“ All of our instructors are told they are to be value added to the school , so their job is to integrate as seamlessly as possible and provide services ,” says Eldridge .
Mountains to Climb
Still a young program , the FLP is facing two challenges : financial stability and a lack of awareness among schools and legislators in the state . Despite the program being more affordable than JROTC , the schools are still expected to front the majority of the program ’ s cost . Participating counties provide funding for the instructional staff , and the Guard provides funding for the headquarter staff , uniforms and equipment not covered by county funding . Many West Virginia counties are facing financial hardship and cannot currently afford the program . The FLP is seeking grant funding to help cover this cost , but with the program reoccurring each school year , money would run out quickly .
Eldridge says plans are to continue networking with state legislatures and educating them on the benefits of the program to see if grant money can be allocated . In the meantime , the WVNG will continue scouting other grants .
Just as the schools have had to evolve , COVID-19 forced FLP to adapt in its beginning stages . However , Eldridge says adaptation is part of the military mindset and that skillset was applied to the program this past year as well .
“ The FLP works best as an in-person program . Many of our activities are handson , involve practical exercises and give our instructors an opportunity to mentor young men and women ,” he says . “ With that being said , learning to adapt , improvise and overcome is a way of life in the military . Our instructors , all military veterans , bring that can-do attitude to the classroom .”
Despite most of the program ’ s core subjects being easily transferred to a digital atmosphere , a few of the in-person activities — like learning CPR and the Heimlich maneuver or participating in drill and ceremony — are not as easily adaptable .
Looking forward , the FLP is still navigating through its current challenges , hoping to spread awareness of its positive impact throughout the state while sourcing grants that can help alleviate cost so it can continue expanding and training West Virginia ’ s future leaders . •
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