By By SHERRY DIGMON
Advance Staff Writer
Escambia County High School students will have the opportunity to participate in a Junior Naval Recruit Officer Training Candidate (JNROTC) program at the school, beginning this fall.
Superintendent of Education Buck Powell and Vocational Counselor Donna Silcox made the announcement at Thursday's Board of Education meeting.
According to Silcox, the Navy was lacking in units in Alabama. In fact, the Navy was 72 units short. Currently, only ECHS and a school in Gulf Shores have been approved.
Schools have to meet enrollment and facility criteria to be accepted. ECHS is the only high school in Escambia County to meet the requirements. The principal at W.S. Neal High School said he checked into a combined program with T.R. Miller High School, but the Navy would not approve it.
The Navy pays for uniforms and books. If cadets have to travel, such as performing color guard duties, the Navy pays for transportation.
Silcox said the Navy uses retired personnel for the JNROTC program. The only expense to the school board will be the difference between retirement pay and the ROTC instructor salary.