Young people are capable of extraordinary things as long as they are given the opportunity by the adults in their lives
An all-volunteer force depends on the willingness, capabilities, and capacities of a nation’s youth to serve. While much has been made of the paucity of youths who meet the physical and moral qualifications to serve in the military, there are also open questions about the desire of upcoming generations to serve. But what builds that desire, and what roles should older generations play? The film High School 911 tells the story of an emergency medical service in Darien, Connecticut staffed and run entirely by high school students. The results not only include a needed enhancement in a town’s emergency services but also the development of important life skills and empowerment of youth. High School 911 director Tim Warren and WAR ROOM Editor-in-Chief Andrew A. Hill discuss these and other topics related to the development of our future generations.
Podcast: Download
Tim Warren is director and producer of the documentary “High School 911.” Andrew A. Hill is Chair of Strategic Leadership at the U.S. Army War College. The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense.
Photo: Photograph of members of Darien Post 53 Emergency Services from 2008, showing four teens and one of the adult mentors.
Photo Credit: Kevin Robinson, used with permission