Apr 29 2009
JROTC
Young gentlemen and ladies all dressed in green dress uniforms standing to attention and saluting the American flag is the most glorious of all sights. The troops aren’t preparing for battle or to protect our country, they are not drinking age and many aren’t old enough to drive. This is the Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, better known as JROTC.
The program is designed for high school students and does not promote or expect the students to follow a career in the military, although there is certainly information regarding that choice. It is a program designed to help students become better citizens, provide opportunities to learn responsibility and leadership, teach physical fitness and it’s importance, and to develop the skills necessary to work effectively as a member of a team. Much emphasis is put on college preparation and test such as the ACT, SAT and ASVAB are given.
Staff instructors are well qualified. According the JROTC web site, to qualify as a candidate to instruct, one must meet the following requirements:
- Retired Army personnel (E-6 through O-6
- At least 20 years of active duty service
- Receive a retirement pay
- Must be retired for more than 3 years
JROTC cadets have many opportunities such as parades, roadside clean up, and town sponsored events which teach team work, responsibility, citizenship, and pride in a job well done. They also have the opportunity to experience “fun” events such as a trip to Dixie Stampede, yearly trip to Washington DC, the chance to go to a military base, and our favorite, the Military Ball.
Teachers are overworked and underpaid, as we all know. Because of that, many teachers aren’t as available to students for problems regarding anything other than subject manner, although this certainly isn’t always the case, it is more and more common. The instructors for JROTC are available to all students, all the time, regardless of the situation. They become more than “instructors”. They are mentors, counselors, friends, and role models.
JROTC does not teach, “work hard in JROTC and nothing else matters”, but instead, focuses on the complete high school curriculum. If a student is having difficulty in a subject, the JROTC instructor is typically the first to know, and he makes sure he does all possible to ensure the student gets his grades “squared away”. Success in every area is expected and students work hard not to let the instructors down.
I am fortunate to have a daughter involved with JROTC and a son beginning the program this fall as a freshman. I have seen first hand the benefits associated and am thoroughly impressed.
My daughter has repeatedly mentioned how JROTC has given her a great deal of self-esteem. When she entered the program, she was a shy, quiet freshman who stayed in the background. This year, as she finishes her second year in the program, she is emerging as an outgoing leader with the thought, “I can do this”. She has found her best friends through JROTC and her instructors have become her mentors. Her work ethic has drastically improved and she is now looking forward to her future instead of dreading it.
Tonight the JROTC has their annual promotion ceremony followed by change of command ceremony. I have the great honor of pinning her new striped on my “officer”, Cadet First Lieutenant Emily Toler. I can’t express my pride and know when I see her standing at attention as she is promoted, my tears will flow.
If you or your child has an opportunity to become involved with JROTC, I would high recommend taking a minimum of one semester. My daughter did not want to do it. She thought it looked too formal and too hard, but I demand all my children take at least one semester. If they hate it, they do not have to continue. After only a few weeks, I was informed by Emily she can’t wait until she is a senior and has a leadership position. I knew we made the right decision. If you have any questions regarding the program, contact your local school’s JROTC officers and they will gladly help you out, or check out the webpage at https://www.usarmyjrotc.com/. You may email me with questions at tinatodorovichtoler@yahoo.com and I will be happy to assist you in any way I can.
Our future leaders of America, the young men and women who will soon be out in the “real world”, will be better prepared after JROTC. I am thankful for the men and women who support the program and work hard caring for our children. To all you soldiers, families and friends of soldiers, supporters and JROTC instructors: THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU!
/
