East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, both Republicans from Idaho, have joined bipartisan legislation aimed at preserving U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) programs. The Preserving JROTC Programs Act seeks to reduce the statutory enrollment requirement for these programs from 100 to 50 students, a move intended to prevent their closure. This legislative change will particularly benefit Idaho schools with JROTC programs, one of which is currently on probationary status due to low enrollment.

"Recruitment for the armed services benefits from preserving our local JROTC programs," Crapo stated. "The various JROTC programs across the state teach leadership, critical thinking, citizenship and physical fitness in a real-world training environment. By lowering the enrollment requirement, this bill preserves the service of Idaho’s JROTC programs in small schools or small communities that can continue to benefit from the curricula."

"A strong military starts with strong values," said Risch. "JROTC is vital to instilling the values of service and leadership and inspiring the next generation to serve our country. Preserving JROTC and reducing barriers for schools to access these programs will strengthen our nation’s defenses."

With the U.S. military facing a historic recruiting crisis, JROTC plays an increasingly important role in promoting service and civic participation among young people. According to U.S. Army enlistment data from Fiscal Year 2019-2021, 44 percent of Regular Army enlistments came from schools with a Department of Defense (DoD) JROTC program, including 21 percent from schools with an Army JROTC program. Additionally, approximately 22 percent of students graduating high school with Air Force JROTC experience choose to pursue active-duty Air Force service.