Today's letters are provided by students in Ernest Davis' social studies class at Chestatee High School. More student letters from the class will appear on Monday's Opinion page. Letters may be send by e-mail to letters@gainesvilletimes.com (no attached files, please, which can contain viruses) or or click HERE for a form
In these current economic times, going into the military is becoming a more attractive option since jobs are scarce. I think we should be able to have a Reserve Officer Training Corps in schools. It would make our school a better place by training students' leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning, professional ethics, respect and manners, etc.
It would also give those students who want to join the armed forces a head start. It helps pay for college for those who cannot afford college. The government would also pay for it, so the school system would not have to worry about paying for it. What better way to show our appreciation to our troops and our country than to have an ROTC program?
ROTC is a program fully funded by the U.S. government in order to train future troop or armed forces personnel. It is a program a lot of high school have adopted and started using.
The concept began with the Morrill Act of 1862 that established the land-grant colleges. Part of the federal government's requirement for these schools was that they include military tactics as part of their curriculum, forming what became known as ROTC. So clearly, they thought it was important back then. Why not now?
ROTC is a great program and in any branch of the armed forces you want to join, with classes for Army, Navy, Air Force and the Marine Corps.
Other schools have ROTC programs such as East Hall, Gainesville, Newton, Lumpkin and White counties. So why can't we?
Our country is in need of more troops that are willing to serve and die for their country; I think that having an ROTC program in school would help get more people interested in serving for their country. I think it would also help keep kids out the prison system or even being killed on the streets of their neighborhood.
The program is a great way for students to learn about the history of the U.S. armed forces, too, stuff you can hear from people who have been there before and have experienced it for themselves. And I'm sure you ask any old-timer or veteran and they will surely agree with this idea.
Alex Murner
Chestatee High School