Figure 1.--There are many military schools at the high school level in America. Most are boarding schools, but there are also a few day schools as well. The schools participate in the Junior ROTC program. |
|
We notice American military schools before the Civil War. These were essentually school-wide cadet programs. America has a rather limited history of boarding schools, but for some reason quite a number of the military schools that did exist were military schools. I'm not sure why this was, but by the mid-19th Century several such schools were in operation. We note cadet programs in the 19th century at schools that were not military schools. We assume this ocuured at both private abd public sxchools, but our information is still very limited. The first programs we can find at this time are programs introduced during the Civil War.
The United States has a college level program called the Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC) to help train officers as the graduates of the military academies are not adequate to train the number of officers needed by the services. There is also a program for high schools called Junior ROTC. Most military schools participate in this program, but there are also Junior ROTC units at regular public high schools--often inner-city schools.
We notice American military schools before the Civil War. These were essentually school-wide cadet programs. America has a rather limited history of boarding schools, but for some reason quite a number of the military schools that did exist were military schools. I'm not sure why this was, but by the mid-19th Century several such schools were in operation. There are some tragic stories of the boys even being deployed in Civil War battles. Most of the American military were boarding schools. There were, however, also some day schools. Unlike many of the European military schools, American boys were generally sent to military schools for the beneficial impact of discipline and not in preparation for a career in the military. Often it was unruly boys who might be sent to a military school. Many parents decided on military schools as a way of instilling discipline in their children. Most military schools are secondary schools, but there are some elementary military schools as well. Almost all military schools are private fee paying schools. Military schools continue to florish in America. One urban school district (Chicago) has even established a public (state) boarding school.
We note cadet programs in the 19th century at schools that were not military schools. We assume this ocuured at both private abd public sxchools, but our information is still very limited. The first programs we can find at this time are programs introduced during the Civil War. At this time the first such proram we can find was at a Boston public school--the English High School (1863). One report suggests that these cadet programs were designed to deal with Southern youth which might cause trouble in the North. We can not yet conform this. And there is no evidence that Southern youth ever attempted to move north and cause trouble. Many Southern teenagers did serve in the Confederate Army. (This was also the case of The Fedderal Army. We notice one cadet at the English High School in 1897 Eugene Vickery. It is a little hard to assess how commom these school cadet programs were from the photographic record because unless the school is identified the photographs are indestinguishavle between military academies.
The United States Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) was authorized by the National Defense Act of 1916. Under the provisions of the Act, high schools (secondaty schools) were authorized the loan of federal military equipment and the assignment of active duty military personnel as instructors. Title 10 of the U.S. Code declares that "the purpose of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps is to instill in students in United States secondary educational institutions the value of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment." The JROTC course of instruction is offered during the regular school day as part of the curriculum. Students have the opportunity to attend a camp, usually on a military installation, on a strictly volunteer basis. Other experiences include rifle training, map reading, and rappelling. This training reinforces the classroom learning because it provides the cadet the opportunity for firsthand experience.
The United States Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) was authorized by the National Defense Act of 1916. Under the provisions of the Act, high schools (secondaty schools) were authorized the loan of federal military equipment and the assignment of active duty military personnel as instructors. The Vitalization Act opened JROTC up to the other services (1964). It also replaced most of the active duty instructors with retirees who worked for and were cost shared by the schools.
Title 10 of the U.S. Code declares that "the purpose of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps is to instill in students in United States secondary educational institutions the value of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment." JROTC officials reports that its program has much to offer young men and women who want to acquire the most out of their high school years. What is gleaned from the program will be useful now and in the future. The instruction and experience received is unique and unavailable in any other courses offered at the high school level. JROTC provides students the chance to acquire basic military knowledge and leadership abilities, but its primary objective is to develop good citizenship and patriotism in each student.
The JROTC course of instruction is offered during the regular school day as part of the curriculum. Instruction is provided by experienced Army officers and noncommissioned officers, who have a high reegard for
education and training and enjoy working with young adults. Practical experience in organization and leadership development are stressed. Cadets will learn to think quickly, be sure of themself, communicate effectively, and develop a full appreciation of our national heritage. As a JROTC cadet, topics such as Current Events, World Events, Military History, Citizenship, and First Aid are studied and then applied through school and community service. Between JROTC classes and school and community service projects, there is adequate time for special training, curricular activities, as well as socializing with fellow cadets from other schools.
Students have the opportunity to attend a camp, usually on a military installation, on a strictly volunteer basis. Other experiences include rifle training, map reading, and rappelling. This training reinforces the classroom learning because it provides the cadet the opportunity for firsthand experience. Participation in JROTC does not result in any obligation to the Armed Forces. This is an elective course which may be used to meet physical education requirements.
Navigate the Historic Boys' Clothing Web Site:
[Return to the Main Cadet page]
[Introduction]
[Activities]
[Biographies]
[Chronology]
[Cloth and textiles]
[Clothing styles]
[Countries]
[Topics]
[Bibliographies]
[Contributions]
[FAQs]
[Glossaries]
[Images]
[Links]
[Registration]
[Tools]
[Boys' Clothing Home]