Figure 1.--There are many military schools at the high school level in America. Most are boarding schools, but there are also a few day schools as well. The schools participate in the Junior ROTC program.

The United States has a college level program called the Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC) to help train officers as the graduates of the military academies are not adequate to train the number of officers needed by the services. There is also a program for high schools called Junior ROTC. Most military schools participate in this program, but there are also Junior ROTC units at regular public high schools--often inner-city schools.

The Program

The Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) reports that its program has much to offer young men and women who want to acquire the most out of their high school years. What is gleaned from the program will be useful now and in the future. The instruction and experience received is unique and unavailable in any other courses offered at the high school level. JROTC provides students the chance to acquire basic military knowledge and leadership abilities, but its primary objective is to develop good citizenship and patriotism in each student.

Instruction

The JROTC course of instruction is offered during the regular school day as part of the curriculum. Instruction is provided by experienced Army officers and noncommissioned officers, who have a high reegard for education and training and enjoy working with young adults. Practical experience in organization and leadership development are stressed. Cadets will learn to think quickly, be sure of themself, communicate effectively, and develop a full appreciation of our national heritage. As a JROTC cadet, topics such as Current Events, World Events, Military History, Citizenship, and First Aid are studied and then applied through school and community service. Between JROTC classes and school and community service projects, there is adequate time for special training, curricular activities, as well as socializing with fellow cadets from other schools.

Experience

Students have the opportunity to attend a camp, usually on a military installation, on a strictly volunteer basis. Other experiences include rifle training, map reading, and rappelling. This training reinforces the classroom learning because it provides the cadet the opportunity for firsthand experience. Participation in JROTC does not result in any obligation to the Armed Forces. This is an elective course which may be used to meet physical education requirements.

Created: January 8, 2000
Last updated: 10:47 PM 2/22/2008