U.S. Senator Katie Britt Secures Language Supporting JROTC Programs in National Defense Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., December 18, 2024 – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) secured a key provision to support our nation’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) programs in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (NDAA), which today passed the Senate. JROTC programs are sponsored by the U.S. Armed Forces and are offered in high schools and some middle schools nationwide.

The language secured by Senator Britt ensures students at Hoover High School and other schools across our state and nation continue to have the opportunity to participate in JROTC and gain life-changing leadership development opportunities. The provision Senator Britt advocated for reduces the minimum number of students required to establish a JROTC unit to 50 students.

“Protecting the American Dream starts with safeguarding opportunities for students to not only learn and grow, but to appreciate the value of citizenship and service in our great nation. By ensuring Alabama students have the ability to participate in our outstanding JROTC programs, we’re empowering the next generation of leaders with important values of high character, responsibility, and selfless service to our nation,” said Senator Britt.“Through the language I included in the annual defense bill, students at Hoover High School will have the chance to benefit from the JROTC program for years to come. I’m proud to deliver results that will allow students across Alabama and our nation to invest in their future.”

“JROTC at Hoover High School plays a vital role in shaping the character, discipline, and leadership of our young men and women. It inspires them to serve their country and community with honor and pride. This program is not just about preparing future military leaders; it’s about instilling values that last a lifetime. While we face challenges with enrollment, I fully support Senator Katie Britt’s efforts to reduce the required number of students to fifty, ensuring this essential program continues to thrive and positively impact our students and the future of our nation,” said Mayor Frank Brocato.

Background:

Approved annually by Congress for the last 64 years, the NDAA authorizes critical functions such as funding for the military, outlines national security priorities, and sets targets for modernizing defense technologies and munitions. The bill includes a 4.5% pay raise for the tens of thousands of active-duty servicemembers in Alabama and a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers (E1-E4).

The FY25 NDAA also refocuses our military priorities on warfighting rather than wokeness, rebuilds our nation’s arsenal by authorizing targeted munitions and industrial base funding, helps secure the southwest land and maritime borders by empowering the Department of Defense (DOD) to assist law enforcement in combatting drug and human trafficking, and increases resources to support Israel and U.S. Gulf partners in responding to radical Islamic terrorism.

For a comprehensive look at wins for Alabama click here.

###