Thousands of Teens Are Being Pushed Into Military's Junior R.O.T.C.

[Igel]

4. Probably few.

There's a waiting list to establish new programs.

My school's had one for years. A new school in the district's been open 5 years, been asking to start one, but they're on a waiting list. Public school.

A lot of kids take it because they're interested in the military. Not all. Some take it for a year to avoid a year's PE. You get PE credit for three things in TX: PE, JROTC, and marching band. (JROTC has a physical fitness component, but you're not required to dress out and shower afterwards. They also, like band, count as UIL--intermural competitions--with drill teams, cross-over with the winter guard/color guard, and JROTC-specific competitions.)