Focus on Education JROTC–A Running Start in School and Life By: Anthony Pellegrino

Have you ever noticed at many of the government ceremonial functions a group of young students smartly dressed in military uniforms marching in precision to the front of the hall and then presenting the colors? Making a visit to Marianas High School, I had the pleasure of meeting Captain Ernie Torres, CMS Dorotes Aguigi and MS John Salas. The three instructors are performing miracles in some of our youth through an exciting program called the U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps or commonly called JROTC.

I learned that MHS has 388 cadets representing 22% of the school enrollment. In Tinian the JROTC program is headed by Capt. Joseph Santos and Sgt. Major W. Kiyoshi. 61 cadets make up 35% of the school enrollment. Rota has 51 cadets or 28% of the school enrollment. The JROTC in Rota is headed by Sgt. Major Herman Atalig and First Sgt. Jose Castro. The enrollment is increasing yearly. Both girls and boys make up the rank of cadets. But why are students interested in this program?

With enthusiasm both Capt. Torres and CMS. Aguigi launched into the philosophy of the JROTC. The mission is to motivate young people to be better citizens. JROTC teaches students to improve themselves, prepares students to do their best in School and in life, increases their interest in their country and in their community, develops their confidence and selfdiscipline. JROTC gives them something bigger than themselves and something important to belong to.

The cadets seem to be better students in several ways. Not only do they strive to do their schoolwork, but also strive to be role models for other students in the classrooms. Because of the high rate of motivation the cadets work harder to get better grades. They are more involved in the school and in the community at large.

I was informed that JROTC is not a recruitment program for the Army. Although they use a military training framework, JROTC does not teach military tactics. Nor do any of the students have any obligation to enter the military. They join the JROTC voluntarily. All the uniforms, manuals and some required operational services are supplied free by the Army. However one-half of the instructors salaries is paid by the Army and the other half is paid from local funds.

The U.S. Congress established the JROTC program with the National Defense Act of 1916. JROTC units are supported through a cooperative effort between the U.S. Army and host high schools, and the U.S. military communities around the world.

Wander down to the MHS campus and see the cadets in action. You will see some of them practicing calisthenics with gusto. Others will be marching to orders sharply given by fellow cadets. Then wander into the classrooms and see the rapt attention given the instructor. There is an air of no nonsense.

Why do students voluntarily join the JROTC? The students feel they want the discipline and feel that they belong to something bigger than themselves. Many come from homes where they are neglected. But in the JROTC they are shown how they can become someone with respect by working hard. There is a strong bond between the instructors and the cadets. They learn values and inner strength like integrity, dependability, selfdiscipline and values like commitment, respect and loyalty. The JROTC fills a void in their lives.

Next time you see these smartly dressed cadets, shake their hands and tell them what a terrific job they are doing. They deserve it. Congratulations to a fine group of young men and women.!