has earned the distinguished title of “Honor Unit with Distinction”, reaching an outstanding overall score of 96 percent.
The Mighty Ghost Battalion stands as one of the most recognized JROTC programs in the state.
Eastside High first opened its doors in 1926, and the school adopted the nickname Ghosts—a symbol of spirit and tradition that continues today. That same identity lives on in its JROTC Battalion, made up of more than 320 cadets who embody the values of discipline, leadership, and service.
In recent years, the Battalion has proven its strength in state and regional competitions. In 2025, the Raider Team earned a total of 12 trophies, including five first-place awards at the Tri-State Championship. At the final competition held at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, the team secured third place overall and brought home six individual medals, three of them gold. The Drill and Color Guard teams have also excelled in categories such as Armed Regulation and Unarmed Inspection, while the Academic Team has proudly represented the school in quiz-bowl style competitions designed to prepare cadets for the SAT, ACT, and overall academic excellence.
The Battalion’s success goes beyond trophies and medals. Cadets are actively involved in community service, parades, and ceremonial duties, reinforcing the program’s commitment to citizenship and civic pride. Beginning next school year, Eastside’s JROTC will also offer dual enrollment classes in history and political science, giving cadets the opportunity to earn up to six college credits before graduation.
Many Mighty Ghost cadets go on to serve in the United States Armed Forces, while others pursue higher education or careers in public service. More than just a program, the Mighty Ghost Battalion inspires young leaders, builds character, and carries forward the proud legacy of Eastside High School’s Ghosts.
Our Mission is to motivate young people to become better citizens by instilling the values of Leadership, Service, Responsibility and Excellence - both in and out of uniform.