Rethinking the Call of Battle

Students at Camp Success, now in its 16th year, said they enjoy their JROTC courses. The instructors, retired from the military, serve as both coach and confidant, keeping on the students for their grades and listening to their personal problems.

"That's a unique thing with the JROTC. We become their surrogate parents," said Franklyn Matthews, a retired Army colonel who oversees the program at Woodbridge High School. "They tend to depend on us. They'll discuss things with us that they wouldn't with their parents. One kid confided in me that she thought a parent was an alcoholic, and others have told me about abuse going on or whether they're pregnant."

At Camp Success, the JROTC students can usually be seen in their BDUs -- camouflage battle dress uniforms -- marching in formation, polishing their combat boots with toothbrushes or competing in various missions.

One course requires a cadet to lead a squad out of a "prisoner of war" camp with limited time and supplies. In another session, students rode in a Blackhawk helicopter.

In the marksmanship course, cadets practice their aim with a rifle, albeit a Daisy armed with pellets.

Still, on a recent day, instructor Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Willie gave Aaron Westerfield, 15, of Waldorf, a tough time.

"Squeeze -- there you go. You're still shooting to the right," Willie said to the high school junior, ordering him to aim left. "Are you going to do that?"

"Yeah," Westerfield said quietly, taking aim.

"Yes, Sergeant ," Willie barked back. "Isn't that what you meant to say?