McKinley High School’s JROTC unit, established in 1921, is Hawaii’s oldest public school unit. Initially organized as a cadet regiment with band and bugle corps, it grew to 2,200 cadets by 1934. After WWII, the unit was reviewed by Gen. Eisenhower in 1946. The program became elective in 1966, welcomed female cadets in 1973, and has maintained Honor Unit distinction. Notable alumni include Medal of Honor recipients Sen. Daniel Inouye and Sgt. Leroy Mendonca. Today, the Tiger Battalion continues its mission “To Motivate Young People to be Better Citizens.”