The JROTC provides an opportunity for students to serve their community and country while developing important life skills.
The acronym JROTC stands for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. However, do not let the name cause confusion as the group has no military service requirements.
In 1916, the National Defense Act established the JROTC program in most public and private education institutions. By 1964, Congress instilled policies that required each military service to have a JROTC program, in order to educate and upbring students on the basis of serving the United States.
Sergeant Pete explains that the organization aims to “Foster citizenship and build leadership and confidence in students.”
The goal of the group is not to foster future members of the armed forces, but rather to inspire positive growth in the youth, providing structure and purpose to many.
JROTC serves over 550,000 students per year making it the largest leadership program for the youth nationwide. Of the participants, 40% are female cadets. The program serves many communities with 40% inner city schools with a 50% minority rate.
Every branch of the military has its own JROTC programs. The branches send veterans and officers to facilitate and oversee the programs. Currently, over 4,000 veterans participate in overseeing JROTC programs across the country.
The JROTC program is a school-sponsored class. Being a part of the program provides students with physical education credits, allowing them to skip a sport or PE during high school. Additionally, all students district-wide can participate in San Clemente’s JROTC and are excused from school in order to travel to San Clemente High School, as it is offered as a fifth and sixth period class.
The class itself teaches students a multitude of topics which help in the creation of a more well-rounded student. Governments and ethics are a few of the things taught regularly in JROTC classes. Sergeant Pete describes the curriculum’s main goal as “producing quality students.”
For those wishing to apply for the JROTC, it is recommended that someone interested should apply as early as possible in their high school career, as it helps in making a competitive application for college. The program provides in-depth leadership training which are highly sought after traits by colleges.
While the class is not an Honors nor an AP, it is still worth taking for dedicated students who want to develop and learn new skills.
Mrs Nguyen, Aliso’s College Counselor says “I think it demonstrates to colleges that they are exploring something they are passionate about.”
The class teaches important life skills, and can also aid participating students in college applications.
The class not only aids in academia but also mentally develops the participants. Sergeant Pete says, “Developing your mental confidence and leadership skills… is the number one thing the JROTC brings out [in students].” Additionally, seniority amongst peers for higher classmen places them in a role model position teaching important life lessons and responsibilities.
JROTC has many Co-Curricular activities that Cadets are prepared for and tested on. Most are academic-based but there are a few like the physical fitness competition known as the JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC).
While the JROTC program does not require full commitment, it is important to differentiate it from ROTC. ROTC is the Reserve Officers Training Corps which is a program similar to the JROTC but it operates solely in college and provides additional opportunities in the military.
JROTC is an exceptional program that shapes the next generation of students into future leaders who will positively impact the world.
