OUTSIDE THE BOX: LACK OF DISCIPLINE AMONG OUR YOUTH
R. A. Schultz
During a brief conversation with a friend today about the lack of discipline among our young people both at home and in public, the idea occurred to me that there just might be a solution.
Many, if not most, school districts throughout the United States offer a high school-level Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program consisting of up to four years of a credit-bearing military-oriented curriculum in at least one high school in the district. My suggestion, indeed my strongest recommendation, is to make offering these programs mandatory in EVERY high school in the country, AND to make enrollment in these programs for at least two high school semesters in either the freshman or sophomore years a requirement for high school graduation for EVERYONE. In other words, make two semesters of JROTC part of the core curriculum of every high school in the country.
I already know the arguments against this proposal: “It will be too costly.” “The military isn’t for everyone.” And there will be those of course who will liken it to establishment of a “Hitler Youth.” People not acquainted with the program will naturally have no clue about the benefits accruing to the participating student: Leadership development; teamwork; community service; character enhancement; learning a sense of discipline and responsibility; among many others, and, for those who successfully complete six semesters, when enlisting in the military, starting two pay grades higher than the non-participant. Also, there is NO military obligation.
A benefit for the community would be that all high school students will be observed and evaluated by highly-experienced retired military personnel over an eight-month period. Behavior problem students might be more readily identified and referred for necessary corrective programs. We just might experience a decline in mass shootings at schools.
