What year was the National Defense Act that created JROTC?

The National Defense Act that established the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) was enacted in 1916. This act was significant in that it marked the beginning of a structured military training program for high school students, which aimed to educate and prepare American youth for future military service as well as promote citizenship and leadership within the community. The establishment of JROTC was part of broader efforts to increase military preparedness during a time of rising global tensions and included provisions for military training support in civilian education. This foundational law underpinned the principles of citizenship and leadership development that are central to JROTC programs today.