"The United States Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) came into being with the passage of the National Defense Act of 1916. Under the provisions of the Act, high schools were authorized the loan of federal military equipment and the assignment of active duty military personnel as instructors. In 1964, the Vitalization Act opened JROTC up to the other services and replaced most of the active duty instructors with retired members of the armed forces, who worked for and are cost shared by the schools."
Purpose
Title 10 of the U.S. Code declares that "the purpose of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps is to instill in students in United States secondary educational institutions the value of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment."
The study of ethics, citizenship, communications, leadership, life skills and other subjects designed to prepare young men and woman to take their place in adult society, evolved as the core of the program. More recently, an improved student centered curriculum focusing on character building and civic responsibility is being presented in every JROTC classroom." (Excerpt from the JROTC website)
The JROTC program teach cadets to:
- Appreciate the ethical values and principles that underlie good citizenship.
- Develop leadership potential, while living and working cooperatively with others.
- Be able to think logically and to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing.
- Appreciate the importance of physical fitness in maintaining good health.
- Understand the importance of high school graduation for a successful future, and learn about college and other advanced educations and employment opportunities.
- Develop mental management abilities.
- Become familiar with military history as it relates to America's culture, and understand the history, purpose, and structure of the military services.
- Develop the skills necessary to work effectively as a member of a team.