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JROTC in Our Public Schools

JROTC, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps is a military program, taught by retired military instructors, that was established in middle and high schools around the nation nearly 100 years ago. Today there are 3000 programs nationwide, affecting over half a million students. In LAUSD there are 30 high school programs with 4,229 students enrolled in Oct. 2008 costing over $2 million.
The course is marketed as a way for students to learn discipline, leadership and physical training. In addition, students shoot guns, march and learn military history and behavior. In most school districts JROTC has been designated as a physical education elective leading to involuntary placement into the program. In California, this violates the California Education Code Section 51750 that states that "students shall not be required to enroll in any course in military science and tactics".

JROTC in LAUSD


It was reported in 2003 by Lt. Col. Ted McDonald, JROTC Coordinator, that 5,521 students were enrolled at 29 high schools taught by 73 military personnel.  Today there are approximately 4,229 students enrolled with the program at Locke High School the first Green Dot Charter JROTC School. Retired military personnel have a single subject credential and are now working towards a standard teaching credential to be in compliance with the California Education Code.


JROTC is a Military-run training program for high school students. The goal is to create favorable attitudes and impressions towards the Services and careers in the Armed Forces (332 Code of Fed Regulations 542.5:3c). Between 1992 to 1997, JROTC programs more than doubled after General Colin Powell visited South Central L. A. following the riots in 1992. He concluded inner city youth needed more discipline and structure. JROTC continues to grow to over 3,500 programs nationwide. More than 40% of cadets who complete JROTC eventually join the military (according to the DoD statistics), the vast majority as enlisted personnel.

JROTC is a nonacademic elective course, not for college preparation. LAUSD contributes more than half the funding-- last year more than $2 million of the $4-million program. The JROTC programs have been located at the most severely overcrowded campuses although this has changed somewhat with increased school construction.  JROTC is disproportionately represented in working class or impoverished areas such as the Central and East Los Angeles communities with none west of Fairfax High School. Because of contractual conditions imposed by the military, JROTC is more expensive than a regular elective or the physical education classes taken as a substitute. If JROTC was eliminated, it would free up extra funds even after hiring the necessary staff to support JROTC students in other classes.

What action has CAMS taken?


JROTC has been one of the areas we have expressed concern about since we began in 2004
We have gone to the Board of Education and Superintendent to request data regarding funding, schools that have JROTC programs, and to address the illegal practices of placing students into the program.
We have expressed concerns regarding the rifle ranges on 10 high school campuses when we have a zero tolerance for guns and kindergartners can be suspended for bringing a water pistol to school.
We have made public the School Recruiting Handbook (USAREC Pamphlet 350-13, DoD) that states "school ownership" is the recruiter's goal. It guides JROTC instructors to become indispensable to the school, to bring donuts to faculty meetings, etc.
We have questioned why the JROTC programs in LAUSD are all east of Fairfax High School and do not include the more affluent areas of the district. JROTC programs have been located in the most overcrowded, year round schools.
We have raised concerns regarding how the JROTC program is used as a hub for military recruiters on some of the campuses.
We have exposed the preferential treatment that the JROTC program automatically receives regarding class size, program protection from budget cuts (www.cutjrotc.com)
We are calling for a fact finding survey of all the JROTC schools in order to substantiate the concerns we have been receiving over the past 5 years. We are in the process of moving this forward in order to more effectively address our concerns.

LAUSD High Schools with JROTC Programs in the 2008-9 School Year
Army: Belmont, Cleveland, Fairfax, Franklin, Garfield, Hollywood, Jefferson, Jordan, Lincoln, Los Angeles High, Manual Arts, Monroe, Roosevelt, Van Nuys, Verdugo Hills, Washington Prep, West Adams, Wilson.    Student Total:2,802 (last year 3,346)                                                              
 Air Force: Canoga Park, Francis Polytechnic, Fulton College Prep, San Pedro. Student Total: 434 (last year 358)
Marine: Crenshaw, Carson, Fremont. Student Total:  420 (last year 376)
Navy: El Camino, Kennedy, Narbonne, Reseda and Foshay Learning Center.
NOTE:  Locke HS is now a Green Dot Charter School, but the JROTC program continues and funds are funneled through LAUSD.
Total for 29 high schools:  4,229 (2007-8 total was 4,754 , 2006-7 total was 4,591, and 2003-4 total was 6,034 students)
Note: Many of the JROTC students are 9th graders who were recruited from middle school.  JROTC has also enrolled high numbers of ESL students and Special Education students. Questionable enrollment into this program continues along with heavy promotion and awarding students who “recruit” their peers. The JROTC program must keep the enrollment up to 100 students, in order to maintain the program.

 

JROTC presence in LAUSD map

A graphic of JROTC presence in LAUSD (from IDEA)

LA High School Students ::: The law gives Military Recruiters access to your information (names. addresses and telephone numbers) UNLESS YOU
OPT-OUT!

What is Opt Out? It is your legal right to notify your school that you DO NOT want the military to receive your personal info.
It's your choice. Don't let them harass you with endless phone calls and promises which may not come true! Go to the OPT OUT page for more info!

Honesty In Recruitment PDF file from John Lalla, very good!!

CAMS Youth Brochure

CAMS Stopping Militarism Brochure

CAMS Youth Brochure

Military Recruitment Survey

What Every Girl Should Know

Great Careers

Careers in Peace List #1

Careers in Peace List #2

Spanish Brochure for your parents

How to get out of JROTC classes


Maybe you heard from a friend that JROTC was really fun, that you get to go on trips and do special stuff. Or maybe you heard about JROTC when you attended an assembly in 8th grade.  For whatever reason, students and parents can request to be withdrawn from the program at any time.  Maybe you told your counselor that you wanted the class, but now you don’t feel that way.  Or maybe you were put into the class without your permission.
This is what you can do:

  • Go to your Counselor who programs your classes.  Tell him/her that you want to change classes.  Make sure that you do not get a fail or incomplete in the class.  You should not be penalized in any way for changing classes.  You can also put this request into writing, and keep a copy for yourself. 
  • Have your parent or guardian request that you be removed from the JROTC class.  It can be in a letter, telephone call or scheduled conference with your Counselor.

This documentation will be helpful and we will investigate any students who are being involuntarily placed into the JROTC program in LAUSD.
According to the California Education Code Section 51750, “No student enrolled in any such school (secondary) shall be required to enroll in any course in military science and tactics.”  Furthermore the LAUSD Policy Bulletin 2067.1 (May 17, 2007) states on page 3 “participation in JROTC is voluntary.” 

  • The JROTC curriculum has been changed to fulfill the requirements of physical education (with the goal of passing the Fitness Gram).  However, the JROTC program continues to use the JROTC texts including military history and culture as well as U.S. history and government, first aid, life skills, etc. 
  • If you are told that there are no other PE classes or electives available please report this information to us.  Every school should have an alternative.  NO STUDENT SHOULD BE PLACED INTO THE JROTC PROGRAM WITHOUT YOUR PERMISSION.
  • If you feel that you are being treated in an unfair manner by any instructor because you are asking questions about the subject matter, talk to your Counselor about this.  You may be able to change classes depending on what is available. 

    Here are the latest developments that CAMS has formed with LAUSD. Other people in other school districts can do the same through negotiations with your District or School Board.Ask us how!

    ASVAB
    Reporting Military Recruiter Abuse
    Researching ASVAB in your school
    CAMS Press release on ASVAB below. More info on ASVAB here.

    PENTAGON DATA BASE
    The Pentagon collects information on you. Find out more here.

    DEP (DELAYED ENTRY PROGRAM)
    Good information on DEP here

    JROTC NEWS
    New (MAY 2008) JROTC figures are in for the 2006-7 school year in LAUSD. After documentation of military recruiter abuses,  LAUSD codified policy regarding JROTC, military recruiters, ASVAB and more. Policy Bulletin 2067 was introduced on October 21, 2005 and then revised May 17, 2007 to change the ASVAB policy. Here is the new policy. Violations should be reported to District officials and CAMS. Scroll down for Arlene Inouye's analysis of the policy.

    JROTC is no longer the alternative for not enough PE classes in LAUSD. If you are placed in JROTC because PE classes are filled up than your school is breaking the law and district policy! Call us at 626-799-9118 or send us an email at info@militaryfreeschhools.org

    Tanks and guns on your campus need prior permission from LAUSD's Office of Risk Management. Ask the recruiter or tank commander to produce these documents, and let us know if you see a tank.  This past year an alert teacher reported military vans that pulled up on her campus, with shooting games and recruiters.  We immediately called the Office of Risk Management who stated that permission wasn’t granted and the Principal also was not informed. The military vans were ordered off the campus!  Office of Risk Management is 213-241-3987.

    Your LAUSD counselor has CAMS materials. Ask her or him for CAMS Great Jobs, Careers, Futures Call us if they don't know what you are talking about.

    SPECIAL NOTE:
    Do not fill out any information cards from recruiters for prize winning raffles. This is another way of them getting your information. The only real winners are those who do not join in with this insane death machine. Choose peace and community over the slavery of war and destruction.

    Beware of www.march2success.com and other military test preparation and tutorial web sites that lure students and teachers with academic support. Remember it is by design that the military wants you to see them as a valuable resource to the school program.  

      Here is a good website for futher information www.asvabtest.org

    REVIEW of POLICY BULLETIN 2067

    Military Access to Schools

    Arlene Inouye, CAMS Coordinator, HRC/UTLA Member, November 2005

    BACKGROUND INFORMATION

    After a Board presentation was made by CAMS and the Human Rights Committee, UTLA (United Teachers Los Angeles) in February 2003, a District Committee was established to address questions and concerns regarding military recruitment.  For over a year, members and supporters of CAMS, a grassroots coalition of teachers, school staff, students, parents and community have documented and reported to this School District Committee specific instances of aggressive and abusive military recruiter tactics. We have been concerned about the lack of parameters regarding military recruitment, the lack of information and misinformation.  We once again went to the Board of Education September 12, 2005 to express our concerns and present specific resolutions to address them.  At the same time, approximately 250 email messages mobilized by the Leave My Child Alone campaign were sent to the Board of Education members to support our efforts.  Following the Board presentation by a student, parent, teacher and CAMS Coordinator, we were promised that action would be taken within the next month.

    ANALYSIS OF POLICY

      We feel that this policy is a significant and important step in the right direction towards insuring the safety and protection of our students.  For the past year we have been repeatedly told that military recruitment was a LOCAL SCHOOL DECISION.  We believe that by providing the documentation of violations of district policy and safety concerns along with recommendations were important in the development of this policy.  We acknowledge that the guidelines still leave many decisions regarding military limits up to the discretion of the school principal or designee.  We are continuing to discuss with the District and lawyers, our concerns and possible changes.  We welcome any suggestions.  Specific comments are:

    • The first page states that the “military recruiters MAY” have various limits, which makes it optional and subjective according to the school principal.

    • We like the fact that student first amendment rights of free expression, and to lawfully protest the military are stated, along with an attachment which can be easily duplicated and given to students.  Unfortunately there is no mention of counter recruiter rights to pass out literature and present alternatives.  It was stated by the district official that community persons can gain access through teacher contacts at the local school, and that it is a local school decision.

    • This policy does not address other methods of military recruitment such as through school sponsored sports events and programs.  Concerns were specially raised regarding the Classic Football game between Garfield and Roosevelt High School and the heavy recruiting and vendor access given to the military recruiters.  Who makes this decision and the process for approval  will be researched by the district.

    • The policy makes clear the school district policy of voluntary placement into the JROTC program, but states that those who enrolled in a JROTC/ROTC class in lieu of physical education who choose to drop the JROTC/ROTC class will be prioritized for enrollment in physical education.  This does not address the fact that there are insufficient physical education classes to meet the needs of students, and JROTC does not meet the state physical education requirements. According to the California Standards for Physical Education, JROTC along with other electives such as drill team, are out of compliance.  LAUSD has until June 2006, to remedy this situation.

    •  Under the responsibility of Military Representatives, the Office of Risk Management must approve all military equipment or vehicles on campus in advance.  Thus far, there have been no requests to this office, so this should dramatically decrease and possibly eliminate the humvees and military vans on campus.

    • The policy does not address the unequal representation of the military representatives over college and career representatives at career fairs.  There were a few schools over the past year which had a career fair with excessive military recruiters and lack of career and college recruiters. Whenever this occurs, we can notify the school district and they will address this.

    • The policy clarifies that the school does not approve of any trips or transporting by military recruiters outside of school hours.  We had documented cases of this occurring which the district had not known.  We feel that it is important to strengthen parental rights in relation to transportation issues and taking the ASVAB.

    • There are some inconsistencies in the District’s Opt Out policy, and what is written in the policy (i.e., 17 year old students being able to Opt Out without parent signature).

    MONITORING

                Two months ago we began our Adopt A School Project in 37 schools in the Los Angeles County including 25 LAUSD high schools (of which there are approximately a total of 60).  Through our grassroots contacts at these 25 LAUSD schools, we will monitor this policy through a form with specific issues and areas to look for.  In order to simplify the process, we will have a violation checklist to address the areas where the military recruiters have not followed the guidelines and protocol such as the limits regarding time and location that the school administrator may determine.  The form will also document any difficulties of gaining equal access, school staff not complying with these guidelines (i.e. restricting the first amendment rights of students) and JROTC involuntary placement.

                   A policy is only effective when it is known, implemented and holds persons accountable for violations.  We of CAMS will collect the data from the 25 schools in LAUSD, and see that the district is made aware of violations or problems with this policy.

    We are appreciative for the hundreds of in our schools, which make this possible.
    January 2008
    Military recruitment in the schools appears to vary greatly from school to school. We found that our Adopt a School
    contacts played an important role in keeping a check on military recruitment activity, initiating a counter message, and
    providing alternatives. The Adopt a School Project that was expanded to 50 schools in the greater Los Angeles
    area, has given us the ability to tailor effective strategies to meet the needs of each local school community.
    There was an important revision of the School District Policy dated May 17, 2007 in which ALL students who elect to take the
    ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) will have their scores and personal information kept private, and
    NOT released to military recruiters. LAUSD is only the second school district in the nation with a blanket Option 8 policy.
    The following violations to the policy have been reported:
    -Military vans and humvees on high school campuses WITHOUT clearance from the Office of Risk Management.
    -There are MORE military recruiters on campus than career and college recruiters.
    -Students continue to report aggressive unwanted military recruiter contact.

    Military Recruiter Actions that are of Concern but not addressed in the Policy
    -The initiation of a JROTC program without an informed discussion with the community. Although LAUSD makes the Principal
    the decision maker on this issue, it should be done in consultation with the school community.
    -LAUSD Office of Directory Information would not agree to put the Opt Out information on the Emergency Card as we requested.
    The Opt Out forms are confusing to fill out, and some students are still not getting the information. It appears most of the high
    Schools do not publicize the Opt Out dates and give students and their parents this information.
    -Military recruiters are using Career Information and Career Exploration as their entry way into classrooms and assemblies.
    They are finding other ways to reach students and teachers.
    Let us know what is happening at your school. Please fill out the CAMS Military Recruitment Survey.
    Remember all students are protected by federal and state privacy laws.

    Ten Points To Consider Before You Sign A Military Enlistment Agreement

    1: Don't make a quick decision by enlisting the first time you see a recruiter or when you are upset.

    2: Take a witness with you when you speak to a recruiter.

    3: Talk to veterans who have been there about their experiences.

    4: Consider your moral feelings about going to war and killing someone.

    5: Get a copy of the enlistment agreement. Read the fine print, especially the part about what the military can order you to do.

    6: Once you are in you cannot get out so easily. You will be in for eight years and the only way out before that is if the military decides to give you a dishonorable discharge.

    7: Get all the recruiters promises in writing!

    8: There are no job guarantees in the military. You go and do what someone else tells you to for eight years.

    9: Military personnel may not be as free as civilians or have the same rights and civil liberties as civilians,

    10: Many other opportunities exist for you to serve your community and better your skills.

    Check out AFSC for more info. Also see CAMS Conscientious Objector page for Selective Service

    JROTC Stats for 2006-7  School Year

    May 2008
    With the budget crisis looming over California and Los Angeles Unified School District, it is important to consider the cost of JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Program) to LA Unified.  Around the country, Education Boards are considering cuts or dismantling this program based on budget deficits.
    LAUSD has 30 JROTC programs located in the most economically depressed communities in our city (with no programs west of Fairfax HS).  The numbers of students in all the JROTC programs for the 2007-8 school year is 4,754  as reported by Lt. Col. U.S. Army Retired Ted A McDonald, the JROTC Coordinator. Mr. Mark Shrager of the LAUSD Budget Services Division provided the budget data.  The net cost to LAUSD for the calendar year of 2006-7 is calculated to be: :
    $ 1,633,871   Salary  (the total cost is $3,267,742 in which LAUSD pays half and the Dept                   
                                        of Defense pays the other half)
     $   915,494      Employee benefits (LAUSD pays for all the benefits)
      $       9,077      Mileage Reimbursements
     ______________________________________
     $ 2,558,342. or 2.6 million-  minimum cost to LAUSD for the JROTC program in 31 schools serving 4591  students in the 2006-7 school year.  This does not include additional costs incurred such as field trips, facilities, etc.
                          The budget director estimates that 2007-8 will be similar to this figure.

    • Taking the example of Roosevelt HS which has two instructors for 171 students, they have an average of 16 students per period (5 periods in a 6 period day, while other teachers have more than twice that size in each class).
    •  Approximate cost per student for the JROTC program to LAUSD is a minimum of  $557.25

    This cost to the district drains resources that could be used for decreasing class size in the academic subjects, for counselors, qualified teachers, and resources for the school.

    • The numbers of JROTC students was at a low of 4,234 in 1999-2000, to a high of 6,034 students in 2003-04.
    • There must be a minimum of 100 students for 2 JROTC instructors to keep the program open.
    • Numbers in 2006 and 2007 have remained steady from 4,591 to 4,754. A concern has been the continued involuntary placement into this program and a surge of enrollment right before the fall norm deadline.  (Case in point is Lincoln HS which had 84 students in Sept. which jumped to 110 in November).  Students have been reported at the school to be put into JROTC without knowing it is voluntary.  Additionally students in the special education program have been encouraged to enroll, possibly to keep the JROTC program open.
    • Note that there is also a middle school California Cadet program that is not reflected in these numbers or budget.  There is no budget item for the California Cadet program since the class is picked up by certificated teachers who teach this class as one of their periods.  The number of students enrolled varies from year to year.

    Issues of Concern:
    -Although JROTC is promoted as a leadership training program and character development, the JROTC Policy Memorandum 50 on March 30, 1999 states “Purpose:  To provide guidance on implementation of initiatives to enhance recruiting efforts with the U.S. Army Recruiting Command.”
    -The California Education Code Section 51750 makes explicit that JROTC is a voluntary class.
    “No student enrolled in any such school (secondary) shall be required to enroll in any course in military science and tactics.”  Furthermore the LAUSD Policy Bulletin 2067.1 (May 17, 2007) states on page3 “participation in JROTC is voluntary.”  High school students continue to be involuntarily placed into JROTC over the past four years since we have addressed this. Despite efforts to communicate this illegality to high school Principals by the Director of High School Programs, Mr. Bud Jacobs and Mr. Herman Clay, these violations continue. 
    -LAUSD has counted the JROTC program towards the physical education requirements; however JROTC (along with other programs) has been out of compliance regarding the California Department of Education Physical Education requirements.  The areas of noncompliance include the following:  not assessing students with the Fitnessgram, not receiving enough physical education instruction, instruction not delivered by teaches who hold appropriate credentials.  In relation to this last area, JROTC instructors are not credentialed as PE instructors.  Over the past few years, the district has taken steps towards meeting the Physical Education requirements, and we do not know the status towards compliance at this time
    .
    -Ten JROTC programs in LAUSD have firing ranges which is in contradiction to the intention of the Zero Tolerance for Guns policy of LAUSD (page 12 of the Parent-Student Handbook).  The Federal Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 also mandates the expulsion of any student who takes a firearm onto a school campus.  By permitting and instructing students on firing ranges gives a mixed message regarding promoting safe school campuses.
    -The JROTC program uses their own textbook that presents history from a military perspective (though adopted by educators).  Sections of the text have been of concern regarding a biased perspective.
    Summary: 
    The JROTC program continues to violate the California Education Code and LAUSD Policy Bulletin 2067.1 by the involuntary placement of high school students into this program.  There are also questions regarding compliance to physical education state requirements, JROTC instructor qualifications, the psychological impact of permitting guns on campus with a Zero Tolerance for Guns policy, and the JROTC curriculum.  Instructors typically have a much smaller class size than other classes (including academic subjects), and this program has a high cost (a minimum of $557,25  per student paid for by LAUSD).
                  This program should be considered for elimination given the severe budget crisis facing LAUSD. 
    Arlene Inouye,
    May 2008

    Military Recruitment through JROTC Commentary

    Over the past few months an  announcement over the loud speaker at Garfield High School in East Los Angeles has been heard  over and over again.  Written by Sgt. Eason the message is: “Join JROTC and become part of a winning team.  An opportunity to develop and improve yourself in many ways: it uses military skills to teach self-discipline, confidence and pride in a job well done and it offers you challenges and opportunities that prepare you for graduation after high school.”
    This pitch is aimed at the incoming 9th graders who have most likely heard about JROTC in a special 8th grade assembly- all part of a strategy that may appear innocuous to some, but is tailored to shape the minds of students and their parents and especially appeal to the desperation for structure, discipline and support.  We urge you to look deeper at what’s really behind JROTC.
    JROTC   sometimes known as military science is taught by retired military officers with public education dollars, and lots of it.  Perhaps the heavy advertising is needed since JROTC is a voluntary elective class (although students have been placed by default because there weren’t enough Physical education classes available).  The program grows every year.
      Some like JROTC primarily because they see it as a fix for discipline, self control, and other “problems” that parents and teachers have with youth.  However, without addressing the underlying personal and societal and needs of our students, the military uses shame, fear and punishment, which will never work.
    The bottom line is that JROTC is a military program, with the intent and purpose as stated in the U.S. army policy to “create favorable attitudes and impressions towards the military.” Let’s call it what it is- an early  indoctrination to create future soldiers to fight and kill in war.  And let’s speak of who these soldiers are-low income youth of color in working class communities who are targeted.  This is military tracking which the school system perpetrates.
    JROTC blurs the line between school and military.  This was clearly seen at the JROTC awards assembly at Garfield last June, when the Garfield bull dog mascot marched around to the drum beat while wearing a military uniform with the word “Army “ written across.
    When will we stop the militarization of education and our students!!!! 

    Major General Smedley Butler speaks about what he learned while serving in the US military.

    "Yes, they are getting ready for another war. Why shouldn't they? It pays high dividends. But what does it profit the men who are killed? What does it profit their mothers and sisters, their wives and their sweethearts? What does it profit their children? What does it profit anyone except the very few to whom war means huge profits?

    "Boys with a normal viewpoint were taken out of the fields and offices and factories and classrooms and put into the ranks. There they were remolded; they were made over; they were made to "about face"; to regard murder as the order of the day. They were put shoulder to shoulder and, through mass psychology, they were entirely changed. We used them for a couple of years and trained them to think nothing at all of killing or of being killed.

    "Then, suddenly, we discharged them and told them to make another "about face" ! This time they had to do their own readjustment, sans [without] mass psychology, sans officers' aid and advice and sans nation-wide propaganda. We didn't need them any more. So we scattered them about without any "three-minute" or "Liberty Loan" speeches or parades. Many, too many, of these fine young boys are eventually destroyed, mentally, because they could not make that final "about face" alone.

    "Yes, the soldier pays the greater part of the bill. His family pays too. They pay it in the same heart-break that he does. As he suffers, they suffer. At nights, as he lay in the trenches and watched shrapnel burst about him, they lay home in their beds and tossed sleeplessly – his father, his mother, his wife, his sisters, his brothers, his sons, and his daughters.

    "When he returned home minus an eye, or minus a leg or with his mind broken, they suffered too – as much as and even sometimes more than he. Yes, and they, too, contributed their dollars to the profits of the munitions makers and bankers and shipbuilders and the manufacturers and the speculators made. "--US Marine Major General Smedley Butler

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