JROTC Credit for Military High School Students

My name is Mariah Warner and I am a 16 year old, 10th grade student at Portsmouth High School. I believe that military kids should automatically receive at least 1-year, or equivalent, of high school credit for the JROTC program, (especially in schools that do not offer this program).

My father is a Supply Corps Officer who has served in the United States Navy for 18 years. For the past 16 years, I have served along with him. My family recently transferred from Yokosuka, Japan to Portsmouth, Rhode Island where we will be stationed for the next three years. This will be the duration of my high school career.

When I arrived at Portsmouth High School I thought the JROTC program was offered as an elective. Unfortunately, it was not. I believe this is a major disservice to those students who are already interested in the military, along with others who may not yet know the benefits of this career path. Not only does this program offer a jump-start for kids who intend on enlisting, it also provides a resume builder for ROTC college prospects who desire to be officers in the military.

Since birth, I have lived the “Navy Brat” experience. I understand the rank structure, military protocol, customs, traditions, and ceremonies. I have endured many deployments while helping to support my mom and brothers. I have had the unique opportunity to go aboard two Nuclear Air Craft Carriers, two Frigates, and a Guided Missile Destroyer. I have transferred to eight different schools in the last seven years. I have been educated on military bases and in civilian communities, in the United States and overseas. This should serve as a testament of my ability to easily adapt to any environment military and civilian alike. 

There are some students that say that this life style is tough, unpredictable, difficult to adjust to, and simply unfair. I would say, unless you have lived it, you could not possibly understand the positive impact the military lifestyle has on “the military child.”

We are some of the most durable, resilient, and dedicated young Americans that the United States has to offer. With the background of the military lifestyle, we are the rising generations of Enlisted, Officers, and Government Employees of the future. We understand what it means to give ourselves to our families, our communities, and our country. I believe we are the most capable to accomplish military careers because we have already lived, learned, and have respect for the military lifestyle.

Therefore, I propose that all military kids should be given at least 1-year, or equivalent, of high school credit for the JROTC program, particularly in schools that do not offer this class. These children should be shown recognition for the sacrifices they have made while growing up in the military lifestyle. This acknowledgement will allow military high school students, who show an interest in the military, build a resume towards a college ROTC application or an enlistment into the military. In my opinion, we are the best suited for this lifestyle. We will make the best military patrons to protect and provide freedom for our American citizens.

Let me know your thoughts on my proposal for earned JROTC credit for military BRATs (Built Rough And Tough).