Why I Joined Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps

To give a little history on Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC), it is a Federal program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces in high schools across the United States. The program was originally created as part of the National Defense Act of 1916 and later expanded under the 1964 ROTC Vitalization Act. I joined JROTC because I wanted to become a better person. One day while talking to my father I asked him how he became the discipline man that he is today. My father stated when he joined the Army, he had no other choice. He stated the Army conditions you to become well disciplined and a self starter. My mother always drilled in me to be respectful and value myself and others. My father was the first person to tell me about JROTC, he said I should look into it since I was a rising 9th grader and that’s exactly what I did. I researched JROTC and was amazed to see it would be able to give me everything I was looking for value wise. JROTC enables you to learn and appreciate the ethical values and principles that inspire good citizenship, to develop leadership potential, while getting my education. JROTC also encourages and helps you develop a logical way of thinking and to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing. It helps you to appreciate the importance of physical fitness in maintaining good health. JROTC helps you to understand the importance of high school graduation for a successful future, and learn about college and other advanced educational and employment opportunities. The Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program prepares high school students like myself for leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities, and privileges as American citizens. The JROTC curriculum emphasizes citizenship, character development, leadership development and community service. And it also develops the skills necessary to work effectively as a member of a team.

December 6, 2012
JROTC, 4- A Day