JROTC Track of the IHL Youth Action Campaign (YAC)
JROTC Track of the IHL Youth Action Campaign (YAC)
Photo by Michael Maddox, Cadet Command Public Affairs
Photo by Michael Maddox, Cadet Command Public Affairs
Photo by Michael Maddox, Cadet Command Public Affairs
Photo by Michael Maddox, Cadet Command Public Affairs
The U.S. Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) and the American Red Cross are working together to tackle an important issue - that most American youth are unfamiliar with the rules of war. International Humanitarian Law, also known as the Law of Armed Conflict or Law of War, is the body of law that governs armed conflict and protects the victims of war. The American government is required to educate the public about these rules, and the American Red Cross and JROTC are uniquely situated to help carry out this important mission.
Here's How It Works
Teams of cadets are formed from JROTC Battalions. All JROTC branches are eligible, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard JROTC. They take the American Red Cross training on International Humanitarian Law—the law that governs armed conflict—and complete an outreach campaign in their communities to raise awareness about the rules of war. The best campaigns will receive prizes and national winners are invited to a fully-funded summer trip to the IHL Youth Action Campaign Summit in Washington D.C.
In past years, youth have conducted educational activities including simulations, scavenger hunts, movie screenings, classroom presentations, and art projects. Social media activities could include using Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other networks to post meaningful content and engage peers in dialogue about international humanitarian law.
This extracurricular JROTC competition helps fulfill the JROTC service requirement and will cultivate leadership, personal responsibility, critical thinking and citizenship in participating cadets.
For more information about the IHL Youth Action Campaign please email ihlyouth@redcross.org.