JROTC: Another Solution to the Skilled Workforce Shortage
Education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is important for the future of a manufacturing economy and national defense. STEM education provides individuals with foundational knowledge and leadership skills needed for careers in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and automation. Harry Moser, Founder and CEO of the Reshoring Initiative®, emphasizes the importance of a skilled workforce by stating, "A strong skilled workforce is essential to reshoring and manufacturing growth. The development of a skilled workforce begins with motivating a higher quantity and quality of recruits." The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) plays a key role in fostering these skills and values in its career-ready cadets.
Established by the National Defense Act of 1916, the JROTC program currently engages over 500,000 students across more than 3,400 high schools. With an annual budget of $390 million from the Department of Defense, the program emphasizes the promotion of citizenship, service, personal responsibility, and achievement. In support of improving STEM career readiness, JROTC updated its curriculum in 2020 to address the growing need for a skilled workforce. Technology integration has improved education with digital tools, simulation software, and learning management systems. These tools support the development of leadership, discipline, and critical thinking skills. Mobile apps and virtual reality offer training experiences and facilitate collaboration and precise feedback through data analytics. The JROTC program emphasizes leadership, citizenship, community service, and workforce readiness. Curriculum updates now include STEM subjects delivered through project-based learning and virtual reality, preparing cadets for careers in STEM fields and leadership roles. Partnerships with educational institutions and professionals enhance the program's effectiveness. Local businesses support JROTC by providing resources, funding, and mentorship. These collaborations allow students to engage with technology such as drones and robotics kits and support events that connect them with professional and career opportunities in the community. Partnerships play a role in integrating technology into the JROTC curriculum. Adequate funding and resources from federal, state, and local governments, along with grants from foundations and nonprofits, are essential for ensuring quality education. Schools often work with local businesses to strengthen their budgets for technology integration. These partnerships provide necessary resources, enabling schools to acquire advanced equipment and software for Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps training. Community engagement strengthens the relationship between educational institutions and businesses, offering mutual benefits. Recent trends in JROTC indicate a shift towards the integration of technology, including digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to enhance learning and engagement. Programs are increasingly adopting tools such as gamification and mobile applications for this purpose. Edge Factor creates career media to help students explore careers through interactive content and digital badges. Its programs support students, educators, and workforce leaders with inspiring content and practical tools. Recently, Edge Factor worked with the Governor's office of Arkansas to facilitate career exploration by collaborating with schools, companies, and communities. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Work-Based Learning programs are essential for preparing individuals with the skills necessary for contemporary careers. The state of Virginia places a strong emphasis on CTE for high-demand professions by offering practical, hands-on learning experiences and leadership development opportunities, including:- JROTC
- Registered Apprenticeships
- Internships
- Supervised Agricultural Experiences
- Entrepreneurship Programs
- Clinical Experiences
- School-based Enterprises
Career and Technical Education helps lower dropout rates and boosts student engagement. Research shows many high school dropouts might have stayed if they had had hands-on learning. Community involvement is crucial for CTE Work-Based Learning and JROTC programs, linking schools with local mentors and resources. The 2024 defense policy bill requires the Department of Defense to maintain 3,400-4,000 JROTC units nationwide, with 300 schools on a waiting list and 15 new units planned for 2024. The Army oversees about 50% of all JROTC units globally, but schools often face long wait times for programs.
Raising community awareness can boost support for programs preparing students for careers, military service, and higher education. Cadets contribute to initiatives like "Made in America" by sustaining and reshoring manufacturing jobs. Glenn Marshall, an Army veteran, retired from Newport News Shipbuilding, member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and the national Reshoring Initiative. Contact him at Marsh82792@aol.com.---
