Is Military Training Compulsory in Some Schools/Colleges?

I was chit-chatting with a friend and they casually mentioned that in some places, compulsory military training in schools and colleges is a thing. Is that true? If yes, what does that look like? Do colleges in the U.S. have something similar?

While compulsory military training isn't a common practice in U.S. educational institutions overall, there are certain schools that do offer or even require some form of military training. Here are some examples:

- Service Academies: Institutions like the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy offer a college education in conjunction with military training. Students in these programs are typically obligated to serve in the military for a certain period after graduation.

- ROTC Programs: Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs are offered at many colleges around the country. These are usually elective programs that combine military education with college study leading to a commission in one of the military services. While not compulsory, participation offers scholarships and other financial aid incentives.

- Military Schools: There are many prep and high schools throughout the U.S. that are military-style or directly affiliated with the armed services. These schools often couple regular curriculum with a structured, military-influenced environment.

- Senior Military Colleges: Six colleges in the U.S. are classified as Senior Military Colleges. These are Texas A&M, Norwich University, The Citadel, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Tech, and University of North Georgia. They combine a civilian educational experience with military instruction. Participation in the military program is voluntary, except at The Citadel and VMI where all students are part of the Corps of Cadets.

Generally, the main focus of these programs is leadership development, discipline, physical training, strategic analysis, and many other skills that are not just applicable in military scenarios, but also in civilian life and career areas. Keep in mind that such programs are not compulsory across all academic institutions in the U.S., but certain colleges do offer them, and in some cases, require them.