JROTC is a great program. It helps instill discipline, and teach kids about their rights, privileges, and responsibilities as citizens (US).

Beyond this, though, it does have a big military backbone, and part of its purpose is to prepare students for a military route after high school, if they choose it.

I've heard a few conflicting opinions on this though. Do you think that, as far as the military aspect goes (obviously there's more to it) it's unsettling to begin 14 year olds on a potential military path, or that it's good and practical?

Of course, JROTC is an optional course.