TheJunior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) is afederal program sponsored by theUnited States Armed Forces inhigh schools and also in somemiddle schools across the United States and at US military bases across the world. The program was originally created as part of theNational Defense Act of 1916 (Army JROTC) and later expanded (Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force) under the 1964 ROTC Vitalization Act.[1] The Coast Guard was added in 1989 under P.L. 101-225.[2] The Space Force established its first unit in 2019.[3]
According to Title 10, Section 2031[4] of theUnited States Code, the purpose of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps is "to instill in students in [the United States] secondary educational institutions the values of citizenship, service to the United States, and personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment."[5] Additional objectives are established by theservice departments of theDepartment of Defense. Under 542.4[6] of Title 32 (National Defense) of theCode of Federal Regulations, theDepartment of the Army has declared those objectives for each cadet to be:
Section 524.5[7] of the CFR National Defense title states in part that JROTC should "provide meaningful leadership instruction of benefit to the student and of value to the Armed Forces. ...Students will acquire: (1) An understanding of the fundamental concept of leadership, military art and science, (2) An introduction to related professional knowledge, and (3) An appreciation of requirements for national security. The dual roles of citizen/soldier and soldier/citizen are studied. ... These programs will enable cadets to better serve their country as leaders, as citizens, and in military service should they enter it. ... The JROTC andNDCC are not, of themselves, officer-producing programs but should create favorable attitudes and impressions toward the Services and toward careers in the Armed Forces." This, importantly, does not mean the cadet has any obligation to join any branch of theArmed Forces as the last sentence stresses.
From 1916 to 1971, JROTC programs were not open to full participation from female students. Beginning in 1973 female participation was allowed in both college ROTC and high school JROTC whenPresident Gerald Ford signedPublic Law 93-165.[8][9]
The military has stated that JROTC will inform young Americans about the opportunities available in the military and "may help motivate young Americans toward military service."[10] A 1999 Army policy memorandum stated that "While not designed to be a specific recruiting tool, there is nothing in existing law that precludes ... facilitating the recruitment of young men and women into the U.S. Army," directing instructors to "actively assist cadets who want to enlist in the military [and] emphasize service in the U.S. Army; facilitate recruiter access to cadets in JROTC program and to the entire student body ... [and] work closely with high school guidance counselors to sell the Army story."[11]
In a February 2000 testimony before theHouse Armed Services Committee, the armed servicechiefs of staff testified that 30%–50% of graduating JROTC cadets go on to join the military:
GeneralColin Powell said in his 1995 autobiography that "the armed forces might get a youngster more inclined to enlist as a result of Junior ROTC," but added that "Inner-city kids, many from broken homes, found stability and role models in Junior ROTC."[13]U.S. Congress found in theRecruiting, Retention, and Reservist Promotion Act of 2000 that JROTC and similar programs "provide significant benefits for the Armed Forces, including significant public relations benefits."[14] FormerUnited States Secretary of DefenseWilliam Cohen referred to JROTC as "one of the best recruitment programs we could have."[15][16]
Six of the eight branches of theUniformed services of the United States maintain a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, organized into units. There are a total of 3,275 units:
Prior to 1967 the number of units was limited to 1,200. The cap was increased to 1,600 units in 1967 and again to 3,500 units in 1992[24]; the statutory limitation on the number of units was struck from the law in 2001.[25][26] Their goal was to reach 3,500 units by February 2011 by encouraging program expansion into educationally and economically deprived areas.[27]
Units are set up according to the layout of their parent service, often referred to as the "Chain of Command."[28][29] Army JROTC units follow acompany (usually the period the class is held in),battalion (all periods), and at larger eventsbrigade (multiple battalions) structure. Marine Corps JROTC units follow thebattalion, or in cases of larger size,brigade structure. Air Force JROTC units are composed structurally based on size. Individual if one, detail if 2, element if more than 2 and no more than 8, flight if 26,squadron if more than 51, group if more than 101, andwing if more than 251 cadets. Navy JROTC typically follows thecompany (100-149 cadets), battalion (150-299 cadets), or regiment (300+ cadets) structure depending on the size of the unit.
JROTC is partly funded by theUnited States Department of Defense with an allocation in themilitary budget of about $340 million for thefiscal year 2007, of which about 68 million are personnel costs.[30] Thefederal governmentsubsidizes instructor salaries, cadet uniforms, equipment and textbooks. The instructors, usually retired military personnel, continue to receive retirement pay from the Federal government, but in addition, the schools pay the difference from what the instructors would receive if they were on active duty. The service concerned then reimburses the school for approximately one-half of the amount paid by the school to the instructor.
| DoDBudget[31] | FY 2007 | FY 2008 | FY 2009 | FY2021[1] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AJROTC | 128,281 | 146,147 | 149,329 | 215,529 |
| NJROTC | 45,411 | 47,844 | 50,494 | 77,918 |
| MCJROTC | 17,423 | 16,996 | 17,740 | 35,012 |
| AFJROTC | 77,901 | 94,760 | 108,730 | 99,536 |
| Total U.S. $1,000 | 269,016 | 305,747 | 323,293 | 427,995 |
Note: Space Force JROTC funding is included in Air Force JROTC.[32]
Although active duty officers may be assigned to JROTC, this is exceedingly rare, and is primarily limited to staff at the major command or sub-command headquarters overseeing each service's respective JROTC program or regional administrators overseeing a set number of individual units. Unlike the college/universityROTC program, which is an actual military officer training and accession track, the vast majority of NJROTC instructors are retired from the sponsoring branch of the Armed Forces. In the Army JROTC program, the cadet unit at each school is directed by at least one retiredcommissioned officer (in the grade ofCaptain throughColonel) or aWarrant Officer (in the grade of WO1 through CW5) who is designated as the Senior Army Instructor, and who is assisted by at least one retiredNon-Commissioned Officer in the grade ofStaff Sergeant throughCommand Sergeant Major who is designated as an Army Instructor (AI). In certain situations, there may be additional instructors.[33]
A new provision from the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Section 540) that was signed into law in October 2006 permits retired Reserve Component officers and noncommissioned officers to be hired as instructors.
There are no national requirements that JROTC instructors have theteaching credential required by other teachers in public high school, although there are a handful of counties that do require a teaching credential.[34] In at least one jurisdiction (California), the government requires JROTC instructors to have at least four years of military experience and possess ahigh school diploma or equivalent.[35] AJROTC instructors need to be within one year of retirement or retired from active military service for five or fewer years. MCJROTC instructors need to have graduated from high school, have at least 20 years of active military service and be physically qualified according to Marine Corps standards.[36]
AFJROTC previously required a minimum of 20 years of active duty but has since been overridden by a provision in the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Section 540), signed into law in October 2006, permitting retired Reserve Component (e.g.,Air Force Reserve andAir National Guard officers and noncommissioned officers) to be hired as instructors. Officer instructors need to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, while a high school diploma or equivalent is sufficient for enlisted instructors.
For AJROTC the Non-commissioned Officer has to attain an associate degree (AA), with teaching credential, in order to be assigned an AI. To be assigned as a SAI the AJROTC Instructor has to hold a BA degree, with teaching credentials.[37]
NJROTC also required a minimum of 20 years of active duty until it was overridden by a provision in the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Section 540), signed into law in October 2006, permitting retired Reserve Component personnel (e.g.,U.S. Navy Reserve officers, chief petty officers and petty officers) to be hired as NJROTC instructors. The minimum education requirement for an enlisted Naval Science Instructor (NSI) is a high school diploma or equivalent, with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university required for a commissioned officer to serves as a Senior Naval Science Instructor (SNSI).[38] The Navy requires that JROTC instructors be employees of the school or school district and that they are accorded the same status as other school faculty members.[39]
National Defense Cadet Corps[40] (NDCC) offers similar programs as JROTC. NDCC units differ from JROTC in that they receive little or no financial support from the Armed Forces; uniforms, equipment, other materials and instructor salaries must normally be furnished by the school hosting an NDCC program.[41] Except for the funding aspects, JROTC and NDCC programs are virtually identical, although the cadet corps is not limited by the federal statute that restricts JROTC to offering courses only for students in ninth through 12th grades.[42] Per 2005, Chicago had 26Middle School Cadet Corps enlisting more than 850 students.[43]
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TheCode of Federal Regulations states that JROTC is "designed for physically fit citizens attending participating schools."[44]
Boarding schools or (pre-college)military schools may offer JROTC programs, with some requiring participation as a condition for acceptance to the school. Somepublic military schools mandate JROTC as a class for all grade levels, and have a curriculum that includes military history, military protocol, civics, and physical fitness.[45]Chicago has six public military academies, more than any other city and one-third of all in the country.[45]
The JROTC program stressesmilitary discipline,[46][47] with a curriculum that emphasizes study ofmilitary science andmilitary history.[48] Cadets typically wear theiruniforms once or twice a week, usually standing for inspection, with the exception being those cadets who attend a JROTC-based military academy. Their creed encourages conduct that brings credit to family, country, school and the corps of cadets, loyalty, citizenship and patriotism.[49] Many cadets participate in extracurricular activities such as the following:
The most notable JROTC marching band is the Virginia 91st Air Force Junior ROTC Band of theRandolph-Macon Academy.[51] Being a rare part of a JROTC unit, there are few in existence, with the state ofTexas only boasting two units with marching bands.[52]
There are other extracurricular activities that the JROTC's programs provide for their cadets, including trips to military installations, ROTC college programs, and other sites that give the cadets a look at the military community. During the school year, there are regional competitions between JROTC units, with testing in all areas of military, naval and aerospace science. Some units organize special visits to US military bases during school breaks. There are also many summertime "leadership academies" for cadets hosted by various military installations.[53] These academies include the JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB), and JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC), a physical fitness competition.[54]
Cadets may be awarded ribbons, ribbon devices, medals and aiguillettes for participation in JROTC and team activities, as well as for personal academic and athletic achievement and leadership. Awards may be presented by organizations other than the cadet's JROTC program, such as other JROTC programs,Military Officers Association of America, American Veterans,Order of the Daedalians,American Legion, and theNational Rifle Association of America.[55] Ribbons and medals are positioned in order of precedence, as prescribed by the Cadet Field Manual and the senior JROTC instructor.[56]
Successful completion of a JROTC Program (1–3 years of classes) can lead to advanced rank upon enlistment in the Armed Forces.[7][57] For example, upon completion of three years ofAir Force JROTC, cadets may at their instructor's discretion enlist in the Air Force at the rank ofAirman First Class (E-3). However, JROTC participation incurs no obligation to join the military.[7]
The JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB) is a national academic competition which is the largest of its kind for high schools in the country. There are three levels of the competition, which units who complete levels 1 and 2 successfully attending the last level atCatholic University of America inWashington D.C.[58] Subjects that are covered in all three levels include history, literature, current events and JROTC curriculum.[59][60] Depending on the represented branch, there may be 4-8 cadets representing a school.[61]
Established in 1982, theNational High School Drill Team Championship is a joint-serviceexhibition drill competition for JROTCdrill teams, held inDaytona Beach, Florida. Although it has been held since 1982, it only became an officially service-based sanctioned event when the U.S. Army Cadet Command became the sponsor in 1988.[62][63]
 Army JROTC Medal For Heroism Ribbon |  Army JROTC Superior Cadet Ribbon |  Army JROTC Distinguished Cadet Ribbon |
 Army JROTC Academic Excellence Ribbon |  Army JROTC Academic Achievement Ribbon |  Army JROTC Perfect Attendance Ribbon |
 Army JROTC Student Government Ribbon |  Army JROTC Leadership Education Training Service Ribbon |  Army JROTC N 1 7 Ribbon |
 Army JROTC N 1 8 Ribbon |  Army JROTC N 1 9 Ribbon |  Army JROTC N 1 10 Ribbon |
 Army JROTC Dai Sai Instructor Leadership Ribbon |  Army JROTC Personal Appearance Ribbon |  Army JROTC Proficiency Ribbon |
 Army JROTC Drill Team Ribbon |  Army JROTC Orienteering Ribbon |  Army JROTC Color Guard Ribbon |
 Army JROTC Rifle Team Ribbon |  Army JROTC Adventure Training Ribbon |  Army JROTC Commendation Ribbon |
 Army JROTC Good Conduct Ribbon |  Army JROTC JCLC Participation Ribbon |  Army JROTC N 3 12 Ribbon |
 Army JROTC N 3 13 Ribbon |  Army JROTC N 3 14 Ribbon |  Army JROTC N 3 15 Ribbon |
 Army JROTC Varsity Athletics Ribbon |  Army JROTC Physical Fitness Ribbon |  Army JROTC Athletics Ribbon |
 Army JROTC N 2 4 Ribbon |  Army JROTC N 2 5 Ribbon |  Army JROTC Parade Ribbon |
 Army JROTC Recruiting Ribbon |  Army JROTC N 4 3 Ribbon |  Army JROTC N 4 4 Ribbon |
 Army JROTC N 4 5 Ribbon |  Army JROTC Service Learning Ribbon |  Army JROTC Excellent Staff Performance Ribbon |
| Sources:[64][65] | ||
 | Bronze Oil Lamp | Signifies second award of a ribbon. |
|---|---|---|
 | Silver Oil Lamp | Signifies third award of a ribbon. |
 | Gold Oil Lamp | Signifies fourth award of a ribbon. |
Drone Wings[67] | ||
 Service designation stars (three maximum) | ||
 Meritorious Achievement Ribbon[68] |  Distinguished Unit Ribbon |  Distinguished Cadet Ribbon |
 Honor Cadet Ribbon |  Cadet Achievement Ribbon |  Unit Achievement Ribbon |
 Aptitude Ribbon |  NS IV Outstanding Cadet Ribbon |  NS III Outstanding Cadet Ribbon |
 NS II Outstanding Cadet Ribbon |  NS I Outstanding Cadet Ribbon |  Exemplary Conduct Ribbon |
 Exemplary Personal Appearance Ribbon |  Physical Fitness Ribbon |  Participation Ribbon |
 Unit Service Ribbon |  Community Service Ribbon |  Academic Team Ribbon |
 Drill Team Ribbon |  Color Guard Ribbon |  S.T.E.M. Ribbon |
 Marksmanship Team Ribbon |  Orienteering Team Ribbon |  Inter-Service Competition Ribbon |
 Recruiting Ribbon |  Leadership Training Ribbon |  Sea Cruise Ribbon[69] |
 C.E.R.T Ribbon | ||
| Sources:[70][71][72] | ||
| NAVY JROTC Ribbon Devices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Star Devices[73] | ||
| Only 1 of any ribbon may be worn. No more than 8 awards are authorized. | ||
 | Bronze Star | 2nd and 3rd Awards |
 | Silver Star | 4th and 5th Awards |
 | Gold Star | 6th through 8th Awards |
| Lamp Devices (Honor Cadet Ribbon) | ||
| Bronze Oil Lamp | Signifies award as NS-1 cadet |
| Silver Oil Lamp | Signifies award as NS-2 cadet |
| Gold Oil Lamp | Signifies award as NS-3/4 cadet |
| Other Devices[74] | ||
 | Torch | Signifies membership in an academic team |
 | Anchor Device | Signifies team leader or commander of the group the device is attached to. |
 Air Force JROTC Gold Valor Award |  Air Force JROTC Silver Valor Award |  Cadet Humanitarian Award |
 Silver Star Community Service with Excellence Award |  Community Service with Excellence Award |  Air Force Association Award |
 Daedalian Award |  American Legion Scholastic Award |  American Legion General Military Excellence Award |
 Reserve Officer's Association |  Military Officers Association Award |  Veterans of Foreign Wars Award |
 National Sojourners Award |  Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction Award |  Military Order of the Purple HeartArchived November 5, 2018, at theWayback Machine |
 Sons of the American Revolution Award |  Military Order of World Wars Medal |  American Veterans Award |
 Air Force Sergeants Association |  Tuskegee Airmen Inc. AFJROTC Cadet AwardArchived June 21, 2018, at theWayback Machine |  The Retired Enlisted Association Award |
 Celebrate Freedom Foundation Award |  Air Commando Association Award |  Distinguished Unit Award with Merit |
 Distinguished Unit Award |  Outstanding Organization Award | _and_AFJROTC_Outstanding_Flight.svg) Outstanding Flight Award |
 Top Performer Award |  Outstanding Cadet Award |  Leadership Ribbon |
 Superior Performance Ribbon |  Achievement Ribbon |  Academic Ribbon |
 Leadership School Ribbon | Special Teams Competition |  All Service National Competition Ribbon |
 Air Force Nationals Competition Ribbon |  Orienteering Ribbon |  Co-Curricular Activities Leadership Ribbon |
 Drill Team Ribbon |  Color Guard Ribbon |  Sabre Team Ribbon |
 Marksmanship Ribbon |  Good Conduct Ribbon | _AFROTC_and_AFJROTC_Service_Ribbon.svg) Service Ribbon |
 Health and Wellness Ribbon |  Recruiting Ribbon |  Activities Ribbon |
_and_AFJROTC_Attendance.svg) Attendance Ribbon | _and_AFJROTC_Dress_and_Appearance.svg) Dress and Appearance Ribbon |  Longevity Ribbon |
 Bataan Death March Memorial Hike Ribbon |  Patriotic Flag Ribbon | |
| Sources:[75][76][77] | ||
| Air & Space Force JROTC Ribbon Devices[78] | ||
|---|---|---|
 | Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster | 1 additional award each |
 | Silver Oak Leaf Cluster | 5 additional awards each |
| Oak leaf clusters are given to represent additional awards just like in the USAF. Usethis example. | ||
| Awards are not given in all JROTC programs or even all schools in any one program. Awards with a service name (i.e. Army) are only given in that branch. Unless otherwise stated all medals can only be received once.[79][80] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | | | | |
| Awarded annually at the SASI’s discretion for completing a one-page essay based on a historical USAF Special Operations Mission possessing the 13 critical attributes of success: integrity, self-motivation, intelligence, self-discipline, perseverance, adaptability, maturity, judgment, selflessness, leadership, skilled, physical fitness and family strength. | This award is presented annually at each unit to the outstandingjunior cadet. The award recipient must possess the following personal characteristics and eligibility criteria: Top 1% of the cadets in a unit in the following areas, academics, leadership, and professionalism; Positive attitude (toward AFJROTC and school); Outstanding personal appearance (uniform and grooming); Display personal attributes such as initiative, judgment, and self-confidence; Courteous demeanor (promptness, obedience, and respect for customs). | This award recognizes an outstandingjunior cadet in a 4-year program who is in the top 10% of the AFJROTC class, and demonstrates outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship. | This award is presented annually to onejunior cadet based on the cadet’s general military excellence. Each cadet must: Rank in the top 25% of their JROTC class; Demonstrate outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship. | This award is presented annually toone junior cadet based on the cadet’s overall scholastic achievements. Each cadet must: Rank in the top 10% of the high school class; Rank in the top 25% of their JROTC class; Demonstrate leadership qualities; Actively participate in student activities. |
 |  |  |  |  |
| This award is presented annually to one qualified cadet that possesses individual characteristics contributing to leadership such as: A positive attitude towardthe JROTC programs and service in the military; Personal appearance (wearing of the uniform, posture, and grooming, but not physical characteristics per se); Personal attributes (initiative, dependability, judgment, and self-confidence); Officer potential (capacity for responsibility, adaptability, and maintenance of high personal standards); Obtained a grade of “A” (or the numerical equivalent) in their ROTC class; Be in good scholastic standing in all classes at the time of selection and at the time of presentation. | Awarded annually to one female and one male cadet.Be in the top 25% of the academic class. Demonstrated outstanding leadership traits and possess the potential for assuming positions of increased responsibility. Participate in integrated-curricular activities that foster both scholastic and military excellence. Demonstrate qualities of dependability and good character, respects military discipline and standards, and possesses a fundamental and patriotic understanding of the importance of JROTC training. | Be a leader in all aspects of leadership, not just by title or position. Be in good academic standing. | The Order of Daledalins is a fraternity of commissioned pilots from all military services. It is named after the legendary Daedalus,. This annual award recognizes one outstanding junior or senior cadet at each unit that meets the following criteria: Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of patriotism, love of country, and service to the nation; Indicate the potential and desire to pursue a military career; rank in the top 10% of their JROTC class; rank in the top 20% of their school class. | This award is presented annually to one senior that meets the following criteria: rank in the top 25% of their JROTC class; Rank in the top 25% of their high school class; Demonstrate qualities of dependability and good character; Demonstrate adherence to military discipline; Possess leadership ability and a fundamental and patriotic understanding of the importance of JROTC training. |
 |  |  | |  |
| The Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement is awarded to JROTC cadets who exemplify the highest standards of leadership, scholarship and service. The Legion of Valor of the United States of America is composed of the nation’s most decorated military heroes — recipients of the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross and Air Force Cross. Cadets must rank in the top 5% of their JROTC unit, place academically in the top 15% of their class and demonstrate consistent leadership in and out of uniform. Candidates are nominated by their senior naval science instructors and evaluated through a competitive national selection process. | This award is presented annually to an outstandingjunior cadet who shows exceptional potential for military leadership. Each cadet must: be in good academic standing; be of high moral character; Show a high order of loyalty to the unit, school, and country; Show exceptional potential for military leadership. | This award annually recognizes an outstanding underclassman(non-senior) who is enrolled in the JROTC program and demonstrates leadership ability. Each cadet must: Have a positive attitude toward JROTC and country; hold a leadership position in the cadet corps; be active in school and community affairs; attain a grade of “B” or better in all subjects for the previous semester. | This award is presented annually to an outstanding cadet who has committed to continue theJROTC program the following school year. Selection is based on outstanding accomplishments or service to the JROTC unit. | Awarded annually, at thesenior instructor's discretion, for academic excellence, leadership, military discipline, dependability, patriotism and upright character in speech and habits. |
|  | |  | |
| This award annually recognizes an outstandingjunior. Each cadet must: Contribute the most to encourage Americanism by participation in leadership development activities or community projects; demonstrate academic excellence by being in the top 25% of class; demonstrate the qualities of dependability, good character, self-discipline, good citizenship and patriotism. | Exhibited the best military bearing. Displays superior personal appearance. Exemplifies leadership at all levels. | This award is presented annually for military and academic achievement to an outstandingsenior. The recipient must possess individual characteristics contributing to leadership such as: be in the top 10% in the JROTC program; be in the top 25% in academic grades; Be recognized for having contributed the most to advancing the objectives of the JROTC program, which include outstanding dedication to citizenship, knowledge of civic responsibility, military orientation, self-discipline and a sound work ethic. | This award annually recognizes an outstanding underclassman (non-senior), who is enrolled in the JROTC program and demonstrates leadership ability. Each cadet must: Have a positive attitude toward JROTC and country; hold a leadership position in the cadet corps; be active in school and community affairs; attain a grade of “B” or better in all subjects for the previous semester. | This award recognizes an outstandingjunior cadet who is enrolled in a JROTC program. The recipient must exhibit a high degree of leadership, military bearing, and all-around excellence in JROTC studies. Each cadet must: be currently enrolled in the JROTC program; Be in the top 10% of their JROTC class; be in the top 25% of their overall class. |
|  | |||
| Awarded annually, at the SASI’s discretion, for exceptional leadership to the most outstanding AFJROTC cadet while serving in an Enlisted Rank. The selected enlisted cadet must have shown outstanding leadership throughout the course of the school year. | This award presented annually to an outstanding junior or senior who is actively engaged in the JROTC program and who possesses individual characteristics contributing to leadership. Each cadet must: Positive attitude toward the JROTC program; Must maintain a “B” average in JROTC curriculum and a “C” average in all remaining subjects with no failing grades in the previous semester; Active in at least one other student extracurricular activity (music, athletics, government, etc.) | |||
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Many members of JROTC go on to have careers in theUnited States Armed Forces as they are twice as likely to enlist than other high school students.[101] Some notable former members of JROTC include:
There has been controversy about JROTC andmilitarism in schools.[13] TheAmerican Friends Service Committee, theCentral Committee for Conscientious Objectors (CCCO),Veterans for Peace,[107]War Resisters League,[108] and the Project on Youth and Nonmilitary Opportunities, actively oppose the JROTC for a number of reasons, including:
TheCoalition For Alternatives to Militarism in Our Schools, formed by more than 50 teachers in theLos Angeles Unified School District,[113] aims to "eliminate the Junior Reserves Officer Training Corps in our High Schools."[114] Many cases of abuse by JROTC instructors, as well as credentialing issues, and of having students forced into JROTC due to lack of space inphysical education classes have been noted in Los Angeles Public Schools.[115] The group claims 2006 showed a reduction in JROTC enrollment in Los Angeles, with a drop of one-third or approximately 1,500 students, suggesting part of the explanation is efforts to stop the involuntary enrollment of students into JROTC.[116] AtRoosevelt High School in theBoyle Heights section of Los Angeles, a local campaign against JROTC cut the number of cadets 43 percent in four years, with a JROTC instructor reporting a 24 percent drop in enrollment from 2003–04 to 2006-07 for the rest of the Los Angeles unified School District.[117]
In October 2005, theNew York Civil Liberties Union pressuredHutchinson Central Technical High School inBuffalo, New York to release students from a mandatory JROTC program, arguing that the practice violates the State's Education Law, which provides that no child may be enrolled in JROTC without prior written parental consent.[118]
In May 2008, theAmerican Civil Liberties Union stated that JROTC violates theUnited Nations sponsoredConvention on the Rights of the Child by targeting students as young as 14 for recruitment to the military.[119] The United States has not ratified the convention, although it has ratified an optional protocol to the Convention on "the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict."[120] However, recruiting is not an official goal of JROTC, as stated inUnited States Code pertaining to the program.[5] Nor is it a stated goal in each of the individual service's JROTC program mission statements.[121]
Sexual harassment and assault of JROTC cadets by instructors is reported to have occurred in the program, and some instructors have been criminally charged in relation to these crimes. Lack of oversight and the minimal training required for instructors have been cited as factors contributing to this problem.[122] In 2023, Congress approved new rules that require the JROTC program to have increased oversight in the management and reporting of misconduct and sexual abuse allegations.[123]
Some school districts in the U.S. have essentially mandated the JROTC program for high school programs, despite DoD guidelines requiring the program to be elective. These mandates affect students of racial minorities disproportionately.[124]
Youth-based, non-JROTC organizations include:
[...] Bordelon, the ROTC battalion major during his senior year in 1937-38, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor six years later for his extraordinary heroism and determination in leading men despite several serious wounds. [...]
[...] From early on, she wanted to be a soldier, her friends recalled, and she became wing commander of Junior ROTC at Oxon Hill. [...]
That VFP opposes Junior Reserve Officer Training (JROTC) in the public schools of the U.S. and calls for their discontinuance." and "Veterans For Peace National encourages its members to work with like minded organizations and people to develop resources and classes in public schools that offer alternative views of citizenship to that of JROTC.
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 Scouting portal | |||
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