Howe Military School JROTC Program

WHY JROTC?

JROTC is an educational multiplier. By this I mean it boosts the results of the education, socialization and maturation processes of the cadet. The program centers on the continual exposure of cadets to the leadership processes and by so doing works to instill in cadets the interpersonal tools that facilitate getting along with others. Cadets learn that they may not always like each other but that to achieve a common mission they must adapt and work together. Over 90% of those who quit or are fired from a job do so because they could not get along with others. JROTC strives to teach the cadets how to reduce conflict and reduce the stress created by personality differences. To accomplish this objective the JROTC model provides a mechanism to achieve leadership and follower-ship techniques that will benefit the cadet throughout life. The military model is service centered. The cadet learns that a leader has to accomplish the mission while taking care of the welfare of his or her subordinates. A JROTC environment also provides practical experience in leadership training in a 24-hr leadership laboratory. This laboratory is enhanced as the cadets live with each other and by so doing, learn through doing. Cadets are able to observe others in the leadership arena and to analyze what is good and what is bad about the techniques being displayed. The cadet also is allowed to make mistakes and to learn from these to become a better leader.

JROTC also strives to teach follower-ship, which is not the blind obedience, but rather, the importance of working as a team and to focus on others rather than self. The cadet learns that she/he is an important part of the team; that through teamwork, missions can be accomplished. Follower-ship is a prerequisite for moving into the leadership portion of the program. The cadet learns and experiences what it is to be the foundation of an organization and in so doing, develops empathy that will serve the cadet in later life. This appreciation of subordinates will be of great value in the decision-making process. Such a mind-set allows the cadet to realize his/her attributes and how they contribute to the betterment of the group. One must learn to follow before one can lead.

The JROTC model also strives to instill discipline, defined as self-control. In today’s society, this is important. We see today a self-centeredness that spawns immediate self-gratification. Discipline strives to suppress these two forces and to teach the cadet to control urges and to resist temptation. Immediate self-gratification is delayed as the cadet learns to think through the consequences to her/his actions.

In addition, the JROTC model has a built-in positive reinforcement program through promotions and awards. Cadets move up the ladder based on their academic, military and socialization/maturation achievements. The visible accoutrements of rank as well as added privileges motivate positive behavior.

By Col. D. George Douglass, Senior Army Instructor

Howe Military School

Howe, In

Howe Scores 595 of 600 on Triennial JROTC Inspection, click to read more!

Bunji Run!

WHY JROTC? JROTC is an educational multiplier. By this I mean it boosts the results of the education, socialization and maturation processes of the cadet. The program centers on the continual exposure of cadets to the leadership processes and by so doing works to instill in cadets the interpersonal tools that facilitate getting along with others. Cadets learn that they may not always like each other but that to achieve a common mission they must adapt and work together. Over 90% of those who quit or are fired from a job do so because they could not get along with others. JROTC strives to teach the cadets how to reduce conflict and reduce the stress created by personality differences. To accomplish this objective the JROTC model provides a mechanism to achieve leadership and follower-ship techniques that will benefit the cadet throughout life. The military model is service centered. The cadet learns that a leader has to accomplish the mission while taking care of the welfare of his or her subordinates. A JROTC environment also provides practical experience in leadership training in a 24-hr leadership laboratory. This laboratory is enhanced as the cadets live with each other and by so doing, learn through doing. Cadets are able to observe others in the leadership arena and to analyze what is good and what is bad about the techniques being displayed. The cadet also is allowed to make mistakes and to learn from these to become a better leader. JROTC also strives to teach follower-ship, which is not the blind obedience, but rather, the importance of working as a team and to focus on others rather than self. The cadet learns that she/he is an important part of the team; that through teamwork, missions can be accomplished. Follower-ship is a prerequisite for moving into the leadership portion of the program. The cadet learns and experiences what it is to be the foundation of an organization and in so doing, develops empathy that will serve the cadet in later life. This appreciation of subordinates will be of great value in the decision-making process. Such a mind-set allows the cadet to realize his/her attributes and how they contribute to the betterment of the group. One must learn to follow before one can lead. The JROTC model also strives to instill discipline, defined as self-control. In today’s society, this is important. We see today a self-centeredness that spawns immediate self-gratification. Discipline strives to suppress these two forces and to teach the cadet to control urges and to resist temptation. Immediate self-gratification is delayed as the cadet learns to think through the consequences to her/his actions. In addition, the JROTC model has a built-in positive reinforcement program through promotions and awards. Cadets move up the ladder based on their academic, military and socialization/maturation achievements. The visible accoutrements of rank as well as added privileges motivate positive behavior. By Col. D. George Douglass, Senior Army Instructor Howe Military School Howe, In Howe Scores 595 of 600 on Triennial JROTC Inspection, click to read more! Bunji Run!
Cadet Duties History of JROTC at Howe Military School Schofield's Definition of Discipline
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			Updated 24 April 2008