Kentucky JROTC programs weigh uniform guidance amid Iran conflict

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) - Kentucky JROTC programs are taking precautions in response to the conflict in Iran, with some instructors receiving guidance from regional directors advising them to assess when — or whether — cadets should wear their uniforms in public.

Several JROTC program instructors received emails from their regional directors in recent days outlining the guidance.

“We were given an email from our regional director that, in essence, said that it’s our discretion if the cadets wear our uniform based on the climate of our local area,” said James Kinsella, a JROTC instructor at Franklin County High School.

Franklin County instructor cites cadet safety

Kinsella said the notice stems from the conflict in Iran. He said the concern is that members of the public could confuse cadets with active service members if they are seen in uniform.

“Maybe some of the larger towns across the nation are experiencing protests and other things where maybe the smaller places are not,” Kinsella said. “The safety of the kids will always be first, so I keep that in mind when I make the decision of wearing the uniform or not wearing the uniform.”

Kinsella said guidance leaning toward instructors and cadets not wearing uniforms is weighing on his mind.

“I belong to a group on social media and there’s several people on that says they’re going to suspend uniform wear until further notice, but I just look at the local area, and you kind of get a vibe of what’s going on,” he said.

Franklin County cadets to continue wearing uniforms

Kinsella said his cadets will continue wearing their uniforms each Wednesday and during certain public events. He said he recalls similar situations occurring in the past, though it has been many years since.

WKYT reached out to Fayette County Public Schools to learn how their programs are responding to the notice. The district had not responded as of the time of this report.