Military School Info

The Army Junior Reserve Offer Training Corps, aka Junior ROTC program or JROTC, is open to high school students who are considering a military school, or military career. This JROTC review has information on the history of JROTC and the advantages of the JROTC .

One way that teenagers can channel their energies is to become involved in a military based program. Military schools provide one way that teens can 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.

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.

Even though the 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.

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.

Advantages of the JROTC

There are many advantages associated with the JROTC. Some of the ways that your teen can benefit from participation in JROTC include:

• Learn ethical values.
• Understand good citizenship.
• Learn cooperation.
• Develop leadership skills and potential.
• Think logically.
• Communicate effectively with others.
• Learn 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.
• Understand America’s culture, and the military’s place in it.

There are many opportunities to use the JROTC to a student’s advantage. 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 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.

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.