JROTC changes from Military Science to Civil Air Patrol

Photo provided by Colonel Anthony Duplechien Aiden Willis and Landyn Treadway work together on the Robotics team

For 16 years, TKA had a strong JROTC program, but last year, it converted to Military Science. This year the program has once again changed.

TKA’s military program is reintroducing itself as the Civil Air Patrol, or CAP. Unlike JROTC’s more demanding schedule, CAP meets once a week collectively from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Hopewell Baptist Church. 

“This is the first year for the Civil Air Patrol. I did teach JROTC previously,” said Colonel Anthony Duplechien, the primary leader of CAP. “I was the JROTC instructor but that just wasn’t something that was sustainable for The King’s Academy. This runs kind of more like a club, like scouts. So, it’s just a little more appropriate for the resources and the kind of constraints of The King’s Academy.” 

In addition to the shift in schedule, there are several more differences such as their uniforms and name changes to their organizational units. 

“Well, we have a new Colonel and new leadership structure,” said freshman Roger Williams when asked about some changes in CAP from the previous programs. “There's also the opportunity to fly a plane if you want to.”

Although there are some alterations to CAP, it still provides many benefits for students who participate. Many cadets who have done TKA’s military programs have found that it has helped them grow as a person. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing where [CAP] goes. It’s good for maturity and discipline and development,” said junior Andrew Alderman who’s done JROTC, Military Science, and now CAP. 

CAP is beneficial for students because it helps them develop and learn new skills. 

“[Some of the positives of CAP are] discipline, learning about yourself, learning leadership skills [and] learning how to work with people,” said Colonel Duplechien. 

Many of the cadets have enjoyed the previous military programs and are anticipating great things to come in the CAP program. 

“I’d like to see if I can fly and I’m leading the robotics team. I’m looking forward to a great season,” said Alderman. 

Both Alderman and Williams expressed their love for the special teams such as raiders and robotics. 

“[In robotics] I am a programmer so I attempt to code the bot to do a task successfully and respond to the controller,” said Williams when asked about the special programs. “Andrew Alderman is the robotics commander. [In raiders] I participate in multiple physical events like carrying equipment on rough terrain, just running a long distance or sprinting a short distance and rope bridge which involves crossing a deadzone by tying a rope on a pole on each side and sending people over it.” 

CAP will push its participants beyond their limits which cultivates resilience and character. 

“Having taught JROTC, [what I most look forward to about CAP is] going to be watching these cadets grow,” said Colonel Duplechien.