Did you know that students can gain some skills acquired in the military without actually having to enlist to serve? The U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC), a military-regulated program for high school students, has become one of the largest character/leadership development and citizenship programs in the world for adolescents. One important attraction of JROTC is that it’s for everyone—students are not required to be interested in serving in the military to participate.
With its mission to “motivate young people to become better citizens,” the JROTC program currently operates in more than 1,700 public and private high schools and military institutions throughout the U.S. and overseas. At Downey Unified School District, we are proud to offer our students the opportunity to take part in this sought-after program which is available at both of our comprehensive high schools.
Students gain a great amount of knowledge as a result of the curriculum offered in JROTC, which includes lessons in leadership, health and wellness, physical fitness, first-aid, geography, American history and government, communications, and emotional intelligence. Below are additional ways joining the JROTC program in Downey Unified can benefit students.
Improve physical fitness
While the military involves much more physically demanding requirements, students in JROTC (or cadets as they are so called) are still able to challenge themselves and increase their fitness levels through various activities such as running, obstacle courses, hiking, putting together a one-rope bridge, and more.
Communicate + work together
Cadets in JROTC can further develop their interpersonal skills through ongoing communication with their instructors, mentors, and peers. Additionally, they learn how to work together effectively within a group, applying the communication and cooperation skills they have obtained throughout the program. By building these important abilities, they can transfer them to other areas of their lives, including their personal and home lives, in the community, and throughout their future endeavors.
Increase college admissions + scholarship opportunities
Being a part of the JROTC program offers students a competitive advantage when applying for colleges and universities as well as to military service academies. Some organizations will help cadets locate colleges that offer credits for completing JROTC. For students who decide to attend military academies or pursue admission to ROTC programs, there are opportunities for full-ride scholarships.
Develop quality habits, goals, and character
The JROTC program allows cadets to gain significant skills, including those in STEM fields, that are transferable to their lives upon graduation. It also helps develop effective habits of discipline and organization as well as understanding the importance of setting and working toward goals. Additionally, JROTC is structured in a way that allows students to naturally build character as they learn to practice integrity, accountability, community service, respect, and several other valuable attributes.
Downey Unified supports all our students as they seek to grow in their personal, educational, and career pursuits.
For more information regarding Downey Unified’s JROTC program, please visit: https://web.dusd.net/jrotc