The origins of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) can be traced back to a program established in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1911 by Army Lt. Edgar R. Steevers (Chicago JROTC, n.d.; Genesee Career Institute, n.d.). The program aimed to create a non-compulsory cadet corps composed of high school students, emphasizing the development of responsible citizens (Chicago JROTC, n.d.).
Key Facts
- Origins of JROTC:
- The program can trace its heritage back to a program founded in 1911 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, by Army Lt. Edgar R. Steevers.
- The United States Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) officially came into being with the passage of the National Defense Act of 1916.
- Expansion and Changes:
- In 1964, the Vitalization Act expanded JROTC to include all military services and replaced most active duty instructors with retirees who were cost-shared by the schools.
- The program evolved from primarily being a source of enlisted recruits and officer candidates to a citizenship program focused on the moral, physical, and educational uplift of American youth.
- JROTC shed most of its early military content and developed a curriculum that includes the study of ethics, citizenship, communications, leadership, and life skills.
- Current Status:
- The U.S. Army’s JROTC program currently operates in more than 1,700 public and private high schools, military institutions, and correctional centers throughout the United States and overseas.
- Approximately 40% of JROTC programs are in inner city schools, serving a student population of 50% minorities.
- The JROTC faculty is led by nearly 4,000 instructors who are retired from active duty, reserve duty, or National Guard Army service.
- JROTC has expanded to 1,645 schools across the United States, with a cadet enrollment of 281,000 and 4,000 professional instructors.
The National Defense Act of 1916 officially established JROTC as a junior course for non-college military schools and other non-preparatory institutions (Genesee Career Institute, n.d.). The program was implemented by the Army in the same year (Genesee Career Institute, n.d.).
Expansion and Changes
In 1964, the passage of the ROTC Vitalization Act expanded JROTC to encompass all military services (Genesee Career Institute, n.d.). The Act also replaced most active duty instructors with retirees who were cost-shared by the schools (Genesee Career Institute, n.d.).
Over time, JROTC evolved from its initial focus on preparing enlisted recruits and officer candidates to a broader citizenship program emphasizing the moral, physical, and educational development of American youth (Genesee Career Institute, n.d.). The program shed much of its early military content and adopted a curriculum that included ethics, citizenship, communications, leadership, and life skills (Genesee Career Institute, n.d.).
Current Status
Today, the U.S. Army’s JROTC program operates in over 1,700 public and private high schools, military institutions, and correctional facilities across the United States and internationally (Genesee Career Institute, n.d.). Approximately 40% of JROTC programs are located in inner-city schools, serving a student population that is 50% minority (Genesee Career Institute, n.d.).
The JROTC faculty consists of nearly 4,000 instructors who are retired from active duty, reserve duty, or National Guard Army service (Genesee Career Institute, n.d.). These instructors play a vital role in mentoring and educating approximately 314,000 JROTC cadets annually (Genesee Career Institute, n.d.).
JROTC has grown significantly since its inception, with 1,645 schools participating across the United States (Western Brown Local Schools, n.d.). The program currently has an enrollment of 281,000 cadets and employs 4,000 professional instructors (Western Brown Local Schools, n.d.).
Sources:
- Chicago JROTC. (n.d.). Air Force JROTC. https://cpsserviceleadership.com/airforce/airforce_history.jsp
- Genesee Career Institute. (n.d.). JROTC History. https://geneseegci.ss19.sharpschool.com/Programs/u_s_army_j_r_o_t_c/j_r_o_t_c_history
- Western Brown Local Schools. (n.d.). History of JROTC. https://www.wb.k12.oh.us/HistoryofJROTC.aspx
FAQs
Who founded the first JROTC program?
Lt. Edgar R. Steevers, an Army officer, founded the first JROTC program in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1911.
When was JROTC officially established?
JROTC was officially established with the passage of the National Defense Act of 1916.
What was the original purpose of JROTC?
The original purpose of JROTC was to create a non-compulsory cadet corps that would focus on developing responsible citizens.
How has the focus of JROTC changed over time?
JROTC has evolved from a program primarily focused on preparing enlisted recruits and officer candidates to a broader citizenship program that emphasizes the moral, physical, and educational development of American youth.
What is the current mission of JROTC?
The current mission of JROTC is “To Motivate Young People to be Better Citizens” (Genesee Career Institute, n.d.).
How many JROTC programs are there in the United States?
There are currently 1,645 JROTC programs in the United States (Western Brown Local Schools, n.d.).
How many cadets are enrolled in JROTC?
There are approximately 281,000 cadets enrolled in JROTC (Western Brown Local Schools, n.d.).
Who are the instructors in JROTC programs?
JROTC instructors are retired military personnel from active duty, reserve duty, or the National Guard (Genesee Career Institute, n.d.).