Why Trump's Parents Sent Him to a Junior ROTC Program and Not a Military Academy
There is a common misconception that Donald Trump was sent to a military academy during his childhood. In reality, his parents chose to enroll him in a private school with a Junior ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) program. This article aims to clarify the reasons behind this decision and explore the significance of such programs.
Understanding Junior ROTC vs Military Academy
A military academy is designed to prepare students for a career in the military, implying a strong push towards enlistment and service. On the other hand, a Junior ROTC program, as offered in Trump's case, is a civic and leadership education program designed to build responsible citizens. It focuses on developing leadership skills, community service, and character, rather than preparing for a military career. The primary goal of Junior ROTC is to instill discipline, integrity, and honor in young people, but it does not pressure them to join the military.
The Context: Early 1950s in Queens, New York
The early 1950s in Queens, New York, was a different time where discipline and control over unruly children were considered essential. If a parent had a son who was a troublemaker and needed structure, they would often send him to a military school. It was a common practice to believe that such institutions would help instill discipline and instare responsible behavior. This context is crucial in understanding why Trump's parents may have made this decision for him.
The School Decision
Donald Trump was identified as a disobedient and incorrigible child who would not listen to anyone and believed he could do whatever he wanted. His parents, seeing their son’s behavior as a problem, sought the structure and discipline that a Junior ROTC program could offer. They likely thought that this program would help him develop a sense of responsibility and honor. However, this decision did not fully address the underlying issues, as evidenced by Trump's continued lack of discipline throughout his life.
The Aftermath: Trump's Life and Character
Over the next 60 years, the only significant change is the description of Trump himself. He was described as a troublemaker, a "stupid lazy shit," and an "incorrigible little asshole." Despite being sent to a program aimed at teaching discipline and honor, Trump failed to learn these essential life skills. His parents' efforts to instill discipline and responsibility did not yield the desired results, and by all accounts, he remained undisciplined and unruly well into adulthood and beyond.
Historical Context: Military Schools in Reform
In the 1950s, military schools replaced reform schools as the preferred option for wealthy parents to deal with their children's behavioral issues. These schools were seen as a means to provide strict discipline and structure to children with "antisocial personality disorders." The belief was that these institutions could help these children develop into responsible adults. While Trump’s case is an extreme example, it highlights the historical use of such institutions to address behavioral problems in children.
Understanding the nuances between Junior ROTC programs and military academies is crucial for anyone considering such options for children. The decision to enroll a child in a Junior ROTC program is not a guarantee of proper development or behavior modification. Instead, the focus should be on finding the right environment where the child can thrive and develop essential life skills.