Today’s JROTC Focuses on Citizenship, Healthy Lifestyles
Story by Sara Diamond Patterson
Some people might be surprised to learn that turning high schoolers into soldiers is not the focus of the Junior ROTC program. Sure, some cadets go on to enlist after graduation, but organizers emphasize that it is mainly a fun elective that promotes self-discipline, teamwork, and healthy choices.
JROTC has to be fun if it’s going to stand out among Barren County High School’s nearly 40 other elective options, says Sgt. Maj. Joey Simpson, who heads up the program there with Maj. Thomas A. Malazarte.
“We try to make it hands-on and more of an interactive class. If it’s not fun, they’re not going to take the class,” Simpson says. “They just have so many elective choices; I guess you could say we’re all competing for the same kids, but we have our little niche.”
Meeting the Challenge
JROTC’s niche blends physical fitness challenges with leadership and citizenship lessons, all with an emphasis on teamwork and personal growth.
There’s no typical JROTC cadet, and some start as early as 8th grade, the instructors say. Any student is qualified to participate, not just those who are athletic or from military families. Some join as a pathway to military service. Others like the discipline the program provides. Some just want to learn healthy choices, leadership skills, and the basic challenges of physical fitness.
Senior Brooklyn Lane, who joined JROTC in 8th grade, was challenged at first by the physical aspects of the program, but she soon excelled. “I am not athletic in the slightest, and I have health issues that make it hard to work out, but I still give it my best and encourage other cadets to do what they are able to do,” she says.
The cadets’ physical growth is obvious, but what their instructors find even more gratifying is seeing the other skills they develop along the way through public speaking and drill performances.
“I once had this young, freshman girl who would not talk at all in class,” Simpson says. “She simply just couldn’t talk in front of other students. But 4 years later, as a senior, not only did she overcome that anxiety, she gave a speech on Veterans Day to the entire student body.”
The goal of JROTC truly is to help students become the best versions of themselves.
Caring for their community is another mission of JROTC. A group of cadets helps out at the Barren River Animal Welfare shelter every Thursday.
“We do any work that BRAWA has for us,” says Lane, who coordinates the partnership. “Cleaning cages, bathing dogs, unfolding newspapers for the puppy cages, folding cat carriers. Anything they need us to do, we do it.”
Seeing the paths they take after graduation is always fascinating, Simpson says.
“We have had so many wonderful cadets in our program over the years,” he says. “Although it is not our mission to recruit for the military, we do have many who are serving today. But most are just in school, pursuing a career, or doing the most important job in life: becoming good parents themselves.”
