What: The U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) is one of the largest character development and citizenship programs for youth in the world. The National Defense Act of 1916 established organized JROTC programs at public and private educational institutions. In 1964, Congress expanded the program to all military services and changed from active duty to shared support from the services and schools. As congressionally mandated by Title 10 United States Code, Section 2031, each military service must have a JROTC program to "instill in students in United States secondary educational institutions the values of citizenship, service to the United States, and personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment." JROTC’s mission, "To Motivate Young People to be Better Citizens", is the guide post for the program’s success.

The U.S. Army’s JROTC program currently operates in more than 1,700 public and private high schools, military institutions, and correctional centers throughout the United States and overseas. Approximately 40% of JROTC programs are in inner city schools, serving a student population of 50% minorities. As JROTC students (Cadets) progress through the program, they experience opportunities to lead other Cadets. A major component of the JROTC leadership and citizenship program is female Cadets. Female Cadets make up 40% of the Cadet population. The JROTC faculty is led by nearly 4,000 instructors who are retired from active duty, reserve duty, or National Guard Army service. Instructors are trained and qualified in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act 2007 to teach and mentor approximately 314,000 JROTC Cadets annually.

Why: Many of us are passingly familiar with the ROTC program. It's something for students interested in joining the Armed Forces and dressing in uniform at school, right? I assumed that the JROTC program, ROTC's younger sibling for students in high school, was also an activity only for students planning a military career. But there's actually many other reasons why a student might participate in the JROTC program. Students who join JROTC may or may not have an interest in joining the military. And they are making no commitment to do so. The JROTC program was instituted on the eve of America's participation in the First World War. It instructs American youth in lessons of personal development, civic duty, leadership, and service. Each branch of the Armed Forces, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have JROTC programs. Cadets, the name given to those who participate, must wear their uniform to school once per week. Students who participate in JROTC take classes that focus on study skills, history, citizenship, military drills, and physical fitness, among many other things, and are taught by ex-military instructors. If a student is interested in joining the military, especially as a career and to become an officer, the JROTC program is an excellent first step. However, if a student doesn't have that end in mind, the JROTC program teaches skills that are useful for any student. In addition, JROTC service can be a real boost to a college admissions application. Admissions offices are typically interested in students that demonstrate interest and experience in leadership, and JROTC is an excellent opportunity to gain this skill. One final important reason that students may want to participate in JROTC is the chance to apply for scholarships. Starting in the ninth grade, students in JROTC are eligible to apply for specific college scholarships. And 260 colleges offer scholarships to students in JROTC that don't require military service or even participation in ROTC while in college.