U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) is engaging local youth through its Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program, which aims to provide a deeper understanding of military service and its opportunities. This initiative comes as the community celebrates its first JROTC program, founded just two years ago.
Connecting Youth with Military Opportunities
Many young people often rely on secondhand accounts or portrayals in media to understand military life. However, local students involved in the Yuma JROTC program have a more direct insight. During a recent assembly, Lt. Col. Kevin Hicks, commander of the U.S. Army Yuma Test Center, addressed the cadets at Yuma High School, emphasizing the support the Army provides to its service members.
The Yuma JROTC program, which currently has over 100 cadets, is led by James Branch, a retired Army Major with a background at the Military Freefall School at YPG. Branch underscored that the program is not solely a recruitment initiative, but rather a platform for students to develop valuable life skills.
Academics and Community Engagement
Participation in JROTC requires cadets to maintain a good academic standing, which allows them to engage in various extracurricular activities. These include air rifle competitions, drill teams, and physical fitness challenges, along with opportunities to represent their school in competitions against other high schools across Arizona. Cadets also take part in community service events and local ceremonies, reinforcing their commitment to service beyond the military.
Elisa Sanchez, a senior and executive officer in the JROTC, expressed her appreciation for Hicks’ insights during the assembly. Having been part of the program since its inception, she found the discussion particularly enlightening as she considers her own path toward joining the Army. “I thought it was really good,” Sanchez said, noting how Hicks’ perspective on ROTC and college provided her with valuable options for her future.
Encouraging Open Dialogue
Hicks concluded his presentation with a question-and-answer session, which lasted over 45 minutes. This segment allowed cadets to engage directly and inquire about Army life and the various paths to military service. Branch remarked on the importance of these interactions.
The Yuma JROTC program continues to play a significant role in shaping the futures of local youth, equipping them with skills that are beneficial both in military and civilian contexts.
Source: U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground
