| Balboa High JR ROTC - Page - 5 |
| The US Army JR ROTC Program in the Canal Zone was an elective military science program that developed leadership, teamwork and citizenship skills. The objectives were to instill and develop in each student cadet the following: * Good citzenship and patriotism * Self-reliance, leadership and responsibility * A cooperative spirit * Development of teamwork skills for mission accomplishment * Ability to reason and think logically under pressure * Development of oral and good writing skills * Appreciation of physical fitness for maintaining good health * An appreciation of America's National Heritage * The study of great leaders of the past The US Army JR ROTC program in the Canal Zone enabled each student to earn elective credits toward graduation with each full semester completed. Assistance was also available in competing for Army four-year college scholarships and appointments to any of the military academies in the United States. In addition, if the student completed the 3 years of the JR ROTC program and enlisted in the US Army, the rank of PFC was ensured. Other great benefits available were to participate in Balboa High School's Color Guard, Drill Team and rifle marksmanship competition team. The rifle team often participated in shooting competition with the the active duty forces stationed in Panama. The better students were selected for JR ROTC Summer Camp at Fort Clayton or Fort Sherman. These outings gave a young person the opportunity to experience some of what real soldiering was all about. The Jungle Survival School at Fort Sherman where "No Obstacle - Too Difficult to Overcome" provided a real world lesson in survival in a jungle environment. Balboa High School at the crossroads of the world had a great program. The military science instructors were career retired US Army Officers and NCOs. They were certified teachers and very dedicated in providing a program second to none. The honors won by the student cadets in marching drill competiton, marksmanship and going on to become great leaders in the military as well as industry speaks well for the Balboa High JR ROTC Program. I am happy to say that I was part of this great character building program. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| 1- 800 - USA - ROTC |
|
 |
 |
| US ARMY - BE ALL YOU CAN BE! |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
| December 26, 1776 - Battle of Trenton George Washington, whose little army was disintegrating as enlistments expired, took a desperate change in crossing the Delware River 9 miles north of Trenton with 2.400 men on Christmas night, during a snowstorm. At dawn his army fell on the Hessian garrison at Trenton. His victory was complete. Of the 1,400 Hessians defenders, nearly 1,000 were captured. In addition much needed supplies, small arms, cannon and other munitions were liberated. Thirty Hessians, including their commander, Colonel Johann Rall, were killed. American losses were 2 m3n frozen to death and 5 more wounded. This battle was a great morale booster and proved to the British that the Americans were capable of taking the fight to their better trained and provisioned troops. |
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|