LTC Barrow – Forging the Leaders of Tomorrow: JROTC's Impact

LTC Robert F. Barrow Description: LTC (Ret) Robert Barrow and Andy Bennetts discussed various aspects of the JROTC program, including its expansion to include a middle school component, its commitment to STEM education and workforce development, and its impact on students' lives. They also touched on the challenges faced by students today and the role of JROTC in providing stability and reinforcing democratic principles. The speakers emphasized the importance of recognizing alternative paths to success beyond a four-year degree and criticized universities for not providing proper guidance on student loans. The conversation also delved into the impact of career tech education and the pivot towards STEM and robotics programs in JROTC, emphasizing the importance of remaining relevant to school districts and the influence of mentors in driving these changes. Additionally, they discussed the implementation of LOTC programs in Mobile County middle schools and the impact it has had, highlighting the role of Dr. Latisha Brackens in the initiative. LTC (Ret) Robert Barrow provided an in-depth overview of the expansion of the JROTC STEM Leadership Academy in Texas, emphasizing the significance of sustained funding and support for the program's long-term success. The episode concluded with a conversation about the importance of preserving American values and the potential repercussions if they are not upheld. Barrow and Bennetts emphasized the need to acknowledge the imperfections of the country's history while striving for progress, emphasizing the potential consequences of neglecting core values. They expressed mutual appreciation and anticipation of future interactions. Bio: ROBERT FRANKLIN BARROW Lieutenant Colonel (Retired), U.S. Army Director of Army Instruction Mobile County Public School System - Junior Reserve Officer Training Program Mobile, Alabama Born in Wiesbaden, Germany, in 1958 and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Lieutenant Colonel Barrow graduated from Shaw High School in 1975 and the University of South Alabama in 1979.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in Air Defense Artillery.  Lieutenant Colonel Barrow earned a Master’s Degree in Administration of Justice from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri, in 1984.  In addition, he completed a Master’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Spring Hill College in 2008.  He also completed a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree in 2011 from Grand Canyon University.  He is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Armed Forces Staff College Joint and Combined Staff Officer School. Over the course of his career, Lieutenant Colonel Barrow’s tours of duty have included command and operations assignments in various commands.  His duty assignments include the 32d Army Air Defense Command in the Federal Republic of Germany, the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Headquarters Allied Forces Central Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.  Lieutenant Colonel Barrow retired from the Army on 1 January 2002 and immediately assumed duties as the Senior Army Instructor for the Junior ROTC program at LeFlore High School in Mobile, Alabama.  After teaching in the classroom for eleven years, he was selected for his current position as the Director of Army Instruction responsible for supervising all JROTC programs in the Mobile County Public School System. Decorations awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Barrow include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (w/3 OLC), Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (w/4 OLC), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, National Defense Service Medal (w/Service Star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2 tours), NATO Medal, and Master Parachutist Badge.  He is a recipient of British, Canadian, and Honduran parachute badges and was awarded the German Rocket/Missile Qualification Badge. Lieutenant Colonel Barrow is married to the former Cheryl K. Ellis of Daphne, Alabama.  They have two daughters, Corey and Lauren.