JROTC ~ What is it, anyway?

JROTC

JROTC has come under attack and will be expelled from the San Francisco public schools. These two pictures are of the Bay Area students that will be deprived of this magnificent program.

The debates on this issue have been loud and ugly and largely of the misinformed across the blogosphere. While everyone seems to have an opinion, most people don't even know what JROTC is.



JROTC is an elective high school course taught by military personnel at selected high schools, both public and private, in the United States and its territories, and abroad in the Defense Dependents School System.

There are programs for all branches of the military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy.

They exist to teach high school students the value of citizenship, leadership, service to the community, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment, while instilling self-esteem, teamwork, self-discipline, confidence and pride. They attain life shills that enhance success after graduation.

The motto: "To motivate young people to be better citizens."

These programs prepare the student for leadership roles while making them aware of their rights and responsibilities and privileges as American citizens. Students in these programs have higher GPA's and higher graduation rates.

The curriculum includes:
*Communication Skills
*Leadership Training
*Physical Fitness
*First Aid, Drug Abuse Prevention
*History
*Citizenship
*Technology Awareness

Leadership and Education Training (LET):
I - To be Better Citizens. The text discusses citizenship, leadership, and other courses to help the cadets succeed in high school and after graduation. They provide color guards, participate in community parades, drill and rifle teams.

II - Details about Leadership. The units include techniques of communication, leadership, first aid, map reading, history, American citizenship. They continue with the LET I activities.

III - More Leadership Skills. The cadets become involved in a teaching and leadership role in the cadet battalions, while they do independent study in areas of communication, leadership, first aid, history, map reading, career opportunities and technology awareness. They continue with LET I activities.

IV - Responsible for Daily Cadet Administration, Perform as Commanders and Staff Officers. In some areas of instruction, they act as assistant instructors for JROTC classes. They continue to develop their leadership skills. They plan special unit events: military ball, annual awards banquet, etc.

Cadets have the opportunity to travel and to compete with other units throughout the country. The work in community outreach projects. These young people are taught what so many need to be taught.

Personally, I would like to see JROTC in every school. It provides such unique opportunities for these young people. It helps to build character. It motivates.