The 50 new school programs will be in 17 states. The number of participating students has also nearly doubled, with 230,000 students participating during the 1998-1999 school year. It develops confidence, leadership and teamwork in our young people. He also said by expanding the program, the Army re-enforces its commitment to the youth of the nation. It allows us to take great sergeants and officers and use them to teach and mentor our youth.
Students get a taste of discipline and the work ethic, and experience pride in membership.
But, Secretary of Education Riley said it helps them to be good citizens and that says it all. I found it to be one of the most formative experiences of my life. It taught me to appreciate the work of people in uniform and was the foundation for my understanding of leadership.