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AFJROTC_mom

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My daughter wants to take up military training in high school. I don’t know if I would like her to do it though. Any comments?
 
If you described why you are hesitant if would be easier to address your concerns.
 
She will find strength, resilience, self-confidence, mental and physical challenge, opportunities to be a team player and team leader, and her voice - whether or not she pursues further active duty opportunities.

The Navy was the making of me, and the values and skills service instilled in me are beyond price.

Let her test her wings at this level, if something about discipline, organization, values, and mental and physical challenge call to her. If she becomes a strong young woman confident in herself, she is that much better prepared for adult life.

I happen to have the XX chromosome make-up.
 
AFJROTC_mom said:
My daughter wants to take up military training in high school. I don’t know if I would like her to do it though. Any comments?
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My DD is a sophomore and just started NJROTC. Although a year behind her fellow sophomore cadets in rank, she's right on track with her knowledge, academics, physical fitness, military baring, leadership potential, or enthusiasm. She loves it! It is one of her high priority classes/activities at school. She is an active member of the unit's Athletics Team, Academics Team, and will be on the Drill Team as well. She is looking forward to work her way up to hold one of the top leadership positions in her senior year. She has no regrets and is thinking about pursuing it as a career as well.

Btw, my DS also has five other extra-curricular/afterschool activities outside of JROTC. So, she is my busy bee. JROTC is her top one.[emoji106]

There is no contractual obligation requiring military enlistment should your daughter signs up for a JROTC class. Who knows, it may be her cup of tea.[emoji4]
 
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There is no downside of doing JROTC. If she loves or it hates it, she has no commitment to continue in college. At the very least, she will learn things about herself
 
I think I understand your hesitation. My wife wasn't a fan of our DD attending USAFA (she has no military affiliation/experience other than my stories of serving before we met). She wanted our DD to attend a "normal" college,
join a sorority and do what is perceived as what "normal" young ladies do. That was even after seeing our son at USAFA in the class of 2019. Even with my wife's encouragement for our daughter to attend a "normal" college, our DD picked USAFA and she is thriving there. I believe there is a common misconception that it is harder for women in the military and it is a "boys" club. I can honestly say that our DD hasn't experienced any of that and my wife has converted to a full fledged supporter (not that she didn't support our DD's decision). Serving isn't for everyone, but if there is that calling (either young men or women) I suggest to let them explore. USAFA hasn't shown any gender bias that I am aware of or that our DD has shared. Our DD is a Cadet who has done things that most young people will never experience. I hope this helps.........
 
KTMDad said:
I think I understand your hesitation. My wife wasn't a fan of our DD attending USAFA (she has no military affiliation/experience other than my stories of serving before we met). She wanted our DD to attend a "normal" college,
join a sorority and do what is perceived as what "normal" young ladies do. That was even after seeing our son at USAFA in the class of 2019. Even with my wife's encouragement for our daughter to attend a "normal" college, our DD picked USAFA and she is thriving there. I believe there is a common misconception that it is harder for women in the military and it is a "boys" club. I can honestly say that our DD hasn't experienced any of that and my wife has converted to a full fledged supporter (not that she didn't support our DD's decision). Serving isn't for everyone, but if there is that calling (either young men or women) I suggest to let them explore. USAFA hasn't shown any gender bias that I am aware of or that our DD has shared. Our DD is a Cadet who has done things that most young people will never experience. I hope this helps.........
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Why thank you! And thank you for your service as well. I think I’m going to be the relaxed (not so much) mother and let her take this course. If it means this much to her, then it will mean this much to me as well. Thank you.
 
There can be a down-side to JROTC as all programs are not created equal and it could eat up a lot of her time that could be better spent on sports or other h.s. ECA's. You can find several older threads where individuals commented about the particular program they were involved with. Most h.s. students do not enough time for everything they want to be involved with, so it requires you prioritize those things that are most important to you and from which you expect to get the most benefit.
 
time2 said:
There can be a down-side to JROTC as all programs are not created equal and it could eat up a lot of her time that could be better spent on sports or other h.s. ECA's. You can find several older threads where individuals commented about the particular program they were involved with. Most h.s. students do not enough time for everything they want to be involved with, so it requires you prioritize those things that are most important to you and from which you expect to get the most benefit.
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Sure, but that is true of any activity.
 
^^ Not if a single activity eats up so much time that you can't participate in other things. No one activity is a golden ticket to an appointment. Assuming the OP's daughter is just starting h.s., also good to not put all your eggs in one basket. What if she later decides the military isn't for her (as an example). JROTC would mean less to a civilian college.
 
time2 said:
^^ Not if a single activity eats up so much time that you can't participate in other things. No one activity is a golden ticket to an appointment. Assuming the OP's daughter is just starting h.s., also good to not put all your eggs in one basket. What if she later decides the military isn't for her (as an example). JROTC would mean less to a civilian college.
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Again I agree but there are many activities that take up lots of time. My son played high school baseball and travel team during the summer. That ate up a lot of time also. It isnt like she cant quit JROTC if she doesnt like it or it takes up too much time. I will be honest, I have no idea what goes on in JROTC, but even if she doesnt continue in college, I am sure it would be a worthwhile experience. Like I mentioned, my son played baseball year round in Los Angeles and the plan was for him to play college D3 baseball. In the end he went to a Big Ten school (no D3 baseball) where he is majoring in Professional Flight (pilot) and joined AFROTC. Baseball wound up doing nothing for him except he really enjoyed it and he will have great memories.
 
I never thought my kids would be fencers, and it ate up TONS of time. It also taught them discipline, self reliance, confidence, physical fitness, strategy, compassion, perseverance, tolerance, boldness, resilience.

If she loves it or hates it, she'll know herself better, and Mom will be able to see the adult in her bloom, right before her very eyes.
 
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