Colonel's Cadence Blog
Why Students Should Be Exposed to JROTC Programs
The National Defense Act of 1916 requires every military branch—Army, Navy, Air Force, and so on—to run JROTC programs at public and private schools that instill the values of citizenship, service, and personal responsibility to America’s students. The Army’s JROTC program operates in more than 1,700 public and private high schools, military institutions, and correctional facilities across the globe. If your child could benefit from JROTC, then research military summer programs for high school students and give them a chance to explore a JROTC lifestyle.
A perfect environment for Ashburn, VA, students who want challenging academics and a rich military tradition, Massanutten Military Academy offers programming built around leadership, global awareness, academic skills, and U.S. history. A military academy founded in 1899, we help male and female cadets reach their full potential in all areas of life. Call us at (540) 459-2167 to speak with an admissions officer today.
Below, we discuss why students should experience JROTC programs in their education.
What is the Purpose of JROTC?
Given their connection to the armed forces, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs may seem like military preparation. However, their participants are not required to enter into the military. JROTC is a 4-year program that teaches cadets leadership skills, geography, civics, health, global awareness, and U.S. history. Whether cadets opt to enter the military or a service academy, these studies will equip them for adult life.
Moreover, joining JROTC helps prepare high school students for leadership roles while educating them on their rights, responsibilities, and privileges as American citizens. The program provides rewarding opportunities for students, communities, and the nation.
How Students Can Benefit from JROTC Program Experience
- Leadership Skills: Adolescent students who learn and practice leadership skills have the opportunity to find their voice, be team players, and advance their character development. JROTC is the perfect place for this end, as it educates cadets on communication, the importance of honesty, social intelligence, and more.
- Self-confidence: Confidence helps teenagers tackle life's highs and lows. When individuals are confident, they say “yes” to more opportunities and don’t let an undesirable outcome dissuade them from trying something again. JROTC programs instill confidence into cadets through challenging academics and critical thinking techniques.
- Self-Discipline & Accountability: JROTC programs instill a conceptual structure in cadets during the prime of their lives. Participants are disciplined, structured, organized, and respectful because their courses promote, encourage, and advocate for self-discipline. Cadets learn to be self-sufficient in their work and accountable for their actions and words.
- Communication and collaborative skills: The JROTC curriculum at Massanutten Military Academy applies the principles of performance-based, learner-centered education. It promotes coursework on effective communication and collaboration in diverse settings. Any individual who wants to build genuine connections, climb the professional ladder, and make an impact will need such skills.
- Time management: In most academic programs, individuals can only succeed if they develop time management skills. Luckily, JROTC programs encourage these abilities by giving cadets ample responsibility and leadership roles.
- Problem-solving skills: JROTC programs help cadets identify problems, gather information, and develop courses of action inside and outside the classroom. Participants practice good decision-making, the dos and don’ts of problem-solving, and how to learn from mistakes.
How Do I Know if JROTC is Right for My Child?
You may struggle with whether or not your child would benefit from a JROTC program. Students join for various reasons—to set personal goals, follow family traditions, help pay for college, or to be part of an organization that allows them to show their patriotism and desire to serve their country. You should consider how your child can discover new passions and outlets in these programs.
Ask yourself these questions to determine if JROTC would suit your child:
- Would they be dedicated to the program?
- Are they patriotic to the United States?
- Are they driven to succeed?
- Are they good at setting and sticking to goals?
- Do they want to learn valuable skills to help them succeed in the real world?
If you can answer “yes” to some or all of these questions, your child has great potential for the program. Look into a military school for kids where your child can reach new educational heights and self-development. At Massanutten Military Academy, we offer 5-week summer programs for high school students where they attend a JROTC leadership program and earn 1 high school credit transferable to their existing transcript. During this time, they can experience JROTC firsthand and decide whether or not it suits them.
Summer Programs for High School Students in Ashburn, VA
Massanutten Military Academy offers a vibrant summer program for high school students from Ashburn, VA, as well as challenging academics and rigorous character development. Our learner-centered curriculum, JROTC program focused on leadership development, and diverse arts programs make us Northern Virginia’s top military academy. To learn more about our JROTC program and to see if your child would be a good fit, call us at (540) 459-2167 or visit our website for more information.You know your child can do more but is not getting the attention needed in their current environment to reach their full potential. We know that choosing the right school for your child can be difficult because each child is so unique. We believe students should experience school as it should be, a place where children are educated in an environment that leads them to thrive and encourages their maximum potential.
Massanutten Military Academy is a co-educational, non-profit military boarding and day school in Virginia for students in 8th-12th grades with postgraduate studies. We welcome all faiths and live by our motto: Non Nobis Solum (Not For Ourselves Alone).
Massanutten Military Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
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