JROTC stands for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, which is a program offered in many high schools across the United States. The program is designed to teach students citizenship, leadership, character, and community service. Here are some key things to know about JROTC in high school:
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Mission: The mission of JROTC is to prepare students to become better citizens, not to prepare them for military service.
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Curriculum: JROTC is a college-preparatory elective that can be taken for all four years of high school. The program teaches students a variety of skills, including leadership, self-confidence, discipline, health, nutrition, and financial management.
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Benefits: JROTC can provide students with a sense of community and family, as well as opportunities to volunteer and provide service to their community. Studies have found that JROTC participation is associated with higher GPAs and lower dropout rates. Additionally, JROTC cadets can start earning school-specific scholarships as early as 9th grade.
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Structure: JROTC is conducted at accredited secondary schools throughout the nation by instructors who are retired Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard officers and enlisted personnel. Each military service has its own JROTC program.
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Military Rank: JROTC has a rank structure, but it is not a military rank and does not carry any military obligation.
Overall, JROTC is a program that can help high school students develop important life skills and prepare for their future, regardless of whether they choose to pursue a military career or not.