Military science class teaches leadership

When the state budget cuts forced the Mountain Home School District to ax its plans for a Junior ROTC program this fall, Geoff Schroeder, the local Army National Guard recruiter, stepped up and offered to teach a military science class.

A total of 94 students quickly signed up, hoping for one of the 21 spots in the class.

And of the lucky 21 chosen for the first semester, every one is glad they took the class.

"I was debating on whether to go straight to college, or go into the military" after high school, said Amber Capps. "After this class, I'm choosing the military."

A new class will be selected for the second semester. Of those in the first semester class, all but two of the students have at least one parent currently serving in the military.

"It was something different," said Tony Passalacqua. "There's no other class like it in high school."

Class begins at the National Guard armory just off Highway 21 at 8 a.m. Students quickly fall into formation and dress ranks as the week's designated platoon leader and Schroeder conduct inspection.

"I set a schedule up from the first day, so that everyone would have a chance" to lead the unit for a week, Schoeder said. With that honor comes the responsibilities of leadership, a fact that Schoeder said came as a surprise to some of them.

"They have high expectations placed on them, and consequences for failure. That's still a surprise to them, but they've taken to it like ducks to water."

When one of the week's leaders failed to make sure every member of the class had received proper notification and instructions to meet for a special drill, Schroeder used that failure as a lesson.

"I pointed out that failure to follow instructions can get you killed (in the military). The civilian world will tolerate mistakes like that, but the military won't."

Schoeder sets high standards for his students. "They're evaluated in terms of military standards. Failure is not an option.

"I'm there to guide them," Shroeder said. "As they learn each task, the expectations rise. No one's choked. They've stepped right in. I'm very proud of them."

The students appear to enjoy the class. "You learn things you don't learn in other classes," said Diane Mazzeo.

The basic curriculum comes from the Army JROTC course. Students learn, in addition to military courtesy, drill and procedures, the history of the United States military, leadership, citizenship, and practical skills such as first aid, map reading, and field navigation with a compass.

In addition, they are expected to take part in a community service project each semester, as part of the citizenship section of the curriculum.

"The kids are very sharp. This class is about critical thinking and leadership. They learn what's expected of a leader. They all take part in the class discussions. They have something to say, and they reach good conclusions."

Students go on field trips and Schoeder brings in guest lecturers from other branches of the service. "I try to expose them to other services, so they can understand the total military culture," Schroeder said.

Students earn a social studies credit for the class, and although they don't enjoy the benefits of a formal Junior ROTC program, such as rapid rank advancement if they enlist or a better shot at college ROTC scholarships, "it still gives them a leg up if they go into the military. They understand the military culture, the expectations of that culture, and a lot of the basic procedures.

He admits that the class helps him when, later, he puts on his hat as a recruiter, but in class "I don't do any recruiting. That's not what this is about."

Students must wear their uniforms to school once a week, where they clearly stand out in the halls at the high school. The members of the class said that on rare occassion someone makes a negative remark, but overall, other students are supportive and many ask how they can get into the class.

The uniforms were loaned to Schroeder by the Idaho National Guard and a local business, Sew 'n Sew, made nameplates for them in the schools colors of orange and black.

Schroeder said his own bosses, as well as high school principal Barry Cahill and the school district administration, have been highly supportive of the class. If funding constraints prevent the district from standing up an Air Force JROTC program next year, Schroeder said he would consider continuing the program.

"I really love the teaching. I look forward to it. "These are good kids that this community can be proud of."