For parents across the country, the onset of September means one thing: Back to School.

And for 314,000 students in over 1,700 high schools, it also means serving as a cadet in the U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, or JROTC.

First established in 1916, then expanded to all services in 1964, JROTC is designed to instill “the values of citizenship, service to the United States, and personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment.” This invaluable character development program is now the focus of the AUSA Book Program’s latest release, Soldiers in the Schoolhouse: A Military History of the Junior ROTC.

The author of the new work is Arthur T. Coumbe, a former military intelligence officer who retired from his 30-year Army career as a colonel. Among his assignments, Coumbe served as the command historian for U.S. Army Cadet Command and now works as a researcher at the Office of Economic and Manpower Analysis at West Point.

The AUSA Book Program sat down with Dr. Coumbe to talk about Soldiers in the Schoolhouse.

AUSA: Why is it important to know the history of Junior ROTC?

Coumbe: Knowing the history of Junior ROTC is important because it reveals how the program promotes national security by shaping young people through discipline, leadership, and citizenship and addresses domestic challenges by guiding youth along positive paths and fostering a strong service ethic. History illustrates that JROTC is more than just a military program; it is a strategic policy instrument shaped by broader national goals.

AUSA: When was the program most popular? How does it compare to today?

Coumbe: The Junior ROTC has experienced several peaks in popularity, with a notable high point occurring during the early to mid-1990s. During this time, there was a surge in patriotism, a new pride in the U.S. military, and an increase of support from the Defense Department. The popularity of JROTC remains strong, with hundreds of schools seeking new units.

AUSA: How effective has JROTC been in addressing recruiting shortfalls?

Coumbe: Studies show that JROTC participants are about two to three times more likely to enlist than other students. This likelihood to enlist stems from their exposure to military culture, training, and mentorship throughout the program. However, JROTC’s recruiting success cannot be statistically verified, as direct causal links are difficult to establish.

AUSA: Earlier this summer, Cadet Command announced several changes for Senior ROTC. What might those changes augur for Junior ROTC?

Coumbe: Cadet Command’s rebalancing of the Senior ROTC might stimulate a greater interest in how JROTC programs are funded and staffed. JROTC could see more evaluation of program impact and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, Senior ROTC changes were designed to be reversible. JROTC might also adopt flexible models that could expand or contract based on future circumstances. 

AUSA: What is one change you would like to see for JROTC?

Coumbe: One change that could significantly benefit JROTC is expanding accessibility and outreach into areas of the country where JROTC has traditionally been underrepresented. Increased funding and more resources would support the creation of new units, improve training, and attract a wider range of students.

Please visit www.ausa.org/books to order Soldiers in the Schoolhouse and other titles in the AUSA Book Program. Use the promo code SUM25AUSA for select member discounts when purchasing directly through the publisher links.