History To Motivate Young People to Be Better Citizens

HistoryTo Motivate Young People to Be BetterCitizensJROTC strives to fulfill its mission both in and out of the classroomThe United States Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC)came into being with the passage of the National Defense Act of 1916.Under the provisions of the Act, high schools were authorized the loan offederal military equipment and the assignment of active duty militarypersonnel as instructors. There was a condition that the instructorsfollow a prescribed course of training and maintain a minimumenrollment of 100 students over the age of 14 years who were UScitizens. In 1964, the Vitalization Act opened JROTC up to the otherservices and replaced most of the active duty instructors with retireeswho worked for and were cost shared by the schools.Title 10 of the U.S. Code declares that "the purpose of Junior ReserveOfficers' Training Corps is to instill in students in United Statessecondary educational institutions the value of citizenship, service to theUnited States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment."The JROTC Program has changed greatly over the years. Once lookedupon primarily as a source of enlisted recruits and officer candidates, itbecame a citizenship program devoted to the moral, physical andeducational uplift of American youth. Although the program retained itsmilitary structure and the resultant ability to infuse in its student cadetsa sense of discipline and order, it shed most of its early military content.The study of ethics, citizenship, communications, leadership, life skillsand other subjects designed to prepare young men and woman to taketheir place in adult society, evolved as the core of the program. Morerecently, an improved student centered curriculum focusing on characterbuilding and civic responsibility is being presented in every JROTCclassroom.JROTC is a continuing success story. From a modest beginning of 6 unitsin 1916, JROTC has expanded to 1555 schools today and to every statein the nation and American schools overseas. Cadet enrollment hasgrown to 273,000 cadets with 3,900 professional instructors in theclassrooms. Comprised solely of active duty Army retirees, the JROTCinstructors serve as mentors developing the outstanding young citizensof our country.

Cadet CreedI am an Army Junior ROTC Cadet.Build Version: 1.01.002I will always conduct myself to bring credit to my family, country, school and the Corps ofCadets.I am loyal and patriotic.I am the future of the United States of America.I do not lie, cheat or steal and will always be accountable for my actions and deeds.I will always practice good citizenship and patriotism.I will work hard to improve my mind and strengthen my body.I will seek the mantle of leadership and stand prepared to uphold the Constitution andthe American way of life.May God grant me the strength to always live by this creed.

Mission Statement:To Motivate Young People to Be Better CitizensThe JROTC program intends to teach cadets to:Appreciate the ethical values and principles that underlie good citizenship.Develop leadership potential, while living and working cooperatively with others.Be able to think logically and to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing.Appreciate the importance of physical fitness in maintaining good health.Understand the importance of high school graduation for a successful future, and learn about collegeand other advanced educations and employment opportunities.Develop mental management abilities.Become familiar with military history as it relates to America's culture, and understand the history,purpose, and structure of the military services.Develop the skills necessary to work effectively as a member of a team.