Military School Info

Our JROTC review looks at the Army Junior Reserve Offer Training Corps program. JROTC is open to high school students considering military school, or a military career. This JROTC review has information on the history of JROTC and advantages of JROTC.

One way that teenagers can channel their energies is to become involved in a military based program like JROTC. Military schools provide a way for teens to see challenges and have a chance to excel.  These types of programs focus on discipline, achievement and leadership. But teenagers don’t have to go to military school to learn important and useful skills. The Army Junior ROTC (JROTC) provides a great environment for teens looking to excel, as well as develop useful life abilities.

JROTC Review of the History of the JROTC

The ROTC is the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps; the JROTC is the version of this program open to high schools. In 1916, high schools were provided access to Army military personnel and military equipment as part of the National Defense Act. In 1964, the JROTC was opened up to other U.S. military services.

Our JROTC review found that JROTC was originally designed as a recruitment tool, it has since evolved. The military structure remains, and some of the training is similar to what students received in the early days of the program, but the main focus has shifted somewhat. Part of the study of JROTC includes citizenship, leadership, ethics, communications and life skills. Civic responsibility and character building are cornerstones of the JROTC program, in addition to military history. JROTC is not only for boys there is also JROTC for girls.

Today, there are JROTC programs at 1,645 schools across the United States, in all 50 states, with 281,000 cadets. The program prepares teenagers for life, while providing them with a focus for their talents and energies right now.

JROTC Review of the Advantages of JROTC

Our JROTC review found many advantages associated with the JROTC program. Some of the ways that your teen can benefit from participation in JROTC include:

• Learning ethical values.
• Understanding good citizenship.
• Learning cooperation.
• Developing leadership skills and potential.
• Logical thinking.
• Communicating effectively with others.
• Learning about the importance of good health and fitness.
• Emphasis on the importance of a good education and high school graduation.
• Access to information about post-high school opportunities including college and professional training.
• Time management skills.
• Teamwork.
• Understanding America’s culture, and the military’s place in it.

Our JROTC review found many opportunities and advantages to the JROTC program. Learning about discipline and proper personal management are valuable skills. Another advantage is that your teenager can interact with students who are also interested in achievement. This provides a good environment for teenagers, and positive peer pressure. Additionally, teens can learn from their instructors, who serve as positive role models and mentors.

Another advantage includes college opportunities. Many colleges and universities include ROTC programs. This can allow teens to continue their ROTC involvement beyond high school, helping keep them stay focused while in college. Additionally, many of these university programs offer student financial aid to ROTC members. It is possible for teenagers to get help with their schooling costs when they are active in ROTC.

We want to emphasize in our JROTC review that JROTC programs are not meant for teenagers with severe behavioral problems, although some teenagers with mild problems can benefit from the structure and discipline in these programs. For the most part, JROTC is meant for a teen with an interest in finding achievement, and looking for ways to distinguish him or herself.