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The Case for Incorporating Military Discipline into America’s Public Education System

Michael Filimowicz, PhD
Michael for President
3 min readDec 2, 2024

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The state of America’s public education system has been a topic of concern for decades. With declining academic performance, increasing safety issues, and widening disparities in educational opportunities, it’s clear that transformative action is needed. One potential solution lies in integrating aspects of military discipline and structure into our schools, fostering an environment of rigor, respect, and responsibility.

A Crisis in Education

Our public schools are struggling. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, reading and math scores have stagnated or declined in recent years. Underfunding remains a critical issue, especially in neighborhoods with lower property values, leading to unequal educational opportunities across the nation. The lack of consistent discipline and structure has also contributed to a rise in behavioral problems and a decline in academic focus.

The Benefits of Military Discipline

Military education is renowned for instilling discipline, leadership, and a sense of duty. Programs like the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) have demonstrated positive impacts on student achievement and behavior. By incorporating military-style discipline, schools can create environments where students are encouraged to strive for excellence, develop resilience, and cultivate respect for themselves and others.

Addressing Safety Concerns

School safety is a paramount concern. The tragic increase in school shootings has left communities searching for solutions to protect our children. Introducing trained personnel who can provide both security and mentorship could be a vital step forward. Regular mental health evaluations and support systems would help identify and assist students facing challenges such as bullying, abuse, or mental health issues — factors often linked to instances of school violence.

Equalizing Educational Opportunities

Adopting a structured, disciplined approach could help bridge the educational gap between different socioeconomic groups. By setting high standards and providing the necessary support to meet them, we can ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to quality education. This aligns with the principles of a well-regulated society where every individual has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully.

Preparing for the Future

In a rapidly changing global landscape, fostering a sense of civic duty and preparedness among our youth is essential. Countries like Switzerland successfully implement citizen militia models, emphasizing the importance of national readiness and personal responsibility. By educating our students in this vein, we not only enhance their personal development but also strengthen our nation’s resilience.

A Call to Action

It’s time to reimagine our approach to public education. By integrating the proven merits of military discipline — without compromising the freedoms and choices that define America — we can create a safer, more effective educational system. This is not about militarizing our schools but about empowering our students with the tools they need to succeed in life and contribute positively to society.

Let us come together — educators, parents, policymakers, and community leaders — to take decisive action. The future of our nation depends on the education of our youth. Together, we can forge a path that leads to excellence, equity, and empowerment for all students.

Please consider supporting my U.S. Presidential campaign via PayPal, sound4image@hotmail.com

See Also:

China and North Korea Throw U.S. War Plans out the Window

The Professor as an Independent Variable: Higher Education Lower Than Ever

Footnotes

  1. National Center for Education Statistics. (2020). The Nation’s Report Card: Reading and Mathematics Assessments.
  2. Education Commission of the States. (2017). JROTC Programs and Their Impact on Student Achievement.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Preventing School Violence.
  4. Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport. (2021). The Swiss Militia System.

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Michael Filimowicz, PhD
Michael Filimowicz, PhD

Written by Michael Filimowicz, PhD

School of Interactive Arts & Technology (SIAT) Simon Fraser University youtube.com/@MykEff