U.S. Army establishes Kentucky Department of Education JROTC Directorate as an official Program of Record

April 10, 2026 - 00:52

(FRANKFORT, KY) – The U.S. Army has officially designated the Kentucky Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) Directorate a Program of Record, marking a historic milestone for JROTC programs across the Commonwealth. This formal recognition elevates the state's unique educational-military partnership to a new level of permanence and support.

As a program within the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Career and Technical Education, the JROTC Directorate oversees one of the nation's largest networks of such programs, with over 11,000 cadets enrolled in 165 high schools. The new status as a Program of Record signifies a long-term commitment from the U.S. Army, ensuring stable funding, resources, and a solidified partnership for years to come. This move validates Kentucky's innovative model of integrating JROTC directly into its public education framework.

State education officials hailed the decision as a transformative step. They emphasized that the designation provides critical stability, allowing for enhanced program quality and expansion. The core mission remains developing students into better citizens through lessons in leadership, character, and personal responsibility. With this solidified federal partnership, Kentucky secures the future of a program dedicated to preparing its youth for success, whether they pursue military service or civilian careers.