JROTC Programs are good for Teenagers

Hello. I am a cadet commander at a High School JROTC Program. I have done research on the opposition to such a program, to help me in recruitment. I will state why i believe these programs are good for students. 1. Provides education in subjects that can't be taught academically a. Self-Confidence, Self-Esteem b. Initiative c. Leadership d.Teamwork 2. Promotes a healthy body, mind and spirit a. Physical Training is administered as a "platoon" or class, meaning the training is designed to provide a workout, and instill teamwork. b. Physical Training, that is administered with more "care" than rote "stretches and games" by regulare P.E Classes, creates a healthier student, and one more confident about his/her body. 3. Provides an insight and head-start to those who have a military career in mind. a. JROTC is taught by retired members of the military, who hold college degrees, and have experience in training as well as providing guidance to those who wish to pursue a career in the military. b. Recruiters are aware of the instructor's knowledge of the "true" military, and are more inclined to offer the real perspective, in order to not be villified by their instructors, and lose potential recruits. 4. Provides cadets with a tightly knit friendship a. More of a personal opinion than the rest, JROTC cadets, who are dedicated to the program form lasting bonds with their fellow cadets, that surpass, by personal experience, those from other extra-curricular activities. b. Gives a better chance to the "shy kid" i. The cadet is treated as an equal with platoon members of his rank, and rather than be bullied by other students for his social inequity, learns to form a bond with a platoon of strangers, and helps develop his understanding of relationships. As part of my "Recruitment" spiel, JROTC is NOT: 1. Purely a recruitment tool a. Recruiters often visit JROTC Units, and many students in JROTC join the Military, however, the JROTC Program itself encourages High School and College Completion, and students are rarely taught about "benefits" during class time. 2. A class to train Violent "Kiddie Soldiers". i. The class is based on Military Structure and Training, but cadets are not forced to train with weapons or use any combat techniques. The closest to live ammunition are Air Rifle Marksmanship teams, that have a heavy focus on safety, and focus on Marksmanship Target shooting, rather than combat firing. 3. Full of Evil Instructors. i. This one, i cannot fully defend. Although it is not a requirement, the vast majority of Instructors hold college degrees in education. However, just as with many regular teachers, there are instructors that hold severe prejudices, or have harmful inentions towards students. JROTC is not a boot camp (explained in the next point) And cadets are not taught to be soldiers, rather they are taught to be leaders, and it has happened, where some instructors cannot comprehend that, and are promptly relieved. 4. a Boot Camp, or a Discipline Tool. JROTC does not serve as a substitute for boot camp, and it is not run so. It also isn't a "dumping site" for the "troubled kids" JROTC Focuses heavily on self discipline, respect, and the Seven Army Values (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless-Service,Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage), and while it does "churn out" well disciplined young adults, it's purpose is not to turn delinquents into model citizens. The "training" required for this is something left to Active Drill Instructors, in a setting where the trainee has no choice but to continue training, in JROTC it is a high school class, and can be dropped. (next point) 5. It's a class, it can be dropped. I still get parents, students that are afraid to joined because they feel it is a full, 4-year commitment. As with any class, at the discretion of the counselor, parents, etc. it can be dropped and replaced.