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R.O.T.C. and J.R.O.T.C. The support of the American Legion for strong and viable ROTC programs has been reaffirmed by numerous mandates adopted at National Conventions over the years. We, in the Legion have resolved to strongly support the continuation, expansion and congressional funding of both collegiate and high school ROTC programs as exemplifying the strong link of the citizen soldier in this country and for producing future leaders for our nation. While collegiate or senior ROTC programs have downsized during the military draw down, high school or JROTC programs have undergone considerable expansion. Due largely to the efforts of the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Colin Powell, Junior ROTC programs have increased from approximately 1,600 programs in 1992 to nearly 2,600 programs in school year 1996-1997. The goal of the Junior ROTC program is not to recruit high school students for the military but to motivate young people in becoming good Americans. ROTC officials have stated that students in the Junior ROTC programs are more apt to attend school regularly, stay out of trouble, get better grades, and were more likely to graduate than students not in the program. While many high school ROTC students go on to college on ROTC scholarships or enlist in the military, it is a voluntary option not a requirement. Another major reason why Junior ROTC programs have been expanding has been their relative cost-effectiveness in comparison with other high school programs. Junior ROTC instructors, for the most part, are military retirees who have served 20 years or longer. Additionally, instructional material and student uniforms are provided at minimal or no charge to the school or student. Certainly the benefits to be gained from participation in the Junior ROTC program vastly outweigh its costs. This year and for the next five years, the Junior ROTC will be expanded by fifty units a year. The American Legion presents approximately 15,000 ROTC medals annually to students in high school and collegiate programs. There are two types of American Legion ROTC medals: one for Military achievement and one for scholastic achievement. They come in bronze, silver and gold. It is important to remember that ROTC instructors at both the high school and college levels select the outstanding students for awarding of the American Legion ROTC medals. However, the medals are provided and presented by Legion members. American Legion Posts and Departments are also recognized for their presentations of American Legion ROTC medals. Since 1975, the National Headquarters of the American Legion has awarded replica plaques of the Paul H. Griffith ROTC Trophy to those Departments that awarded and presented the highest numbers of medals to the ROTC Units and student. This year, (1999) the Department of New York won the Paul H. Griffith ROTC Trophy. The American Legion strongly supports the ROTC programs and urges Posts, or Units to adopt ROTC or JROTC units.
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