JROTC Air Force in high school

[Anonymous]

We are an immigrant family and don’t really know anything about any of the JROTC programs. My son has expressed interest and I want to be able to support his choice but have no idea how.

I’ve done some googling and have gotten a brief overview as a class that teaches leadership skills and physical fitness, but want to know more from families that have been down this path.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't bother if they are not planning to enlist.

[Anonymous]

Yes, he says that he is interested in the military. Which organization, he’s not yet sure.

We aren’t a military family and I’m just starting to learn how this all works. Any info would be great.

[Anonymous]

There is no obligation to enlist after high school - and honestly there's no obligation to stick it out for all 4 years. Depending on the school system JROTC might replace a PE requirement or other elective.

I'd look at JROTC's "reputation" in that school: are the kids also taking AP courses, are they involved in other activities (sports, band, cheer, robotics, whatever)?

If nothing else let your DC take a year to see if they like it.

[Anonymous]

I didn't do jrtoc (my school didn't have it) but did serve in the military.

Your child doesn't need to be interested in enlisting, in fact, jrotc is aimed at developing a pipeline for future officers rather than enlistees.

If your child chooses not to join the military, the program is still beneficial in that it teaches military history, military science (which is endlessly useful, actually-- I served only 5 years but military principles are very transferable to everyday life), discipline, team work, etc.

I'll definitely recommend this program to my kids.

[Anonymous]

I did four years of JROTC and I highly recommend it. I took it pretty serious and went pretty far in the program. The program does not necessarily push enlistment or military service for that matter. We did things like summer camp, drill team, academic team, land navigation, and tons of community service. They really push inner discipline and responsibility.

[Anonymous]

These last two posts are perfect. You should be proud he’s mature enough to even consider this. And yes, don’t take this as thinking he’s going off to join the service. Great life experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did four years of JROTC and I highly recommend it. I took it pretty serious and went pretty far in the program. The program does not necessarily push enlistment or military service for that matter. We did things like summer camp, drill team, academic team, land navigation, and tons of community service. They really push inner discipline and responsibility.

My DS did JROTC for 3 years and it was really beneficial for him. It seemed a lot like Boy Scouts - lots of leadership instruction, opportunities to lead, personal responsibility, organization, physical fitness, etc. There was no pressure to join the military (his was an AF unit) but any kids interested in the military were welcome to seek support/guidance from their instructors regardless of the branch they were interested.

[Anonymous]

Op here, thank you for your guidance! It’s really wonderful to hear about your experiences.

[Anonymous]

Another fan of JROTC. It's a great program, and if he does continue to be interested, he can move into ROTC in college, and it will not only pay for college but set him on a great career path.

Signed,
Die hard liberal who is also a proud product of an Air Force family who supports military and those who choose to serve

[Anonymous]

Your son has expressed interest, so sure!