Students leery of high school program

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

MUSTANG, Okla. -- Schools across the state are having a tough time motivating students to sign up for Junior ROTC.

Instructors at Mustang High School said that students are hesitant to join because of the War in Iraq.

"There are those who are drawn to the program and then there are those who aren't drawn to the program for a whole host of reasons," said Maj. Stephen Muehlberg.

Although there isn't one, a fear of commitment to the U.S. military is keeping some students from joining the Junior ROTC, Muehlberg said.

Other students, like Adam Hadden, said the program has peaked their interest in serving in the armed services.

"Now that I've been in it, I love it," Hadden said "It's opened by eyes to the military."

The senior said he's excited about the possibility of serving in Iraq.

Hadden is receiving a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship and hopes to retire with the military. Several of his classmates are also pursuing a military career as a result of enrolling in the course.

The course is an elective and does not require a commitment with the military after graduation.