[SDCPJ] Starbase: another DoD program to militarize children

This will be of interest to many of  you:

 

Here are photos of the Starbase program in San Diego. The most revealing photos begin at #7.

 

http://www.starbasedod.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=130&Itemid=68#

 

Starbase is another one of the military's carefully disguised programs for grooming young people (mostly elementary school students) to eventually become members and/or supporters of the military. Other such programs include the Young Marines and high school JROTC.

 

From the Starbase "About Us" Web page (note the statement in the last sentence about winning collaborators and building loyalty):

DoD STARBASE is a premier educational program, sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs.  At DoD STARBASE students participate in  challenging "hands-on, mind-on" activities in aviation, science, technology, engineering, math, and space exploration.  They interact with military personnel to explore careers and make connections with the "real world."  The program provides students with 20-25 hours of stimulating experiences at National Guard, Navy, Marine, Air Force Reserve and Air Force bases across the nation.

Mission Statement

By exposing youth to the technological environments and positive role models found on military bases and installations, we will provide 20-25 hours of exemplary instruction, using a common core curriculum that meets or exceeds the national standards.  We will nurture a winning network of collaborators and build mutual loyalty.

______________________________________

 

Starbase - Atlantis in San Diego is based at Naval Station San Diego. The 2009 program report lists the following district/schools that are participating:

 

District: Chula Vista Elementary School District
Harborside Elementary School
John J. Montgomery Elementary School
Otay Elementary School
Lilian J. Rice Elementary School

 

District: National City School District
El Toyon Elementary School
Lincoln Acres Elementary School
Olivewood Elementary School
Rancho De La Naciøn Elementary School

 

District: San Diego City Schools School District
Jefferson Elementary School
Porter Elementary School

 

A group in Portland, OR, has begun to organize a campaign against the program: http://no2starbase.org

 

Rick Jahnkow

www.projectyano.org

www.projectyano.org/educationnotarms/