Does England have JROTC programs

Answer 1

There is no direct British equivalent to the United States' ROTC Program.

Most British universities do, however, have Officer Training Corps (OTC): members of OTC are, technically, Reservist members of the Armed Forces, although as "Category Bs" they would only ever be called for active duty in time of dire national emergency.

Students in OTC undertake military and leadership training: usually one afternoon or evening a week plus field training every third weekend, and attached to regular Army units during vacation periods. Instructors are usually a mixture of ex-regular soldiers (who often do it unpaid as a hobby because they want to stay in touch with the Army) and NCOs assigned by nearby regular or territorial units. Commanding Officers of OTC units are either recently retired regulars paid to do it by the Ministry of Defence, or - more commonly - Territorial Army/ Naval or Air Force Reservist officers doing it as part of their reservist commitment.

The syllabus covers much of the same ground as the American ROTC - eg drill, military discipline, physical and "adventure" training, weapons & tactics, land navigation, signalling, battlefield first aid, leadership and "officership" etc.. OTC students frequently train with both Regular and Territorial Army units, and some cross train with American ROTC students by attending Leadership Development and Advanced courses at Fort Lewis, Washington during Summer vacations.

One big difference, however, lies in the fact that British OTC students are unpaid: there are no stipends, tuition fees coverage etc, and they receive only small sums to cover any expenses incurred - eg travel to locations for training etc..

Second, the crucial difference, is that the British OTC does not commission officers. Students receive no degree credit for OTC: it's simply a "co-curricular activity" undertaken by students who are interested in the military, and it imposes no obligation to serve after graduation.

Third, OTC members wanting a commission in the British Armed Forces must proceed after graduation to the appropriate service academy, and pass the officer training course there:

Royal Navy - Brittania Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.

Army - Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Royal Air Force - RAF College, Cranwell.

So, what is the point of the British Universities Officer Training Corps?

First, it provides a "taster" of military life/ careers as an officer for those who are interested, and acts as a general recruiting pool for potential officers.

Second, it gives likely future leaders of society an insight into the Armed Forces and what they do.

Third, it maintains a military presence on university campuses, providing a point of contact for academics/ researchers whose work may have military applicability or relevance.

Broadly, about half of students who join OTC are seriously interested in a military career, and these types (providing they're found suitable - ie able to pass the requisite selection boards etc) will proceed after university to join the regular or reserve forces as potential officers. Prior membership of the OTC does, without doubt, make subsequent officer training a lot easier!

The other half graduate from university and proceed to careers in the civilian world where, hopefully, their OTC experience will prove valuable, and if nothing else, they will have a sympathetic and supportive view of the Armed Forces.

Answer 2

In England they have the Territorial Army. This is a voluntary but paid force linked to the Army which personnel agree to participate in for a certain period each year.

Not sure if this is what you were asking though.