They aren't even allowed to treat them like that in Basic Training for active duty. It sure isn't allowed in Jr. ROTC and if the instructor and principal allow it, you should take it higher. The student commander should be strongly reprimanded and loose his command for such an abuse.

I agree with the recommendation to look into martial arts such as taekwondo. You might even check other military programs such as Young Marines or the Civil Air Patrol.

Still nothing from the school even after I called and sent an email to the principle. I just sent an email to the Superintendent, I can only HOPE I get a response, at least show me you care....you know? I'm still keeping him out of this class until I know what has happened.

Jeanette

When I was in JROTC, we had two instructors, one who dealt closely with the students and one who didn't, as much. NCO & officer. Chances are your school has a similar set-up. If you spoke with an NCO before, go back and talk to the officer about this; he's the big high muckety-muck of the program.

I really can't put into words how much this incident angers me. JRTOC is not supposed to be a training course for bullies. When done right, it teaches you the same self-respect and discipline the actual military does--one reason four years of it entitles you to a higher rank post-bootcamp if you enlist. It did good things for me and for my husband, and it should do them for your son as well. I hope you are able to get things straightened out.

You did not overreact. I hope that you continue to pursue justice for your son. NO ONE should ever be abused, especially at school.

I finally got a call from the principle, I had to send an email to the Superintendent but whatever works! She apologized for taking so long and let me know how things were handled. The kid that did this to my son was demoted to the lowest rank in ROTC, he is to "never" be in charge of a group again, he has in school suspension for the remainder of the school year and this will be on his permenant record in school. The offered counseling for my son and he is to go directly to the office if anyone harasses him at all over this. I was surprised however that the principle stated I should call the police and file an assualt charge against this boy, he's 12, there is a "school cop" there and he was involved in all of this and said I can press charges against this kid. I was totally shocked, never in a million years did I think of that, there is no way I can file charges over this, I guess if it was highschool or a gun or severe beating, then yes...absolutely...but I can't see doing that to this kid...i'm hoping that everything that has taken place will stop him from doing this to someone else.

Thank you all so much for your support!!!
Jeanette

I'm glad you got things straightened out, Jeanette! As far as pressing charges goes, personally I'd leave that up to my son, as he was the injured party, but I'd strongly discourage it. I think more harm than good would be caused.

YEAH!!! I am glad this all worked out!! I hope you feel better now!

I do feel so much better about all of this, I actually slept last night. It was so stressful, i'm so thankful to have had all of you guys to talk to about it, you've all helped more than you know ;-)