You asked which Connecticut high schools have Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs. You also asked whether the Defense Department funds or supports the programs.

SUMMARY

Nine high schools in the state have Junior ROTC programs recognized by the U. S. Department of Defense (DOD). The DOD provides instructors and funding directly to the programs. The money does not go through the state, according to the Connecticut Military Department.

HIGH SCHOOLS WITH ROTC PROGRAMS

Regular ROTC programs are available only at colleges and universities. The corresponding high school level program is called the Junior ROTC or JROTC. Each is run by one of the four military services. Table 1 shows the nine high schools in Connecticut that have programs.

Table 1: Connecticut JROTC Programs

Sources: Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, U. S. Army Cadet Command, Air Force Junior ROTC,

U. S. Marine Corps Training and Education Command

DEFENSE DEPARTMENT SUPPORT

The Defense Department provides instructors and monetary support for JROTC programs, contributing roughly $ 500 for each participating student, according to the American Forces Information Service. DOD assigns two instructors to units with up to 150 students. Larger units have a third instructor. For FFY 2001, DOD's budget for JROTC programs is $ 215 million. The total number of such programs nationwide is limited to 3,500. There are currently 2,900 recognized JROTC units and 600 schools on the waiting list.

JL: ro