Campbell JROTC Cadets Are Learning How To Lead
State Rep. Bob McDermott with Campbell High School cadet Aryha Silvas. Photo from Rep. McDermott’s office.
McDermott’s Message …Rep. Bob McDermott
Campbell High School’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) teaches values of citizenship, service to the country, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment.
The NJROTC program was established by public law in 1964. The program is conducted at accredited secondary schools throughout the nation, including Campbell High, and is led by instructors who are retired Coast Guard officers, Marine Corps, Navy and enlisted personnel.
The curriculum emphasizes citizenship and leadership development, as well as our maritime heritage.
Topics include the fundamentals of naval operations, seamanship, significance of sea power, navigation and meteorology.
Classroom instruction is augmented throughout the year by community service activities, drill competition, field meets, flights, naval activities visits, marksmanship training and other military training. Uniforms, textbooks, training aides, travel allowance and a substantial portion of instructors’ salaries are provided by the U.S. Navy.
As a former U.S. Marine officer, I appreciate the Junior ROTC programs being in our schools. I do everything I can to help recognize its contribution to developing our youths, while providing a strong framework where young men and women can develop valuable discipline and skills.
The mission of JROTC is “to motivate young people to become better citizens.” JROTC offers students challenges and opportunities to:
* Develop citizenship and patriotism
* Develop self-reliance and responsiveness to all authority
* Improve the ability to communicate well both orally and in writing
* Develop an appreciation of the importance of physical fitness
* Increase respect for the role of the U.S. Armed Forces in support of national objectives
* Develop a knowledge of team-building skills and basic military skills
* Rank higher if they pursue a military career.
JROTC is partly funded by the United States Department of Defense with an allocation in the military budget of approximately $340 million for fiscal year 2007.
Instructors continue to receive retirement pay from the federal government, but in addition, the schools pay the difference from what the instructors would receive if they were on active duty.
JROTC programs in schools like Campbell High and elsewhere in Hawaii are particularly active and successful because of our communities’ close association with the military. Hawaii has a long and deep relationship with all branches of the U.S. military, and their contribution to our Islands has always been one of good citizenship.
State Rep. Bob McDermott represents District 40 Ewa, Ewa Beach and Iroquois Point. Readers may him at 586-9730 or email repmcdermott@capitol.hawaii.gov.
