The Office of the Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (OSD/P&R) contracted with the Naval Postgraduate School to investigate the JROTC budget, curriculum, and enlistment propensity of participants. The purpose of the study was to see if the Department of Defense is getting value from the funds committed to the JROTC programs.

The study determined JROTC cadets:

• • Attend class

  • Are less likely to drop out

  • Are more likely to graduate

  • Are stronger leaders

  • Are more disciplined

  • Are better communicators

  • Are more goal oriented

  • Are strong in other academic areas

  • Make-up 10% of Service academies

  • Have higher self-esteem

  • Have greater personal maturity, assertiveness, and control

  • Have a greater preference for organized/orderly way of life

  • Are more caring

  • Are more tolerant of religious and cultural diversity

  • Are less likely to abuse substances and be disruptive (fight, steal, cheat)

The study found JROTC programs are particularly effective with at-risk youth because JROTC helps good kids become better, but the greatest dividends are paid in helping disadvantaged kids (financially, academically, broken homes, inner-city) perform at the level of kids without these disadvantages

In comparison to other youth development programs....

• Similarities:

  • • Safe and productive use of out-of-school time

    • Develops character, confidence, citizenship, and connectedness

    • Fosters positive relationships with peers and adults

    • Safe, trusting, family-like environment

    • Guides those susceptible to bad habits and attitudes

    • Helps build good character and behavior

• Differences:

  • • JROTC is open to everyone, regardless of income, gender, race

    • No other single program can match size, funding, or scope of accomplishments