Many Bangor-area residents have often observed a group of high school students proudly carrying our flag marching down the street with great pride and dignity.
These young men and women represent their high schools, communities and their nation as members of their schools’ local Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs. High school students from every state participate in Junior ROTC programs. In Maine, students from at least eight high schools participate, including Bangor, Brewer, Hermon, Old Town and Nokomis. The programs are associated with all branches of our armed forces.
Junior ROTC programs have become increasingly popular among high school students in recent years. But just as their popularity grows, budget constraints at the federal level have kept Junior ROTC programs from expanding to keep up with demand. The U.S. Air Force Junior ROTC program, for example, had a $12.5 million funding cut between fiscal years 2011 and 2014.
The Junior ROTC program’s purpose is to educate high school students in leadership roles while making them aware of the benefits of citizenship. Thus, the mission of the Junior ROTC program is to motivate young people to become better American citizens.
They frequent local community functions such as parades and fundraisers for a number of important local causes. They offer critical support for national organizations such as the March of Dimes, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Special Olympics.
Through Junior ROTC, students participate and study in many areas of history, government leadership, science, human relations and personal hygiene as they continue to grow and mold their potential leadership qualities.
While these students achieve great attributes by enrolling into these high school programs — including attributes that would serve them well in military service — Junior ROTC programs are not recruitment tools. Cadets are not required to join any military branch of service if they choose not to.
In fact, most Junior ROTC students do not go into the military. However, those who enter college or enroll at any of the U.S. military academies, such as Annapolis and West Point, have achieved a high degree of success.
The Junior ROTC program requires no cost to enter. The course material, uniform, supplies and equipment are issued to participants free of charge by the sponsoring branch of service. In addition to no-cost enrollment, the Junior ROTC program also provides cadets other benefits, including assistance in acquiring college scholarships.
The program’s success and continuation are primarily based on enrollment. Each branch of service sets a certain goal for the program within each high school. If these numbers (not proven quality) are not maintained, the entire program could be deactivated. This is true even if local funding from the school district or state is available.
With the severe monetary cuts enacted by our government representatives, the key to keeping our local programs vibrant is enthusiastic local support. It becomes imperative that community leaders, civic organizations and all school officials step up to the plate and become enthusiastic cheerleaders for this vital youth program.
Communities with Junior ROTC programs should be extremely proud of the achievement of their participating high school students. If they are fortunate enough to have a Junior ROTC program within their high school, it can only succeed in today’s difficult funding environment if local support for it remains strong.
On top of showing support for local Junior ROTC programs, I urge all concerned family members to contact their local, state and federal representatives to advise them of the necessity to enhance continual funding for these high school Junior ROTC programs.
As a former commanding officer of the recruiting district for the entire state of New Mexico and West Texas, I have observed firsthand the potential benefits of Naval Junior ROTC programs and the success of the students who graduate after participating in these important programs.
We must never forget that there is nothing as precious as the youth of our country, as they will become tomorrow’s leaders. Community and civic organizations should take action and recognize these young, professional students with scholarships and awards.
With strong Junior ROTC programs, our country’s future will be stronger.
Thomas W. Kelly III is a retired 30-year Navy Captain and a graduate of Brewer High School and Maine Maritime Academy. He resides in Holden.