| An important stage of schooling, primary or | | | | cadets are taught responsibility, first aid and |
| elementary education begins when the child is 5-7 | | | | character-building activities. Trips to bases are |
| years old and ends around age 13. These early years | | | | organized. They wear uniforms on certain days and |
| determine to a great extent what your child is going | | | | have military-style training. But the recruitment to |
| to be tomorrow. The main focus is the acquisition of | | | | military services is still far from the set target. |
| a solid foundation in languages, mathematics and basic | | | | A few military elementary schools in the US are |
| sciences. They develop skills and discover aptitude | | | | West Point elementary school, US Military Academy |
| during this time period. | | | | (NY), Military Heights elementary school, Roswell |
| Most of the military schools are boarding schools, and | | | | (NM), Lyman Ward Military Academy, Camp Hill (AL) |
| are either privately owned or rather funded by the | | | | and Fork Union Military Academy (VA). Most military |
| U.S. government. The military environment instills the | | | | schools start from grade six. |
| virtues of honor, self-discipline, teamwork and other | | | | There are conflicting views regarding the benefits of |
| strong skills. Some schools have the famed Middle | | | | military recruiters visiting elementary schools. But |
| School Cadet Corps (MSCC) program. The Junior | | | | battling myths, these educational establishments have |
| Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program | | | | a proven record in sharpening the mind and |
| oversees the MSCC. Both are funded by the | | | | fine-tuning the body, in a positively nurturing |
| Defense Department. The elementary school cadet | | | | environment. |
| corps is a voluntary after-school program. The young | | | | |