Lanterna Rally

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Published: 2004

Total Pages: 62

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This study reports best practices of successful Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) units. Key factors that influence high-performing units were identified from stakeholder surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Instructors of effective units prepare their students for life after high school with skills and knowledge that cannot be gained by other school curricula or extracurricular activities. They set high standards and tailor their programs to the unique culture of the school and the needs of the students, whether the needs are to help students get into college, maintain a winning drill team, or create a safe environment. As leaders, these instructors have adapted well to the educational environment. They work hard to create support for their unit in the school and in the community. The long hours they spend in community and school service create valuable citizenship and leadership development for the cadets, and bring positive recognition (and often resources) back to the unit. Recommendations are made to disseminate the best practices documented here to JROTC units and to incorporate them in instructor training. Other recommendations concern hiring practices, a review of the JROTC mission, metrics for success, and cross-service learning.