ARLINGTON – An Air Force JROTC program has finally landed at Arlington High School. After more than two years of discussion and planning, the high school will offer the program in the fall.
The Arlington School Board last week voted to sign a contract with the Air Force.
Arlington becomes the fifth high school in Snohomish County to offer a Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program, better known as ROTC.
Everett, Mariner and Marysville-Pilchuck high schools have Navy JROTC programs, while the Snohomish High School JROTC is affiliated with the Marine Corps.
A 2004 survey of Arlington High School students found an interest in adding the JROTC elective. The school could have started a program last year, but needed extra time to work out logistical issues, principal Kurt Criscione said.
“You have to make sure you have a real strong foundation to do it right,” he said.
The Air Force’s JROTC enrolls more than 100,000 cadets in 48 states and several other countries. In Washington, there were eight Air Force J-ROTC programs last year, the closest in the Tacoma area.
“It gives our kids another option,” Criscione said.
Many scheduling details must still be worked out, he added, but those questions should be answered by March to enable registration for next year.
A Nov. 28 letter underscores the Air Force’s commitment to Arlington.
“We look forward to this joint venture and will assist you whenever possible to ensure a successful … program,” wrote Col. Norm Balchunas, national director of the program.
The Air Force describes the JROTC curriculum as 60 percent aerospace science and 40 percent leadership education. Instructors are retired Air Force officers.
Reporter Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446 or stevick@heraldnet.com.
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