FORT BENNING, Ga., (June 10, 2015) -- Focusing on leadership and citizenship building, approximately 300 high school students converged on Fort Benning May 31 through June 5 for the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadet Leadership Camp.
Cadets from Alabama and Georgia participated in water confidence exercises, teamwork development, drill and ceremony, rappelling and obstacle courses during the weeklong summit.
Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Steve Greer, a JROTC instructor from Dodge County High School in Eastman, Georgia, said that only 10 cadets were chosen from each school to attend this year's camp.
"We try to take the top 10 cadets, because it's physically challenging," Greer said. "You have to be able to sustain your physicality without getting injured."
Greer, who has been bringing students to JCLC for around five years, said JROTC is about making kids better citizens.
"We teach the seven Army values," he said. "Some values we expose them to you would expect parents to teach, but a lot of kids don't get that at home. They get it from their JROTC instructor."
In line with those seven Army values - loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage - is leadership, the main focus of the camp. Greer said that each cadet participating would hold a leadership position at the camp.
"They are evaluated on everything, how well you do with the company to how you look in uniform. It's a great experience for these guys. They're all having a blast," Greer said.
During the camp, Greer had the opportunity to watch his cadets jump from the 34-foot jump towers at Eubanks Field.
"The 34-foot jump tower is designed to instill confidence and get them (to overcome) their fear of heights, and get them used to what they would do in Army Airborne School," Greer said.
Jaylan Asberry, a 17-year-old student at America Sumter High School in Sumter County, Georgia, said, "I want to go back up there," after he finished his jump.
He said that the best part of the JCLC was meeting new people, making new friends and having fun. Gaining experience, however, was important to Asberry as well.
"You learn how to gain confidence, better yourself and make yourself be more courageous and try new things," Asberry said.
Erica Wimberly, a 17-year-old student at Early County High School in Blakely, Georgia, said she came to the camp to train and learn new things about the military.
Wimberly said she felt the camp would help prepare her for the future.
"Being a teenager, you go off what people tell you, but being here gives you a picture of what you'll actually be doing in the military," said Wimberly, who hopes to one day become a Marine.
Alyssa Reiman, a 16-year-old student at Worth County High School in Sylvester, Georgia, also enjoyed the camp.
"I love it a lot," she said. "Military is kind of my thing. I like all of the activities we have been doing. It's tough, but fun."
Though many students who participate in JROTC do not go on to enlist in the military, Reiman said that JCLC was helping her decide whether or not she wants to enlist after school.
"Other than (getting) these on the back of my feet," she said pointing to fresh blisters, "I love it here. I like the leadership qualities it gives you and the discipline. People treat you with respect here and you get to see how well you can work with others."
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