The military, also known as the armed forces, consists of forces authorized to use deadly force and weapons to support the interest of the state and some or all of its citizens.

According to Today’s Military website, “the military is comprised of 12 branches, five active duty and seven part time duty. Active duty service members are full time members of the military. Part time service options fall under two types, Reserve and National Guard. These service members have civilian careers and train one weekend out of each month at a unit located nearby. Part time service members participate in an annual two-week program that allows them to utilize all of the training they received throughout the year.”  Anybody who is interested in the military has to first go through basic training. 7-12 weeks after completing boot camp, recruits receive additional training based off their career field.

Mr. Trent Woodruff is one of the JROTC officers. JROTC is a class that helps students to build character and leadership. Woodruff stated that he has been teaching AFJROTC for nine years. Seven of those years have been here at Lincoln Northeast. Woodruff also mentioned that he brought JROTC to Northeast. Woodruff retired from the Military in 2007 after 23 years of service. Woodruff was in the Air Force with the field of computer programing. According to Woodruff, computer programing took 12 weeks and was very intense. “I really enjoyed it.”

Mr. Terrence Plumb is the other JROTC officer. PLUMB Said JROTC is a program that uses the military as a training tool to help high schoolers become better citizens, better students, and prepare them for life beyond school. Plumb is the Senior Academic Science Instructor. He is in charge of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program for all of Lincoln, including the other High schools and Private schools. When in the military, Plumb was a missile launch officer. He was trained to operate nuclear missiles in case they ever needed to go to World War 3. Plumb went to missile school at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for 4 months. After basic training, Plumb became commander after 2 years and was in charge of the launch site and 10 nuclear missiles. Plumb said he enjoyed the people he met and saw many cool things. He said he’d definitely recommend it.

Being in the military isn’t for everyone, but those who fight for our country deserve the utmost respect.